May 14th, 2020

Yesterday afternoon’s press conference on the coronavirus from New Mexico Governor Lujan-Grisham highlighted new orders impacting all New Mexicans and addressed plans for the first phase of reopening the economy.  The new orders will go into effect on Saturday 16 May, though the governor emphasized that all steps for partial re-opening remain contingent on the state continuing to meet the criteria indicating it is safe to do so.
 
The press conference provided new information about the virus, including updates on cases and spread statewide, as well as comparative data by county and region. Information was also given about “superspreader” events and the new research regarding the different symptoms the virus manifests in children.  
 
The following are key points from the presentation regarding statewide changes for the Phase 1 partial re-opening. 

• New Mexico is currently on track to begin Phase 1 of partial re-openings effective Saturday 16 May.
• Guidelines for general COVID safe practices will remain in place. New Mexicans should continue to stay home as much as possible, wash and sanitize hands and surfaces frequently, use face masks, and practice social distancing (minimum of 6 ‘).  All past progress in managing the virus and success in re-opening the economy depend on everyone in the state continuing to observe these basic guidelines.
• To support the re-opening, the state is issuing a new order, also effective Saturday 16 May, requiring face coverings for everyone in most public settings. 
• Phase 1 will allow all direct-service retailers (i.e. not wholesalers) to re-open at 25% fire capacity. Entertainment venues are EXCLUDED..
• Phase 1 will also allow other non-essential businesses (e.g. offices) to open at 25% pre-crisis employment levels.
• Houses of worship may open at 10% occupancy.
• These re-openings EXCLUDE all “high intensity contact services such as dine-in restaurants, indoor malls, salons, and gyms.”
• These re-openings “do not apply to the northwestern public health region (McKinley, Cibola, San Juan counties) where risk of spread remains too high.” This region will enter the Preparation Phase only on Saturday 16 May.
• Modified and restricted summer youth programs will be permissible (see criteria here).
• If data criteria continue to be positive, Part 2 of Phase 1 could begin in early June and include more high intensity contact businesses, such as salons and gyms. 

 
You can review key slides from the press conference here, or watch the full webcast on the governor’s Facebook page.  (You will need to advance 7 minutes or so before the live video begins.)