Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update – October 14, 2020

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Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Wednesday, October 14, 2020. Today on Coronavirus Update, co-producer Andrea Warner talks to Terry Anderson, Executive Director of Grant County Community Partnership for Children. Terry will talk to us about early childcare services in Grant County and how this sector of essential workers and essential working families are collaborating to stay safe  and  share resources for local childcare during the Pandemic..

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


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…


Just one week ago, 355 new cases of COVID-19 would have been the second-highest number of cases reported in a single day, and the most since late July. But in the last seven days, the state has reported five days with 355 or more cases. Also on Tuesday, the Department of Health reported 3 additional deaths related to the disease.

The Department of Health has now reported 33,713 confirmed cases and 918 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. New cases rose 2766 this week, up from 1790 new cases from last week’s totals.

As has been the case for several days, Bernalillo County had the most reported new cases on Tuesday, this time with 121. Doña Ana County had 50 new cases, while Curry County , Sandoval County , Lea County , Chaves County and Valencia County each also had double-digit numbers of new cases.

The state crossed the one million test mark as of Monday, 1,011,320 tests yesterday, an increase of 8,414 tests since Monday.

In Grant County, there have been 147 cases reported with 15 new cases since last week, almost double the new cases from the week prior. There have been 5 reported recoveries since last week bringing that number to 58 recovered and 89 active cases. The positivity rate has increased to 2.20 which means that every active case may infect two or more individuals, indicating the virus is spreading.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday announced the state of New Mexico will implement, and in some cases re-implement, several public health regulations later in the week to stem the alarming rise of COVID-19 illnesses statewide. [press release]

The governor also reiterated her stark warnings from recent weeks – as COVID-19 infections have spread rapidly throughout all regions of the state, including an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations – that New Mexico may in the near future be compelled to re-enact even more stringent public health controls to blunt the spread of the highly infectious and potentially lethal virus, which has already killed almost 1,000 New Mexicans.

The state has missed its reopening gating criteria – a measure of the spread of the virus that signals whether additional day-to-day activity is safe and can be permitted – for several weeks. Absent an improvement in those data, the state of New Mexico will once again restrict indoor dining service and significantly roll back maximum occupancy allowances at other retail and dining establishments.

The following public health restrictions and guidelines remain in place:

  • Masks are required in all public settings in New Mexico for the benefit of public health.
  • A period of self-quarantine is mandatory for visitors and New Mexicans returning from out-of-state from most U.S. states.​

The next public health order for COVID-19, which will go into effect on Oct. 16, will impose some further restrictions, including a curfew for food and drink establishments, a reduction in hotel occupancy and amendments to the quarantine requirements for those traveling from out of state.

The state also will bar any public gatherings of five or more individuals. The state had eased this to allow gatherings of up to ten people in late August.

The new changes do not include any new full closures.

  • Food and drink establishments will have to close by 10 p.m
  • Hotel occupancy will be reduced to 60 percent for hotels that have completed the state’s safe certified training program and 25 percent for those who have not. Previously, the occupancy was 75 percent and 50 percent.
  • While those who travel from high-risk states will have to self-quarantine for 14 days or their duration of time in New Mexico, whichever is longer. They will no longer be able to be exempt from the quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 within three days of their entry into the state.

The Governor and other public health officials are expected to discuss these changes at the weekly COVID-19 briefing tomorrow, Thursday October 15.

NEW QUARANTINE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CDC

The CDC has issued new quarantine recommendations for individuals who are sick or might have been exposed to COVID-19.

People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should stay home and quarantine unless they’ve already had COVID-19 within the past 3 months.

Here are the following situations defined as “close contact”:

  • You were in close contact if you were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more,
  • you provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19, you had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them),
  • you shared eating or drinking utensils,
  • or IF someone sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.

Get more information on how to safely quarantine at www.cdc.gov

REMINDER ABOUT WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR COVID-19

The Department of Health has issued a reminder to 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-19 TESTING SCHEDULE

The Grant County Public Health Office provides free testing every Tuesday from 8:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. and every Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

Appointments can be scheduled by registering on the following website:
https://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 1-575-388-1511 for an appointment.

