Coronavirus Update is a local radio show that provides the latest information you need to know on local community strategies to slow the spread of the Coronavirus and protect yourself, your family and our community during this public health crisis. Brought to you by Gila/Mimbres Community Radio, Gila Resources Information Project, Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Grant County and National Center for Frontier Communities.
Send us your updates to info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org
NM Dept of Health COVID-19 Hotline 1-855-600-3453 or visit cv.nmhealth.org
Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov
NM Crisis & Access Line, 24/7, 1-855-662-7474; nmcrisisline.com
Message from Grant County’s health care providers –video
Donations to Community COVID-19 Response – Grant County Community Foundation
Grant County Coronavirus Update website – grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org
CVU is broadcast live weekdays at Noon and
rebroadcast following Democracy Now! at 6pm and 8am
Or listen to this episode at your convenience via this link…
As of today – Wednesday, August 5, 21,340 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Mexico, with 658 deaths, 133 currently hospitalized individuals, and 8,685 recoveries according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Since last week Grant County has reported 3 additional cases with 68 total cases of COVID-19 with 22 recovered and 2 deaths.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Mexico has risen slightly over the past two weeks from 277 new cases a day to 282 new cases a day on Aug. 3, according to an analysis by The Associated Press of data collected by Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
The average rate of positive tests has declined slightly over the past few weeks. Statewide virus related deaths increased Tuesday by three to 658, with confirmed infections increasing by 214 to 21,340. In total, 590,825 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the state, with 5657 having been conducted in Grant County.
More information at cv.nmhealth.org
LOCAL COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULE
Grant County Public Health Office will provide free testing every Monday from 8:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. for utility workers and Food Industry Workers. Appointments are required and must be scheduled by calling Grant County Public Health Office at 575-538-5318 (ext. 4) by noon on the preceding Friday.
Testing will also be conducted every Tuesday from 8:30a.m. to 11:00a.m. for anyone at the Grant County Public Health Office.
Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them.
Throat swab and nasal swab testing options are available.
Appointments can be scheduled by registering on the following website: cvtestreg.nmhealth.org Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code and use it when making your appointment by calling: 575-538-5318 (ext. 4). The Grant County Public Health Office is located at 2610 N. Silver Street (across the street from the Swimming Pool).
CVS Pharmacy Drive-thru in Silver City is making Self-swab tests available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com
Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) in Silver City is doing testing on weekdays except for Tuesday at their clinic at 1007 Pope Street in Silver City and at their Lordsburg clinic on weekdays except for Thursdays at 530 De Moss Street. Call 1-888-271-3596 for an appointment. Testing is free and expanded to everyone via a drive-up testing approach.
Hidalgo Medical Services has recently acquired a Mobile COVID Testing Clinic. The Mobile Clinic will be in Mimbres/Hanover tomorrow August 6, 2020 from 9am to 1pm (closed 12-1230 for lunch) at the Round Up Lodge. 91 Acklin Hill, San Lorenzo NM 88041. For more information, call HMS at 888-271-3596.Additional rural areas will be serviced over the coming weeks.
And please note that Gila Regional Medical Center is no longer conducting COVID-19 testing, given increased capacity at other local facilities.
COURT UPHOLDS HEALTH ORDER FINES FOR NEW MEXICO BUSINESSES
The New Mexico Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously upheld the governor’s authority to fine businesses up to $5,000 a day for violating state emergency health orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. (news story at KRQE.com)
The court heard arguments from a group of business owners who claimed the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham overstepped its authority in imposing fines higher than $100.
The five-member court ruled without dissent against the business owners. State officials have issued the $5,000 daily fines to 16 businesses amid a backlash against the public health orders affecting restaurants and other establishments. Lujan Grisham was an early adopter of stay-at-home orders and business restrictions that prohibit indoor restaurant service, require face masks in public, ban public gatherings of more than four people and suspend classroom attendance at public schools.
SILVER CITY ISSUES NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT FACE MASK USE ORDINANCE
The Town of Silver City released a Notice of Intent to adopt an ordinance regarding the use of face coverings by employees and customers when inside places of business and by all members of the public when in public places.
Sponsored by Councilor Cynthia Ann Bettison, the public can comment on the ordinance until August 25. Consideration of adoption of the ordinance is currently scheduled for and will not take place prior to August 25, 2020.The complete ordinance is posted on the Town’s website at www.townofsilvercity.org. Comments may be submitted on the Town’s website, or via email to info@townofsilvercity.org , or by writing to the Town Council via Town of Silver City, P.O. Box 1188, Silver City, NM 88062. Copies are available at City Hall, 101 W. Broadway.
WI-FI AND TECH ACCESS FOR VIRTUAL LEARNING
As students plan return to school with online learning, access to the internet can be a challenge for many Grant County residents, here are some locations where individuals can access free WiFi hotspots throughout the county.
WNM Communications’ has announced several WiFi Hotspots throughout southwest New Mexico. The company reminds everyone that for the safety of all, please remember to practice social distancing and stay in your vehicle while using WiFi at any of its sites.
Locations currently up and running include:
Santa Clara – Splash Park
Silver City – Gough Park
Cliff – WNMC Office
Hurley – Ball Park
Bayard – Community Center
Mimbres – San Lorenzo Elementary School
For more info and a complete list of hotspots visit https://www.wnmc.com/wifi/
The Silver City Public Library is getting a new Internet connection that will provide much faster internet speeds for people who use the library’s public computers or wireless internet. Library’s wi-fi is on. Please maintain a safe distance from others when using the wi-fi outside the library building.The library wireless internet is an open network, no password required.
The Bayard Public Library wi-fi is on.
Binary Circuits, 907 1/2 Pope Street between the old LifeQuest building and HMS has publicly available wi-fi (electricity also available).
Binary Circuits is also refurbishing laptops and tablets for students to use. They recommend contacting your school district first if you need a device for school. If you are having trouble getting a working device, you can call Binary Circuits Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00am– 3:00pm, 575-618-6425. You can also stop by during the Saturday Farmer’s Market in the old LifeQuest parking lot, Saturdays 10:00am-12:00pm.
2020 CENSUS REMINDER
Did you know that the census results affect planning and funding for education—including programs such as Head Start, Pell Grants, school lunches, rural education, adult education, and grants for preschool special education?
If you haven’t responded to the 2020 Census yet, now is the time. The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.
Here in Grant County, only 48.7% of residents have responded to date as compared to 50% back in 2010.
Thank you if you’ve responded to the census, but if you haven’t: Our community needs you to get counted!
The easiest way to get counted is to go online to 2020census.gov and fill out the on-line questionnaire. It takes about 10 minutes.
You can also fill out your paper questionnaire that you should have received in the mail.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all public locations for census taking are closed.
So if you do not have access to the internet or have not received a paper questionnaire, you can call the 2020 Census Assistance line at 1-844-330-2020.
Additionally, Belinda Jones of the El Refugio is offering to help walk anyone through the form. You can reach her at 575-538-2125 extension 17.
Again, to date only 48.7% of Grant County residents have responded, so please get counted today! That’s 2020census.gov
