Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Today on Coronavirus Update, GMCR producer Jamie Newton talks to Dr. Renee Depres and Dr. Ken Sexton about the latest emergency public health order and how we can protect ourselves, our families and our community during the upcoming holidays.
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.
Coronavirus Update is broadcast live on Gila/Mimbres Community Radio 89.1 FM Silver City on Wednesdays at Noon and rebroadcast Wednesdays at 6 pm and Thursdays at 8 am
Or listen to this episode at your convenience via this link…
New Mexico’s daily COVID cases spiked again yesterday with 2,112 new cases, 359 daily cases more than last week’s record high of 1,753. New Mexico’s rolling 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases is nearly 10 times greater than the state’s target for a safe “reopening” process.
The Department of Health also reported 357 additional deaths over the past 7-days for a total of 1,264 deaths and an additional 624 hospitalizations over the past week. According to DOH, 17 percent of New Mexicans who have been hospitalized for COVID-19 have died, or almost one in five. [link]
754 people are currently hospitalized and officials for the state’s largest medical systems have warned that uncontrolled spread could mean disaster for hospitals. This is due in part to limitations on transferring patients to neighboring states of Texas, Arizona and Colorado that are also dealing with serious outbreaks.
In Grant County, the Department of Health reported 77 new cases since last week for a total of 329 cases, with one additional death for 6 total deaths. 98 people have recovered in Grant County from the virus.
On Friday, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a reset on restrictive public health orders that took effect on Monday in an effort to curtail the spread of the virus and relieve dramatically escalating strain on hospitals and health care providers across the state. [press release]
“The rate of spread and the emergency within our state hospitals are clear indicators that we cannot sustain the current situation without significant interventions to modify individual behavior,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “We had hoped targeted crackdowns, limited hours of operation and amplified messaging and enforcement would make the difference and slow the spread and relieve our hospitals. The public health data make clear, however, that more aggressive restrictions are not only warranted but essential if we are to prevent mass casualties.”
New Mexicans are instructed to stay at home except for only those trips that are essential to health, safety and welfare – such as for food and water, emergency medical care, to obtain a flu shot or to obtain a test for COVID-19.
Essential businesses – such as grocery stores, pharmacies, shelters, child care facilities, gas stations, infrastructure operations and others – must minimize operations and in-person staffing to the greatest extent possible but may remain open for limited essential in-person activities.
Food and drink establishments may provide curbside pickup and delivery services; on-site dining is prohibited. Essential retail spaces may not exceed either 25 percent of maximum occupancy or 75 customers at any one time, whichever is smaller. These essential retail spaces must close by 10 p.m. nightly and may reopen at 4 a.m.
The full emergency public health order is available at cv.nmhealth.org
THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS REMINDED NEW MEXICANS ABOUT WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR COVID-19:
Symptomatic people displaying the COVID-19 symptoms of cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or loss of taste or smell.
Asymptomatic people who are close contacts or household members of New Mexico residents who have already tested positive for the coronavirus;
Asymptomatic people who live or work in congregate settings such as detention centers and long-term care facilities;
Patients who are scheduled for surgery and whose provider has advised them to get tested before the procedure.
For more information on COVID testing and contact tracing in New Mexico go to www.togethernm.org
LOCAL COVID TESTING SCHEDULE (note time changes)
The Grant County Public Health Office provides free testing every Tuesday from 8:00a.m. to 11:00 am and every Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm.
Appointments can be scheduled by registering on the following website:
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 1-575-388-1511 for an appointment.
The state Department of Health reminds New Mexicans of the following:
If you feel sick, do not leave your home. If you feel any symptoms of COVID-19, seek out a COVID-19 test. Testing sites and hours are available at cv.nmhealth.org and togethernm.org.
Please be patient after receiving your COVID-19 test. As cases rise, so does demand for testing. After you receive your COVID-19 test, monitor yourself for symptoms. If you are having symptoms or tested because of an exposure, you should assume that you are infectious and self-isolate even if your symptoms resolve. You can spread the virus without knowing you are positive and without having symptoms.
If you test positive for COVID-19, do not leave your home to do errands or to see friends. If you are infected with COVID-19, you must not leave your home unless you are seeking out emergency medical care.
Finally, if you need emergency medical care, call 9-1-1, not the Department of Health information hotline.
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES ALL NEW MEXICANS TO GET THEIR ANNUAL FLU SHOT
With flu season underway and expected to continue through early May, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is urging all New Mexicans to get their flu shot this year.
