New public emergency order limits restaurants to take-out or delivery

This has prompted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to announce a new Public Emergency Order Wednesday that calls for the closing of various establishments in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.

• The order requires all restaurants in New Mexico to be limited to take-out and food delivery, starting Thursday.
• The governor is requiring shopping malls, recreational facilities, movie theaters, spas and athletic clubs to close.
• Casinos, not operated by Tribal authorities, bars and horse racing operations will also be forced to close.

Important stipulations within the order include:

• ​​Typical business environments that are not engaged in the provision of an essential service should limit operations to the greatest extent possible and minimize employee contact.
  • “Typical business environments” are defined as businesses, governmental organizations, political subdivisions and other entities engaged in commercial, industrial, charitable or professional activities.​
• Hotels, motels and other places of lodging shall not operate at more than 50 percent of maximum occupancy. This restriction does not apply to operations providing lodging to health care workers who are engaged in the provision of care to New Mexico residents or those businesses providing temporary housing to individuals employed and working in New Mexico.​​​

In addition to the above stipulations, these places are exempt from the order and may remain open:

• ​Grocery stores and pharmacies
• ​Shelters
• ​Courthouses
• ​Banks
• ​Correction and detention facilities
• ​Hospitals and other health-care facilities
• ​Places of worship (during regular hours)
• ​Restaurants with exterior entrances that are situated in shopping malls may offer delivery and takeout services.