State Re-Enacts Certain Public Health Restrictions; Contact businesses limited to 25 percent occupancy
SANTA FE (KSMX)- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday announced a new public health emergency order re-enacting emergency public health restrictions on high-contact indoor environments where face-coverings are not worn in order to slow the rising spread of COVID-19 across the state. The public health order declaring the state’s renewed public health protections is effective today, Monday, July 13th – July 30.
The new public health order prohibits indoor dining at restaurants, which had been permitted at a limited capacity in the state since June 1. Also restricted is indoor seating at breweries, which had been permitted at limited capacity since June 15.
Both restaurants and breweries may operate outdoor seating at 50 percent of the maximum occupancy as determined by fire code. Restaurants may continue to operate carry out, pickup and delivery services. Breweries may continue to operate curbside pickup services.
Additionally, gyms and other close contact businesses like tattoo shops and salons are now limited to 25 percent of the maximum occupancy as determined by the fire code.
The public health order has also been amended to restrict out-of-state visitors at New Mexico state parks. Visitors to state parks must demonstrate proof of residency or will not be permitted entry. According to New Mexico State Parks, visitors must show one of the following to demonstrate residency: a valid New Mexico license plate, New Mexico driver’s license or ID card, New Mexico vehicle registration, a federal document attesting to residency, or military identification. In order to ensure compliance with the new public health order, State Parks will further modify days and hours of operation for a handful of parks due to the continued visitation from out of state residents and the additional staff time needed to enforce the public health order. Visitors can check the list of state parks currently operating here.
The state’s mandate that all individuals must wear face-coverings in public – in effect since May 16 – has been strengthened to additionally require individuals to wear face-coverings while exercising. This requirement includes those exercising at indoor gyms and fitness centers. Operators of those establishments, like operators of other essential businesses, must require customers to wear face-coverings; violators will be subject to a fine.