GOV. LUJAN GRISHAM RELAXES SOME RESTRICTIONS, ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR SCHOOL RE-ENTRY
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today the new Public Health order, easing some restrictions.
Beginning Saturday, August 29th the following changes will be implemented:
- Food and drink establishments (including restaurants, breweries, wineries, distillers, cafes, coffee shops or other similar establishments) may provide indoor dining service at 25% maximum occupancy, in accordance with COVID-safe practices.
- Food and drink establishments may provide outdoor dining options at 75% capacity, 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.
- Houses of worship may operate at 40% 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.
- Mass gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
- Museums with static displays may operate at 25%
The new emergency public health order will be effective through at least mid-September.
Today, the state saw 190 new cases and nine new deaths.
The state will need to meet various metrics prior to schools being allowed for in-person learning, which would take place following Labor Day. These include:
- State meeting gating criteria, which includes the COVID-19 spread rate, 7-day rolling average, testing capacity, etc.
- County must meet new daily cases count and test positive rate criteria. Must be in green zone.
- District/school must get reentry plan approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department (Instruction, social-emotional learning, family communications and engagement.)
- District/school has safety and support plans in place.
Schools in counties that meet the above criteria will be allowed to put into place the re-entry plan. Currently, Curry County is the yellow zone, with Roosevelt county sitting in Red.
