Gov. Grisham signs stay-at-home order. | New Mexico Governor's Office
Gov. Grisham signs stay-at-home order. | New Mexico Governor's Office
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced stricter measures to enforce social distancing including a stay-at-home order on March 23 to fight coronavirus.
Restaurants are limited to take-out and delivery only, and gatherings of people are to be limited to 10, according to Las Cruces Sun News. In addition, non-tribal casinos are to close and many tribal casinos are to close too. Recreational facilities like gyms, malls, and shopping centers are alll now temporarily closed in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the state.
Grisham also ordered that lodging facilities such as hotels were to operate only at half capacity. Efforts are also being made to lessen hoarding by limiting the purchase of some grocery items to three per person.
In order to facilitate coronavirus testing, five more centers are scheduled to be built. Priority testing will be given to people who recently traveled from Europe, Iran, China, Japan, South Korea, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and New York City.
People who are sick and show symptoms of COVID-19 will also be given priority. They would include anyone who exhibits a cough, has a fever, or is experiencing shortness of breath.
In a news conference held on March 18, the governor said that there have been obstacles to receive a federal allotment of medical supplies like protective gear. She added that New Mexico has moved to acquire its own supplies also while seeking federal approval for more machines to process tests. So far, New Mexico has tested more than 1,700 people.
"The only way we can stop the spread of this deadly virus COVID-19 is by preventing human contact. It is that simple," Grisham said, as reported by the Los Cruces Sun News. "The less human contact we have, the more control we have over your safety and well-being."
She issued a stay at home order ito further enforce social distancing. Essential stores such as hospitals, grocery stores, homeless shelters, pharmacies, gas stations, construction work, and hardware stores can remain open. “Everyone in this state has a social contract for responsibility for one another,” said Grisham, the Albuquerque Journal reported. “If you don’t take this serious, then we can’t reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
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