“This year, it is more important than ever to get your flu shot,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
“Getting your flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from the complications, hospitalizations, or death that influenza can cause,” said Dr. Chris Novak, New Mexico Department of Health Public Health Medical Director. “In addition, getting a flu shot saves healthcare resources and hospital rooms for treating COVID-19 patients and others with more serious health conditions.”
The following groups of people are strongly recommended to be vaccinated because they are at high risk for complications from influenza, or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:
Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
Pregnant women (all trimesters), and up to two weeks post-partum
People ages 65 years and older
People of any age with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease, and those who are immunocompromised
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including healthcare personnel and caregivers of babies younger than six months
American Indians and Alaskan Natives
People who are morbidly obese
Caregivers to the groups mentioned above and all healthcare workers need to get vaccinated every year to protect the people they care for or treat.
People in these groups should also consider seeing their healthcare provider as early as possible to be evaluated for antiviral medication if they develop flu symptoms because the sooner that these medications are begun, the better the chance of preventing serious complications. For more information, visit www.togethernm.org/flu
HIDALGO MEDICAL SERVICES DRIVE-THROUGH FLU VACCINATION CLINIC
Hidalgo Medical Services will be holding a free, limited contact, drive-through flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, November 21 at HMS clinics in Silver City and Lordsburg. Pre-registration is required at hms-nm.org. If you don’t have internet access you can register by calling 888-271-3596. Vaccinations are for persons 18+ years of age.
FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULES
The Food Pantry at the Gospel Mission located at 111 South Texas Street in Silver City is open for drive thru only on Wednesdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am. Emergency Dry Food Boxes are available once a month to individuals upon request. There is also a Daily soup kitchen: Breakfast takes place from 9:00-10:00 Mon-Fri and Lunch occurs every day from 12-1 pm. Showers and clothes are also made available to those in need. Call 575 388-5071 for more information.
St. Francis Newman Center Food Pantry located at 914 W. 13th St. Silver City is open every Monday at 4 pm. Cash assistance for rent, utilities, bus passes and prescription drugs is also provided. Call 575-388-4933 for more information.
Senior Citizens Mobile Food Pantry
Held on the third Wednesday of the month, the next Senior Citizens Mobile Food Pantry will be held TODAY November 18th from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3755 N. Swan Street, for any senior in Grant County (55 and older).
If you are a senior or disabled adult and cannot access groceries, please call the state’s Senior and Disabled Adult Food Hotline at 1-800-432-2080. Leave a message with your name, telephone number and city that you reside in and you will be contacted within 2 hours of your call.
Mimbres Valley Health Action League Mobile Food Pantry
Held the 3rd Wednesday of the month, the next Mimbres Valley Health Action League mobile Food Pantry will be held today – November 18th – from Noon to 2pm at the Roundup Lodge, 94 Acklin Hill Rd. Call 575-574-7674 for more information.
RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE NEW PNM COVID CUSTOMER RELIEF PROGRAM
PNM customers needing financial assistance with their electricity bills can apply through the new PNM Covid Customer Relief Program.
Eligibility is based on household income:
$50-$200 will be available per eligible residential customer and $150-$200 per eligible small business. The amount of financial assistance provided will vary depending on how much is past due.
Qualified customers must pay at least 25% of the past-due balance
You must apply no later than December 31, or until funds last, by calling PNM at 855-364-2950 Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM – 6 PM or visit PNM.com.
Assistance is available on a first come, first served basis. Full list of eligibility and requirements is available at PNM.com/help
EMERGENCY MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Homewise is offering Emergency Mortgage Assistance to those affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and do not qualify for unemployment or government assistance at this time, contact a Homewise representative at (505) 983-9473 or visit the Homewise Website https://homewise.org/
WATER UTILITY AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR BAYARD RESIDENTS
Are you a Bayard resident that needs help with water and rent?
CARES Act funding is available to help Bayard residents with water utility and rent bills. Call Bayard City Hall at 575-537-3327 or visit COVID-19 programs and information on Bayard’s website at cityofbayardnm.com for the online application.
CARES ACT SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUITY GRANTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR BAYARD BUSINESSES
The City of Bayard has received $93,188 in funding under the Small Business Continuity Grant – CARES Act Relief Funds and Bayard businesses are encouraged to apply. Applications and eligibility requirements can be downloaded from the City of Bayard website at www.cityofbayardnm.com [LINK]
Small businesses headquartered in New Mexico with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, have revenue of $2 million or less prior to COVID, and either have been forced to close or severely curtail business operations as a result of closure orders from the state can apply.
