Because of the recent surge in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Hobbs and its surrounding area, the City of Hobbs is postponing or canceling numerous upcoming city events. 

Meghan Mooney, City of Hobbs Director of Communications, made the announcement via a Friday, January 7, press release (PDF). “Our desire is to keep the community informed as always, especially during these times,” states Mooney.

List of Events Postponed or Canceled

• First on the list of events that has been postponed is the Open House that was slated for January 6 at Rockwind Community Links. The event will be rescheduled for a more suitable time after the current influx of positive coronavirus cases has declined. According to the Community Links Facebook page, the decision to postpone the open house at the Rockwind Grill was made “to keep the local golfing community safe”. 

• Also, postponed is the Father Daughter Valentine’s Dance scheduled for Friday. February 11. This successful annual event will be rescheduled for a future date to be announced.

• Friday night dances at the Hobbs Senior Center have additionally been canceled “until further notice”, states the press release. Held every second and fourth Friday of every month, these dances with a live band are popular for seniors age 60 and older.

• The Hobbs Meals on Wheels program is also experiencing some changes starting Monday, January 10. From that date onwards inhouse dining at the Hobbs Senior Center is canceled until further notice. According to the press release, curbside “Grab ‘n’ Go” service will be available, and “the home delivery service will continue as normal.”

Hobbs Cancels All Mass Gatherings

The press release strongly states that the City of Hobbs is canceling all mass gatherings until further notice and that “social distancing efforts will be practiced with the most effort until further notice.”

Pay Your Bills Online

Because of the current flood in positive coronavirus cases, especially augmented by the transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the City of Hobbs encourages residents to pay utility bills and fees online rather than in person. This can be done at www.hobbnm.org.

Wear Masks, Wash Hands and Be COVID Safe

In addition to paying bills online, the press release asks each and every person to do his or her part to “prevent the spread” of COVID – “wearing a mask, washing their hands, and practicing all other COVID safe practices.

Finally, the press release assures the public that the city is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of all residents. “The City of Hobbs is working directly with Lea County, the State of New Mexico, and local health professionals to ensure all safe practices are followed and the public is notified to ensure health and safety,” states the press release.