Restaurants re-opening, election day approaching

Restaurants re-opening for indoor dining 
Following Governor Lujan-Grisham’s updated directives announced last week at her news conference, restaurants across the state are preparing to open for inside dining on Monday 1 June.  While limits remain in place for capacity and all COVID Safe Practices continue to apply, the opening of inside dining is both a recognition of and a response to the fact that New Mexico, which reached its peak of the coronavirus disease on May 1st,  has continued to see a decline in the rate of new cases and is meeting the gating criteria set for the next phase of re-opening. The amended order also includes the limited re-opening of gyms, salons, and indoor malls.  
The revisions will impact other facilities and services, which will now have restrictions lifted or moderated.  These include:
 

• Drive-in theaters, which may reopen under COVID-Safe Practices;​
• ​Nine additional state parks will reopen for day-use only beginning Saturday, with five more opening Monday, some with capacity limits;
  
• Hotels may operate at 50 percent of maximum occupancy under COVID-Safe Practices;
• The 14-day quarantine order for airport arrivals will be amended to permit certain business travel under COVID-Safe Practices.

 
To support restaurants as they move into this next phase while continuing the reassure patrons and potential visitors of their commitment to safety amidst the pandemic, the New Mexico Restaurant Association has compiled a collection of resources that address restaurant-specific needs in relation to the virus.  These includes guides to compliant floor plans, cleaning, and sanitizing guides, as well as protocols for exposure.  The association, in partnership with New Mexico Environment Department, has also designed a responsible restaurant re-opening “Promise Poster” that can be displayed and can help re-assure diners that a particular restaurant is abiding by broader, statewide safety guidelines to keep patrons (and staff!) safe. 
 
Election Day Tuesday 2 June 2020 
On another important note – primary elections in New Mexico are just two days away. If you have not already voted, please make sure to visit your polling place on Tuesday 2 June. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and all COVID Safe Practices will apply during voting and within the polling facilities. Social distancing will be required both while waiting in line and inside the polling facility, and voting materials will be sanitized after each use. In addition, everyone must wear a face mask. If you do not have a face mask, or forget to bring one with you, you can request a mask from the poll workers when you arrive.  For questions, or to confirm your polling location, please call the San Miguel County Clerk’s Office at (505) 425-9331.