New Mexico, Let’s Move From Red To Green.
The county-by-county framework will permit counties – and the businesses and nonprofit entities within their borders – to operate under less restrictive public health measures when health metrics demonstrating the extent of the virus’ spread and test positivity within those counties are met.
What is the red to green framework?
In order to prevent and mitigate the effects of the spread of the virus, and to ameliorate the unsustainable resultant strain placed upon the state’s health care system and personnel, counties where the virus is more prevalent will operate under more restrictive public health measures. Likewise, counties where the virus has been or is being suppressed will operate under less restrictive measures. Counties will operate under one of three levels: Red, signifying very high risk; Yellow, signifying high risk; and Green, signifying medium risk.
Red Level
***VERY HIGH RISK***
Counties at the Red Level are those with a new COVID-19 case incident rate of greater than 8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent two-week period and an average percent of positive COVID-19 test results over the most recent 14-day period greater than 5%.
Yellow Level
***HIGH RISK***
Counties at the Yellow Level have either a new COVID-19 case incidence rate of no greater than 8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent two-week period, or an average percent of positive COVID-19 test results over the most recent 14-day period less than or equal to 5%.
Green Level
***MEDIUM RISK***
Counties at the Green Level have both a new COVID-19 case incidence rate of no greater than 8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent two-week period, and an average percent of positive COVID-19 test results over the most recent 14-day period less than or equal to 5%.
What are the restrictions at each level?
In an effort designed to provide local communities the flexibility to operate more day-to-day activities, the state of New Mexico will transition to a tiered county-by-county COVID-19 risk system on Dec. 2, enabling local communities to shed burdensome restrictions as soon as public health data show the virus is retreating within their borders.
Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but must limit operations to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions
Essential retail spaces: 25% of maximum capacity
Food and drink establishments: No indoor dining permitted; 25% of maximum capacity for outdoor dining; any establishment serving alcohol must close by 9 p.m. each night
Close-contact businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 10 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
Outdoor recreational facilities: 25% of maximum capacity (unless required to have less capacity under the state’s COVID-Safe Practices)
Close-contact recreational facilities: Remain closed
All other businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 75 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 25% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises
Places of lodging: 40% of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 25% of maximum occupancy for all others; 5 guests maximum for vacation rentals
Mass gatherings limit: 5 persons, 10 vehicles
Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions
Essential retail spaces: 33% of maximum capacity
Food and drink establishments: 25% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoors dining; any establishment serving alcohol must close by 10 p.m. each night
Close-contact businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 20 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
Outdoor recreational facilities: 25% of maximum capacity (unless required to have less capacity under the state’s COVID-Safe Practices)
Close-contact recreational facilities: Remain closed
All other businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 125 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 33% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises
Places of lodging: 60% of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 25% of maximum occupancy for all others; 5 guests maximum for vacation rentals
Mass gatherings limit: 10 persons; 25 vehicles
Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions
Essential retail spaces: 50% of maximum capacity
Food and drink establishments: 50% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor dining
Close-contact businesses: 50% of maximum capacity
Outdoor recreational facilities: 50% of maximum capacity (unless required to have less capacity under the state’s COVID-Safe Practices)
Close-contact recreational facilities: Remain closed
All other businesses: 50% of maximum capacity
Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 50% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises
Places of lodging: 75% of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 40% of maximum occupancy for all others; 10 guests maximum for vacation rentals
Mass gatherings limit: 20 persons, 100 vehicles
How is new mexico doing right now?
The spread of COVID-19 remains a statewide emergency. Hospitals and health care providers all across New Mexico have reported great strain in responding to the escalating illness and mortality caused by the continued spread of the virus.
Click on the map to view the New Mexico COVID-19 Data Dashboard to see how your community is doing. You can also view the grid below.
*** The data will be updated Wednesday, Dec. 2, and every other Wednesday thereafter.
How Can I Help?
COVID put us ALL in a bad spot. Many of our communities have very high positivity rates. It’s up to all of us to do our part to keep our loved ones safe.
Get Tested
Knowing whether or not you’re infected with coronavirus can help protect not only your own health, but the health of our entire community — so it’s important to get tested if you think you have COVID-19.
Social Distance
If you are sick with COVID-19, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home and away from other people
No Mass Gatherings
“Mass gatherings” are defined as: any public gathering, private gathering, organized event, ceremony, or grouping that brings together more than five (5) or more individuals in a single room or connected space, confined outdoor space or open outdoor space.
Wear a Mask
Everyone is required to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in public except when drinking, eating, or under medical instruction. Masks and cloth face coverings may prevent people who do not know they have the virus from transmitting it to others.
Follow Covid Safe Practices
Living in a COVID-positive world requires discipline from all of us. In order to decrease the spread of COVID-19, allowing businesses, restaurants, and schools to reopen safely, it is imperative we adhere to COVID safe practices.
Do you still have questions?
Visit CV.nmhealth.org
The New Mexico Department of Health has set this microsite up to provide streamlined information to the public regarding COVID-19 in New Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find a listing of the most frequently asked questions regarding the current Public Health Order.
1-833-551-0518
Use this number for non-health related COVID-19 questions.
COVID-19 Testing in New Mexico:
Quick Facts
Testing is Available Statewide
The New Mexico Department of Health encourages individuals who experience symptoms of COVID-19 to get tested at their local Public Health Office.
Testing is Safe
Testing sites are designed to keep you and it’s healthcare workers safe. Sometimes you stay in your car. Other sites will screen you before you come indoors.
Testing is Important
Knowing whether or not you’re infected with coronavirus can help protect not only your own health, but the health of our entire community — so it’s important to get tested if you think you have COVID-19.