GOV. LUJAN GRISHAM ANNOUNCES AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will be hosting a remote news conference Thursday afternoon, in which she as well as New Mexico health officials will discuss amendments to the state’s emergency public health order that impacts food and drink establishments and houses worship, among other changes. These updates reflect the state’s relative recent progress against COVID-19. Currently, the states health order expires on Friday. Beginning Saturday changes include:

• Houses of worship may operate at 40 percent of maximum occupancy of any enclosed building, an increase from 25 percent, in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Houses of worship may, as before, conduct services outdoors or provide services through audiovisual means.
• Food and drink establishments (including restaurants, breweries, wineries, distillers, cafes, coffee shops or other similar establishments) may provide indoor dining service at 25 percent of maximum occupancy, in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices.
• Food and drink establishments may continue to provide outdoor dining options, carryout and delivery services, in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Tables – inside or outside – must be spaced at least six feet apart, and no more than six patrons are permitted at a single table.

The state’s modeling outlook has improved in recent weeks as daily COVID-19 case count and hospitalizations have dropped from earlier in the summer.

In addition to those items, the governor will discuss other amendments to the public health order and preparations for fall semester public school.