Business Continuity expenses such as non-owner employee payroll, rent, scheduled mortgage payments, insurance, utilities and marketing are covered, as well as business redesign in response to COVID are covered under the grant.
Applications will be received until December 5, 2020 and awards will be made until funds are exhausted.
COVID-19 CARE PACKAGE DISTRIBUTION TO HURLEY AND NORTH HURLEY
The Town of Hurley will be distributing COVID-19 care packages to Hurley and North Hurley water utility customers on Thursday, November 19 from 10 am to 4pm at the Hurley Community Center located at 302 Carrasco Avenue. Residents will be required to provide water account name, address and telephone number.
APPLY FOR ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS BY NOVEMBER 21
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is reaching out to about 60,000 New Mexicans who may not have received or applied for the Economic Impact Payments authorized by the federal CARES Act earlier this year.
Taxation and Revenue, with the help of the New Mexico Human Services Department, identified people who may not have filed a federal tax return in 2018 or 2019 and, as a result, did not automatically receive their federal stimulus payment.
Individuals may be eligible for payments of up to $1,200, depending on income, plus an additional $500 per qualifying child.
It’s not too late to register for stimulus money even if you didn’t file a tax return. If you or someone you know is eligible, but hasn’t claimed it yet, the state is urging every New Mexican to register to get the money they’re eligible for before the IRS deadline of Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Mountain Time. To apply and for more information, go to irs.gov
REOPENING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS AFTER REPEATED DISRUPTION TO EMPLOYMENT DUE TO COVID-19
The Department of Workforce Solutions announced that New Mexicans may be able to reopen their unemployment insurance claim after repeated disruption to employment due to COVID-19. Individuals who had previously been on unemployment, returned to work and now may be let go from their job again or have hours reduced, may have the option to reopen their Unemployment Insurance claim.
For more information on how to reopen a claim, visit the Department of Workforce Solutions website at dws.state.nm.us. [press release]
COVID RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Do you need help talking to your children about the coronavirus?
Having conversations with your children allows you to know what they understand about COVID and what they might not. It also helps them develop a deeper understanding of the situation through questions and open dialogue and helps them feel safe.
For more resources including tips for parents, behavioral health support, easy ways to explain COVID to children and young adults, and free tutoring for students K-12, visit PullTogether.org.
SILVER CITY MAINSTREET CASH MOB
Get all of your holiday shopping done from the safety and comfort of your home by shopping online at Downtown Silver City Cash Mobs. Organized by Silver City MainStreet, the virtual shopping events are held online using Facebook Live. Merchants have the opportunity to showcase 50 of their items for sale. Shoppers watch the event and use the comment section to shop. Volunteers track the comment section to record purchases and the merchant reaches out to the shopper the next day to arrange pick up or shipping.
Wednesday, Nov. 18, the Silver City Cash Mob will showcase Power and Light Press
Friday, Nov. 20, Soul River
Monday, Nov. 30, Oasis Tea and Coffee House
Wednesday, Dec. 2, Silver City Museum Store
Friday, Dec 14, Grant County Art Guild
Wednesday, Dec. 16, Light Art Space
All of the Cash Mobs are from 5 pm to 7 pm. Support local, love local through Silver City Cash Mobs!
Thank you for joining us on Coronavirus Update here on Gila Mimbres Community Radio, KURU 89.1 FM, streaming online at GMCR.org. Please visit our website at GMCR.org for all of today’s updates, links to resources, as well as replays of today’s and past shows
Remember that Every New Mexican must work together to stem the spread of COVID-19. Stay home, especially if you are sick. Wear a mask or face covering when in public and around others.
New Mexicans who report symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or loss of taste or smell should call their health care provider or the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline immediately (1-855-600-3453).
Please continue to visit our website, grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org, links to the information included in this update plus more local, state and federal information and resources to help keep you, your family and our community safe in these times.
While you’re there, you can also join our mailing list to receive these updates via email
And don’t forget that you can send us your updates via our email address at info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org or on facebook at grant county coronavirus update.
Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Today on Coronavirus Update, host Marcus Hanson talks to Charmeine Wait and Brenda Tozier of Silver City MainStreet about the upcoming Cash Mob event to support local downtown businesses. 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 […]
