New Mexico to order 'non-essential businesses' to close
Associated Press | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 4 months AGO
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday new restrictions, including the closure of “non-essential businesses,” aimed at fighting the spread of the new coronavirus.
Businesses such as grocery stores, health care operations, media outlets, and farms are allowed to remain open under the new rules, Lujan Grisham said. But “basic retail” businesses will have to close, she said.
The announcement came as the state officials said New Mexico now had 18 new positive novel coronavirus cases. That brings the state's total of COVID-19 cases to 83.
She also said the state will require “100 percent” of the state's non-essential workforce to work from home.
The new restrictions ask state residents to now limit gatherings to five people or less.
“I need you to heed this order,” she said.
Lujan Grisham said she had no choice but to issue new restrictions since some residents weren't following previous orders and continued to gather in large numbers at certain places.
The new action follows a series of emergency public health orders that have closed down the state's indoor shopping malls, gyms, and movie theaters. Officials also have eliminated dine-in service at restaurants, bars, and breweries.
Lujan Grisham said residents can still go for a jog and walk their dogs.
The state will ramp up surveillance efforts to monitor businesses. “We are prepared to enforce this when necessary,” Lujan Grisham said.
K-12 schools are shut down with some remote instruction for students until at least April 7 as school districts distribute free grab-and-go meals to students in a state where 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.
Health care centers are appealing to the public for donations of personal protection equipment as they conserve masks, gloves and robes, as most grocery clerks stock shelves and attend to customers without protection.
Hospitals are refining emergency triage plans as the state Health Department seeks to expand access to testing in rural areas.
The state also has cleared out at least half of hotel and lodging rooms statewide, leaving more provisional housing available to health care workers.
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