GET YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT

NM Department of Health urges all New Mexicans to get their annual flu shot – particularly if you are a member of one or more of the following groups:

  • People age 65 and older
  • Young children, especially those under 2 years old
  • American indian and alaska natives
  • People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease
  • Pregnant women and up to 2 weeks postpartum
  • Morbidly obese persons

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, hospitals, and public health offices, as well in some worksites and schools.

The New Mexico Department of Health encourages those with health insurance to contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting a flu vaccine. The Health Department offers vaccinations for people without insurance or who are otherwise not able to get vaccinated. Those with Medicaid or other insurance who go to Public Health Offices are asked to bring their insurance card.

Additional information on the flu from the New Mexico Department of Health can be found at https://www.TogetherNM.org/flu.

WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS BEGIN FOR UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMANTS

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will require weekly work searches for unemployment claimants beginning Sunday, October 25, 2020 barring any changes to the State of New Mexico Health Orders and guidance issued by the New Mexico Department of Health and Governor Lujan Grisham. [PRESS RELEASE]

Beginning the week of Sunday, October 18, claimants receiving regular unemployment benefits must start documenting at least two work search activities per week. Verifiable searches must be reported during the weekly certification process beginning Sunday, October 25, 2020, and each week thereafter.

Claimants may also fulfill their work search requirements by attending a workshop offered by New Mexico Workforce Connection Centers across the state. At this time all workshops are being offered online. For more information on workshops visit dws.state.nm.us/workshops.

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, 21st of October 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.
Call 1-800-432-2080

Mimbres Valley Health Action League Mobile Food Pantry
3rd Wednesday of the month, October 21st from Noon to 2pm at the Roundup Lodge, 94 Acklin Hill Rd. Call 575-574-7674 for more information.

The Commons Gila Valley Mobile Food Pantry – Buckhorn, Cliff, Gila & Redrock residents, Third Tuesday October 20th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m, Fairgrounds in Cliff

The Commons Mining District Mobile Food Pantry – Third Tuesdays, october 20th 1 – 3 pm, for Santa Clara, Bayard, Hanover & Hurley residents. Bataan Memorial Park in Santa Clara (directions: Follow U.S. Highway 180 to Santa Clara and turn north onto the Fort Bayard Medical Center access road. The park is on the left side of the road near the hospital.)

For more information on the Commons Food Pantries please contact The Commons at
(575) 388-2988

NEW SUPPLEMENTAL SNAP INCREASES BEING ISSUED IN OCTOBER

The New Mexico Human Services Department announced that New Mexico households receiving SNAP benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of October.

These increases were made to help reduce food insecurity for New Mexicans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SNAP households will automatically receive the additional allotment in the same way they receive their current benefits.

Individuals seeking to apply for SNAP benefits may apply online through www.yes.state.nm.us or by phone at 1-800-283-4465. Newly approved SNAP recipients will be eligible for the supplemental benefit.

DOUBLE YOUR SNAP BENEFITS AT SILVER CITY FARMERS MARKETS

Silver City Farmers’ Market accepts EBT and Pandemic-EBT cards and offers Double Up Food Bucks to double your SNAP benefits. Use your EBT card and get half off all purchases.

  • Saturdays 9 am — 12 pm at the corner of Pope St. and College Avenue in the old Life Quest parking lot
  • Wednesdays 9 am — 12 pm at Ace Hardware Parking Lot
    Visit the website at https://www.silvercityfarmersmarket.info/.

NEW MEXICO CRISIS AND ACCESS LINE 

If life disruptions caused by coronavirus are having an emotional toll on you or someone you love, you are not alone– many more people are dealing with feelings of sadness and anxiety right now. The NM Crisis and Access Line is available any time, free and confidential. 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474)

The Talk Helpline, 1-855-NMCRISIS, provides immediate assistance, referrals, and someone to talk to in times of overwhelming feelings. Professional counselor staff are trained to help people manage stress reactions, anxiety, dealing with loss and promoting positive coping activities, including those that help strengthen resilience.

More information at nmcrisisline.com

COVID-SAFE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

New Mexico State has launched COVID-safe, family-friendly Halloween events
It’s officially fall. When everything is pumpkin flavored and kids, and some adults, can’t wait to dress up for Halloween. This year is different but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the pumpkin carving, decorating or candy.

Visit TogetherNM.org to find recipes, arts and crafts ideas and other suggestions on how to celebrate Halloween safely.

There will be virtual costume contests and winners will be announced on October 31st. To join in the fun go to https://www.togethernm.org/halloween/

VOTING IN GRANT COUNTY

It’s not too late to register to vote. This year the Grant County Clerk’s office and the Bayard Community Center are offering voter registration until October 31st.

Early Voting is happening now. Those wishing to early vote may do so in Silver City at
The Grant County Clerk’s office
1400 Highway 180 East
October 6–30, M–F, 8 am–5 pm
Sat. October 31, 8 am–5 pm

Or in Bayard at the
Bayard Community Center
290 Hurley Avenue
Sat. October 17, 9 am–6 pm
Tues-Sat, October 20–31, 9 am–6 pm

If you choose to vote absentee by mail, the application must be received in the clerk’s office no later than Tuesday, October 20, 2020. You also have the option to apply for an absentee ballot online at NMVote.org.

For all Grant County Voter information please visit the Grant County Clerk’s Office at
grantcountyNM.gov

NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUITY GRANT

Small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for a State of New Mexico Small Business Continuity Grant. These grants cover expenses associated with rent, non-owner payroll, mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, and marketing.

Also, covered are costs associated with COVID-19 reconfiguring. For information regarding these grants and other help for your small business please call the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce at 575-538-3785.

There are limited grants available, so complete your application for consideration today.
The grant application with requirements and full details is available on the Silver City Grant county Chamber of Commerce website at silvercity.org

ARE YOU IN NEED OF CHILD CARE?

Since the beginning of the public health emergency, New Mexico’s child care providers have been open for business.

The state of New Mexico—in partnership with child care providers—have developed some of the clearest, most detailed health and safety regulations in the country. As a result, child care providers have kept COVID cases low through Handwashing, Temperature-taking, Cleaning and sanitation, social Distancing, Mask-wearing, and Rapid response and testing if a positive case occurs.

Last year, the state raised financial eligibility thresholds for child care assistance

Here’s what you’ll need to apply for financial assistance for child care:
• Proof of income
• School schedules for applicant children • Birth certificates for applicant children • Proof of residence
• Contact info for selected child care provider
Visit nmececd.org and click on “Am I Eligible?” or call 800-691-9067.
Email child.care@state.nm.us if you have questions or concerns about child care.

SOUP N’ BOWL “BEAN-E-FIT” FOR LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

The Commons will be holding a Soup N’ Bowl Bean-e-fit On Oct 17, Oct 21 and Oct 24 th at the Silver City Farmers Market. The fundraiser for The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability will support Grant County Food Pantries. You can purchase hand-thrown pottery, soup bowls, and locally-sourced organic dry bean soup mix. To donate or for more information call 575-388-2988

For information on how to participate in these events and more go to WNMU.EDU

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.

Please continue to visit our website, grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org, for a clearinghouse of 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 new email address at info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org or on facebook at grant county coronavirus update.

Written by: Allyson Siwik

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Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update – October 7, 2020

Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Today on Coronavirus Update, co-producer Andrea Warner talks to Alexandra Tager, Program Coordinator for Western New Mexico University Department of Cultural Affairs, about how the Department of Cultural affairs has been affected by the pandemic, the changes that they have implemented to continue to support the arts in Grant County, and upcoming COVID-safe events hosted by the Cultural Affairs Department. […]

today7 October 2020 38


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