Thirty-two of New Mexico’s 33 counties are now listed at the Turquoise COVID-19 risk level. One county, Chavez, is at the Green Level. All of this is good news.
Almost 30% of Lea County Residents Vaccinated
The rate of corona virus infections in Lea County is 4.2 per 100,000, as of May 23, 2021. Right now 29.7% of the county’s residents have been vaccinated with 1+ dose. All individuals 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated.
Turquoise Level Restrictions
The Turquoise Level rating comes with the lowering of restrictions. Still, individuals should prudently follow COVID-safe practices. Highlights of the newly enacted lower restrictions are:
- Essential retail: 33% of maximum capacity for indoor spaces and 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor spaces.
- Food and drink establishments: 75% of maximum capacity for both indoor and outdoor dining.
- Large entertainment venues: 33% of maximum capacity for indoor spaces and 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor spaces.
- Bars and clubs: 33% of maximum capacity for indoor spaces and 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor spaces.
- Places of lodging: Maximum occupancy not restricted for establishments that have completed the NM Safe Certified training. 50% occupancy for all other places of lodging and a maximum of 15 guests for vacation rentals.
- Mass gatherings: No more than 150 individuals.
- Close contact businesses: 75% of maximum capacity.
- Recreational facilities: 50% of maximum capacity for indoor spaces and 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor spaces.
- Houses of worship: Upon choice, 100% of maximum capacity both indoors and outdoors.
- All other business, including non-essential retail stores and gyms: 75% of maximum capacity for indoor spaces and 100% of maximum capacity for outdoor spaces.
New Mexico Strives for 60% Statewide Vaccination Level by June 30th
New Mexico hopes to attain a statewide vaccination level of 60% by the 30th of June. When this level is reached, the state will open up normally and the Red to Green risk of infection thermometer will be discontinued.
Fully Vaccinated Individuals No Longer Required to Wear Masks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Tuesday, the 27th of April, that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks. On the homepage of its website the CDC states: “If you are fully vaccinated you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.” About the wearing of masks and in light of the CDC’s new guideline, the New Mexico Department of Health announced on Friday, the 14th of May, the state’s adoption of the CDC’s “…guidance on facemasks for those who are fully vaccinated.”
Those Not Vaccinated at “High Risk”
Despite the substantial progress against the COVID-19 pandemic, one worrying factor is approximately 70% of the residents of Lea County are not fully vaccinated. Those individuals are still at “high risk” of contracting COVID-19 and can even serve as incubators for potential mutations. Cases in the county have increased during the last week to about 3 per day, as have the number of hospitalized patients.
How to Stay Safe if Not Yet Vaccinated
If you have not been vaccinated, take precautions. The New York Times advises on its website to avoid cinemas, gyms and non-essential shopping establishments. Hold off on having a haircut or a manicure. Refrain from spending time indoors with individuals from households other than your own, and keep grocery store visits short and infrequent. Be sure to wear a mask. It is also good to avoid non-essential travel and large gatherings, like weddings, concerts, sports events and funerals. Choose outdoor church services when you can; indoor services are safer when there is no singing and people remain six feet apart and wear masks.
With all of the things that people should not do, there are still many that are safe. Meet your friends in small groups outdoors. Have picnics. Go for walks or runs. Play a round of golf. Work from home. Use good judgement. Follow the six-foot social distancing rule. Wear a mask. Get vaccinated.
Photo: Courtesy of Hakan-Nural-niBllet7sTw / Unsplash
