COVID-19 in New Mexico: Cases still climb while recoveries surpass 1,000
Algernon D'AmmassaSANTA FE — The latest daily update on the spread of COVID-19 in New Mexico reported Wednesday that the state had confirmed 4,291 infections of the novel coronavirus, or five percent of 85,684 tests completed.
The state Department of Health reported 153 new cases Wednesday, seven additional deaths (for a total of 169) and 1,073 cases, or one out of four confirmed cases, designated as recovered.
The highest number of new cases were in McKinley, San Juan and Bernalillo counties. The northwestern corner of the state maintains the highest per capita rate of infections.
Seven new cases were identified in Doña Ana County, bringing the county's total to 180.
MAP:Where is coronavirus? Interactive map shows cases in New Mexico and beyond
On Tuesday state officials reported five cases were confirmed among workers at the Stampede Meat facility in Sunland Park.
The new cases, by county, were reported as follows:
- 18 new cases in Bernalillo County
- 1 new case in Catron County
- 8 new cases in Cibola County
- 3 new cases in Curry County
- 7 new cases in Doña Ana County
- 2 new cases in Lea County
- 63 new cases in McKinley County
- 1 new case in Otero County
- 1 new case in Roosevelt County
- 6 new cases in Sandoval County
- 38 new cases in San Juan County
- 1 new case in San Miguel County
- 2 new cases in Santa Fe County
- 2 new cases in Valencia County
There were 193 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19 Wednesday night.
7 new deaths bring state's toll to 169
Of the seven new reported deaths, four were McKinley County residents, all described as males in their 60s. Three had been hospitalized and all were reported to suffer underlying medical conditions.
Additionally, two Bernalillo County residents — a female patient at the Canyon Transitional Rehabilitation Center in her 60s and a male resident of Uptown Genesis of Albuquerque in his 80s — were deceased.
So, too, was a female Santa Fe County resident in her 90s who had been hospitalized.
Since the first three cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico were announced March 11, the coronavirus has spread to 31 of the state's 33 counties. The only counties with no reported cases are Mora County (from where just 52 tests have been completed, per DOH data) in the northeast, and Hidalgo County in southwest corner (with 99 tests completed).
Is the curve flattening?
It was the first update since Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, flanked by state health officials, said Tuesday that decisions about how and when to relax public health orders aiming to slow community spread of the disease would depend on the rate of new infections and residents' compliance with social distancing.
On Wednesday, a new order went into effect requiring workers at restaurants and large retailers to wear masks; the requirement will extend to all retailers operating as essential businesses on May 11. The general public is not require to wear masks, but health officials and the governor have strongly encouraged them to do so when out in public.
More: New Mexico to require masks for some essential workers
Current public health orders closing nonessential businesses and restricting social gatherings of five or more are in effect until May 15.
Coronavirus in 31 of 33 counties
The latest total of cases in each county were itemized as follows Wednesday:
- Bernalillo County: 981
- Catron County: 2
- Chaves County: 25
- Cibola County: 82
- Colfax County: 5
- Curry County: 23
- De Baca County: 1
- Doña Ana County: 180
- Eddy County: 13
- Grant County: 15
- Guadalupe County: 15
- Harding County: 1
- Lea County: 14
- Lincoln County: 2
- Los Alamos County: 6
- Luna County: 7
- McKinley County: 1,337
- Otero County: 9
- Quay County: 4
- Rio Arriba County: 24
- Roosevelt County: 11
- Sandoval County: 432
- San Juan County: 844
- San Miguel County: 4
- Santa Fe County: 110
- Sierra County: 1
- Socorro County: 48
- Taos County: 20
- Torrance County: 17
- Union County: 3
- Valencia County: 55
COVID-19 information and resources
New Mexicans showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) were advised to contact their health care provider or the DOH COVID-19 hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
Testing is available for individuals under the following conditions:
- People without symptoms who are close contacts or household members of New Mexico residents who have already tested positive for the coronavirus;
- people without symptoms living in nursing homes;
- people without symptoms in congregate settings such as homeless shelters, group homes, and detention centers;
- people with symptoms (cough, fever or shortness of breath).
New Mexicans with non-health-related questions or concerns may call 1-833-551-0518 or visit www.NewMexico.gov online.
Up to date information on public health orders and metrics of COVID-19 testing and cases can be viewed online at cv.NMHealth.org.
For emotional support and behavioral health crises, the state has established a mobile application, NMConnect, for accessing services. The app can be downloaded for free to use with iPhone and Android phones.
A dedicated hotline for healthcare workers and first responders is available at 1-855-507-5509.
All others may access help at 1-855-662-7474.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter.