Reopening
Amended Emergency Public Health Order in Effect July 1
New Mexico’s emergency public health order is extended through July 15. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a severe warning about the risk of New Mexico being forced to re-enact more severe public health restrictions in order to curb the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
- “Phase Two” of the state’s reopening would be on hold until public health conditions warrant further relaxations of restrictions and the state’s gating criteria could once again be met.
- The state will aggressively enforce the mandatory face-covering requirement for all residents in public places. In accordance with state law, violators will be subject to a $100 fine.
- Mandatory 14-day quarantine for all out-of-state travelers into New Mexico, whether traveling by air or by vehicle. Hotels and other places of lodging are expected to enforce the 14-day travel quarantine for any out-of-state visitors and report non-compliance to state health authorities.
NM COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Businesses
As the state implements its Phase One Reopening Plan, it has released COVID-safe practices (CSPs) guidance for individuals and employers in New Mexico.
Silver City/Grant County Reopening Plan
The Town of Silver City, in collaboration with Grant County government and representatives from throughout Grant County, have released a proposed plan to reopen Silver City and Grant County consistent with the governor’s emergency public health orders.
Gila National Forest to Reopen Catwalk Recreation Area and Whitewater Picnic Area
The Gila National Forest Glenwood Ranger District will be reopening the Catwalk Recreation Area and Whitewater Picnic Area as of Friday, May 8. We continue to recommend that visiting public follow all CDC guidelines for social distancing and also be aware of, and in compliance with the New Mexico State Health Guidelines per the Modified Public Health Order effective May 1, 2020.
NM State Parks
The State Parks Division has re-opened some parks for day-use only. Overnight use and campgrounds remain closed and all events through the end of May have been canceled. In addition, there will be capacity limits at many re-opened State Parks. Day-use fees will be waived to decrease person-to-person interaction through May 15th. Visitors with overnight camping reservations through May 15th will be issued a refund.
Summer Youth Programs
Through a collaboration between the Department of Cultural Affairs, Public Education Department, Early Childhood Education and Care Department, and Children, Youth & Families Department, the state has assembled a comprehensive array of supports for families — including a directory of available programs, online and print resources, child care resources and other materials.
Back to Business
The NM Tech Council’s Back to Business website is intended to assist New Mexico businesses locate and source personal protection equipment and other resources they need in order to reopen in compliance with the Governor’s public health guidance.
Additional State Parks Reopen
As of May 15, as the state continues to evaluate which areas are safe and can be regulated in line with public health needs, an additional nine parks have reopened including: Pancho Villa, Mesilla Valley Bosque, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, City of Rocks, and Rockhound State Parks. Before visiting a state park, check www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD for hours of operation, visitor capacity guidelines, available facilities and group size restrictions.
NEW! NMDOH Bilingual COVID-Safety Signage for Public Spaces
The NM Department of Health has developed bilingual COVID safety signage for posting in public spaces. Signs reflect July 1 public health order.
Gila National Forest Opens Additional Locations
On May 15 Gila National Forest reopened Mogollon Box Day Use Area on the Silver City Ranger District, the bathroom facilities at Snow Lake on Reserve Ranger District, and the bathroom facilities at the Emory Pass Vista on the Black Range Ranger District. Visitors are encouraged to contact the ranger districts or check the Gila National Forest website for specific recreation sites prior to traveling or making plans.
CDC Guidance on Reopening
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance yesterday to assist states, tribes, localities, and territories, as well as businesses and community organizations operate as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic as communities begin to reopen. The guidance includes a set of health considerations to be used by summer camps, schools, youth sports organizations, institutes of higher education, and restaurants and bars.
CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
How We Reopen Safely
National site to track each state’s progress towards the critical interventions needed to stop the spread of COVID-19. The focus is on data available on the ground and how we can surface it in meaningful ways for state and local leaders to act on. This is a collaborative effort among public health and crisis experts with former experience working at the White House, Department of Health and Human Services, and on the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
NM State Parks Reopen Most Remaining Parks
The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) State
Parks Division announced nine additional State Parks reopening for day-use only beginning May 30th. An additional five Parks will open June 1st. Overnight use and campgrounds remain closed and all events through June 19th have been canceled. In addition, there will be capacity limits at
many reopened State Parks.
Public Health Gating Criteria for Reopening New Mexico
Because the COVID-19 pandemic is a long-term event that requires careful, evidence-based decision making and policy planning to save lives and promote economic recovery, the State has developed public health gating criteria that are part of New Mexico’s phased plan for a safe and gradual reopening of the economy and society. Gating criteria are thresholds New Mexico must satisfy before beginning to relax social distancing restrictions and closures.
Face Masks for Small Businesses
The Town of Silver City and Grant County have joined together to establish a PPE bank for local small businesses. If your business needs extra face masks, call the Silver City/Grant County Chamber of Commerce to arrange a time for purchase and pick up.
The cost is $18.50 per box of 50 and there is a limit of 2 boxes per business.
For more information, call the Silver City/Grant County Chamber of Commerce at 575-538-3785.
Town of Silver City Offices Opening to Public on June 15, 2020
The Town of Silver City will be opening its offices to the public beginning Monday, June 15, 2020. The Silver City Public library will open at 25% capacity on June 16, 2020. The Silver City Museum will remain closed until further notice. Customers will be required to wear a mask upon entry into all Town buildings. Disposable masks will be provided to anyone who may not have one. Access to hand sanitizer will also be available.
Visit the website for more information.
Soft Reopening of Breweries
A new public health order to take effect Monday, June 15, will allow breweries to resume indoor service at 50 percent occupancy as determined by fire code. Bar and counter seating will still be prohibited, and these businesses will be required to comply with COVID-safe practices for restaurants.
NM COVID-Safe Certification
NM Safe Certified trains New Mexico businesses in COVID-Safe Practices to help ensure all of us —customers, employees, and families—remain safe as New Mexico reopens for business and recreation. Free, on-demand, virtual COVID-Safe Practices training modules are available on their website.
NM School Reopening Guidance
The New Mexico Public Education Department has released the state’s plan on how to safely reopen schools in the fall. The 2020-2021 school year will begin with a hybrid model where the number of students in the building will be limited to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure social distancing practices. Students will also rotate between in-person and online learning. Face coverings are required at all times except for eating, drinking and exercising. All staff will be screened on a daily basis which includes temperature checks and a review of potential symptoms. If they have an internal temperature over 100.4°F, they will be sent home to self-isolate. Students will be screened before entering the building. That may include a temperature check.
How to stay safe in your personal and social activities
As the country reopens, the CDC has updated guidance on how to stay safe in your personal and social activities. The guidance includes recommendations for dining at restaurants, going to the gym or salon, traveling overnight, visiting parks and recreation facilities, and hosting social events.
NM Department of Health COVID-Safety Flyer for Tourists
Post or hand out these bilingual flyers in your place of business that educate out-of-state tourists about New Mexico’s public health order mandating COVID-Safe Practices.
8.5″ X 11 flyer – download
4 handbills to a page – download
NM Safe Promise
NM Safe Promise campaign encourages all New Mexicans to individually “make the promise” to follow COVID-Safe Practices and proudly share their commitment with others.
