New Mexico moves forward on opening businesses and re-starting the tourist industry

 
Businesses re-open, look ahead
As New Mexico moves forward with its partial re-opening of businesses and offices, the governor has emphasized the ongoing success the state has had in meeting gating requirements. In a Wednesday press conference, the governor announced that New Mexico appeared to be through the peak of virus cases, and posed the possibility of restaurants opening on a partial basis (50% capacity) as soon as early June, providing that all COVID Safe Practices (CSPs) are adhered to and the gating criteria continue to be met. This news is encouraging to the many dining businesses that have either been closed completely or operating only for curbside pick-up or takeout,  but is unfortunately too late to save the many New Mexico restaurants that have had to close permanently because of the pandemic. 

Tourism re-opens with focus on safety 
With so much of New Mexico’s business dependent on tourism, various locations in the state are strategizing ways to attract visitors to their communities and their businesses. On the state level, efforts to re-open the tourist industry are focusing on those travelling by car, who will be attracted not only by what NM has to offer, but by how safe they feel travelling in New Mexico will be. To support this effort, NM True, in partnership with the NM Hospitality Association, is launching a “New Mexico Safe” campaign that will showcase and promote the practice of CSPs by all businesses in order to “build consumer confidence in travelers” that NM is a safe place to visit. The department will be offering a free training and certification program for all business leaders who can then advertise their business as CSP certification compliant. The New Mexico Tourism department industry member website provides a rich resource for information, data, opportunities, learning, and support, including access to free coaching from a business consultant. 
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Summer Food for Children Schedule
As mentioned in an earlier newsletter, the school meal delivery program that has operated during the previous few months will continue during the summer, providing free meals to any child age 18 or under who is in need. You can view the schedule for the meal distribution for the West Las Vegas School district here.  For questions, call Annette Baca at 505-426 2528.