New Mexico hits 100 cases of coronavirus
Algernon D'AmmassaSANTA FE - The New Mexico Department of Health announced 17 new positive results of testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus, bringing the statewide total of confirmed cases to 100.
The announcement came a day after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham instituted a stay-at-home order closing non-essential businesses and limiting gatherings to five people, urging New Mexicans to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing of at least six feet from other people and wash hands with soap regularly.
Three new cases were identified in Doña Ana County, bringing the county's total to 13. The new cases were all males, described as in their 20s, 30s and 60s.
More:White Sands Missile Range confirms COVID-19 case
There were also five new cases in Bernalillo County, where most of the cases have been identified, and two new counties, Cibola and Curry, now have cases, indicating the virus is now present in 13 of New Mexico's 33 counties.
The total number of cases, per county, are:
- Bernalillo County: 43
- Doña Ana County: 13
- Cibola County: 1
- Curry County: 1
- Lea County: 1
- McKinley County: 3
- Sandoval County: 7
- San Juan County: 7
- San Miguel County: 1
- Santa Fe County: 14
- Socorro County: 2
- Taos County: 3
- Chaves County: 4
There have been a total of 6,842 tests in the state, of which 6,742 were negative.
The DOH has indicated that community spread of the novel coronavirus has begun in New Mexico, meaning other residents are infected but have not yet been tested or confirmed positive. The department conducts contact-tracing in order to identify individuals with whom positives cases have come in contact.
The public health order directing residents to stay home and limit contact aim to reduce community spread. Additionally, New Mexicans have been urged to limit travel and for anyone traveling into New Mexico from other states to self-isolate for 14 days.
More: What does a stay-at-home mandate mean?
New Mexicans reporting symptoms of COVID-19 infection (described as fever, cough, or shortness of breath) are directed to call their health care providers or the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline immediately at 1-855-600-3453.
The DOH said those without symptoms do not need to be tested, and that symptoms consistent with allergy season (sneezing, itchy eyes, nose or throat discomfort) do not indicate a need for COVID-19 testing.
As testing ramps up in more areas of New Mexico, the DOH reiterated Tuesday, "We need to prioritize testing for persons with symptoms of COVID-19 infection — fever, cough, or shortness of breath."
New Mexicans with non-health-related questions or concerns can also call 833-551-0518 or visit http://www.NewMexico.gov, a one-stop source for information.
The state Department of Health maintains a dedicated COVID-19 webpage at http://cv.NMHealth.org.
Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter.