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Community Spotlight: Farmers Market GMCR KURU 89.1 FM
Grant County Coronavirus Update
October 9th, 2021
Grant County 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.
Listen below:
The show airs on Saturdays at 11 am on Gila/Mimbres Community Radio KURU 89.1 FM Silver City and streaming at gmcr.org.
Send us your updates to info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org
Resources
NM Dept of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Registration hotline 1-855-600-3453 or visit vaccinenm.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
Donations to Community COVID-19 Response – Grant County Community Foundation
Grant County Coronavirus Update website – grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org
Grant County Vaccine Information – 575-597-7029 or visit vaccinegrantcounty.org
State News
The New Mexico Department of Health on Thursday announced 1,025 new cases of coronavirus. Since last week there have been 4155 additional cases announced for a total of 257,970 with 53 additional deaths over the past week for a total of 4,854 deaths in New Mexico.
349 individuals remain hospitalized in New Mexico, which is an increase of 2 from last week.
Source: https://cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
As of Friday, 80.7% of New Mexicans 18+ have received their first dose of the two-shot vaccine for COVID-19, while 71.3% have been fully vaccinated, according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard.
Source: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
Grant County News
In Grant County, the Department of Health on Thursday reported 81 new COVID cases since last week, for a total of 2,166 cases.
No deaths have been reported in Grant County in the last week. 48 people in Grant County have lost their lives due to COVID since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
Source: cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
As of Tuesday, the Department of Health also reports that 75% of Grant County residents are partially vaccinated and 69.4% are fully vaccinated.
Source: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
Announcements
State of New Mexico Offers Guidance on Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses
On Monday 9/27/21, the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) offered guidance on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster distribution, following a series of steps taken by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) last week.
Recommendations
- CDC recommends that the following groups should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine):
o people aged 65 years and older;
o residents aged 18 years and older in long-term care settings;
o people aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions.
- CDC also recommends that the following groups may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 Vaccine at least 6 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks:
o people aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions;
o people aged 18–64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.
- These recommendations only apply to people who previously received a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series (i.e., the first 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine).
- Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers as previously detailed by the CDC:
o First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff);
o Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers);
o Food and agriculture workers;
o Manufacturing workers;
o Corrections workers;
o U.S. Postal Service workers;
o Public transit workers;
o Grocery store workers.
Access to Pfizer Booster Doses for Qualifying Patients in New Mexico
- New Mexico COVID-19 vaccine providers can start providing the Pfizer booster dose to eligible patients immediately.
- NMDOH is asking providers to prioritize, through scheduling and outreach, the higher risk groups: those 65 years and over and those who are 50 – 64 with underlying medical conditions.
- NM will follow the eligibility criteria set forth by the CDC and included in the updated EUA. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov) but will work to prioritize the people at highest risk first.
- Eligible patients are encouraged to schedule their booster dose with their medical team – their primary care provider, specialist, or pharmacy provider.
- The statewide registration app – https://vaccineNM.org – allows booster dose scheduling for people who meet the above criteria for a Pfizer booster dose. Appointments for the first two weeks will be reserved for those in the highest risk categories: age 65+ and 50 – 64 years with underlying medical conditions. Going forward, a portion of appointments will be reserved for this high-risk group.
- New Mexicans who need help scheduling can call the DOH hotline at 1-855-600-3453; option 0. This hotline is primarily intended for seniors and those without internet.
- DOH recognizes that not all providers or patients use the registration app. Patients can schedule either through the registration app or through their medical team, primary care provider, or pharmacist.
- DOH especially encourages New Mexicans to schedule their booster doses (and any remaining primary doses) alongside their regular flu shots. These shots can be administered at the same time.
- Proof of qualifying condition is not required; however, patients should be able to provide verbal information about their medical condition.
- DOH encourages medical teams to reach out to their eligible patients to inform them of the Pfizer booster dose recommendation.
State extends indoor mask requirement through October 15
The statewide requirement that face masks be worn in all indoor public spaces, with only limited exceptions and regardless of vaccination status, has been extended through October 15. The governor, acting upon the counsel and analysis of the state Medical Advisory Team and state health officials, may decide to extend or lift the mask requirement as necessary.
The mask requirement applies to all individuals aged 2 and older in all indoor public settings – except when eating or drinking. Masks are required for everyone in school buildings regardless of vaccination status. Businesses, houses of worship and other entities may enact stricter requirements at their discretion.
The second public health order, originally implemented last month, still requires all workers in New Mexico hospitals and congregate care facilities to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with only limited exceptions, and also requires school workers who are not yet fully vaccinated to be tested for COVID-19 once a week.
Source: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2021/09/15/state-to-extend-indoor-mask-requirement/
CDC launches COVID-19 resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The COVID-1 pandemic has created unique challenges for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To address them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a COVID-19 toolkit with communication resources explaining in plain language how people with IDD and caregivers can protect themselves from the virus.
To develop the toolkit, CDC hosted multiple discussions with adults with IDD and their caregivers, who were most often family members, and asked them to share their individual experiences and what they found helpful in talking about COVID-19 with their loved ones.
Tools to start the conversation
The toolkit contains social stories, videos, posters, and interactive activities that focus on five topics:
- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine
- Wearing a mask
- Social distancing
- Hand washing
- Getting a COVID-19 test
There is also a tip sheetpdf icon for caregivers that offers suggestions for things they can do to ease their loved one’s worries about the virus.
“Parents and caregivers work hard to help the person they support stay healthy and safe. These materials can help parents or other caregivers of people with IDD navigate important conversations about COVID-19,” said Remley.
Resources for individuals with deafness or hearing loss
In addition to the toolkit, CDC developed videos and web resources in American Sign Language (ASL). To date, more than 40 ASL videos and 25 easy-to-read documents have been produced and viewed by more than 1 million people.
Visit CDC’s full suite of COVID-19 materials for people with IDD and their caregivers at COVID-19 Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Care Providers | CDC
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0831-cdc-launches-covid-19-resources.html
Reports of Severe Illness Associated with Use of Products Containing Ivermectin to Prevent or Treat COVID-19
The New Mexico Department of Health, (NMDOH) in collaboration with the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, is monitoring cases of ivermectin toxicity among persons attempting to treat COVID-19.
NMDOH is asking all health care providers to report ivermectin toxicity cases effective today. In addition, all deaths related to ivermectin fall under the statutory requirement to report to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Ivermectin is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription medication used to treat certain infections caused by internal and external parasites. Ivermectin is not authorized or approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. When used as prescribed for approved indications, it is generally safe and well tolerated.
Clinical effects of ivermectin overdose include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Overdoses are associated with hypotension and neurologic effects such as decreased consciousness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, coma, and death. Ivermectin may potentiate the effects of other drugs that cause central nervous system depression such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of an ivermectin overdose, call 911.
New CDC Data: COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Pregnant People
CDC has released new data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people and is recommending all people 12 years of age and older get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“CDC encourages all pregnant people or people who are thinking about becoming pregnant and those breastfeeding to get vaccinated to protect themselves from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “The vaccines are safe and effective, and it has never been more urgent to increase vaccinations as we face the highly transmissible Delta variant and see severe outcomes from COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant people.”
A new CDC analysisexternal icon of current data from the v-safe pregnancy registry assessed vaccination early in pregnancy and did not find an increased risk of miscarriage among nearly 2,500 pregnant women who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriage typically occurs in about 11-16% of pregnancies, and this study found miscarriage rates after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were around 13%, similar to the expected rate of miscarriage in the general population.
Previously, data from three safety monitoring systems did not find any safety concerns for pregnant people who were vaccinated late in pregnancy or for their babies. Combined, these data and the known severe risks of COVID-19 during pregnancy demonstrate that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant people outweigh any known or potential risks.
Clinicians have seen the number of pregnant people infected with COVID-19 rise in the past several weeks. The increased circulation of the highly contagious Delta variant, the low vaccine uptake among pregnant people, and the increased risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19 infection among pregnant people make vaccination for this population more urgent than ever.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0811-vaccine-safe-pregnant.html
PNM urges past-due customers to immediately contact utility
PNM is resuming disconnections as soon as August 16, for residential customers who are past due on their electric bill after the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has ended the temporary emergency COVID moratorium.
Despite nonpayment, nearly 44,000 customers have been provided power for the last year and a half since the start of the pandemic, according to a news release. These customers are still responsible for paying for the electricity they used. PNM wants to help avoid shut-off situations, but customers must immediately take action by contacting PNM online at PNM. com/help or by calling 888-DIAL-PNM (888342-5766) from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
There are only three ways to avoid disconnection:
- Contact PNM to obtain financial assistance to help pay down or possibly pay off your past due balance.
- Contact PNM to get on a payment plan to pay over multiple months, so you do not have to worry about bringing your account current with just one payment.
- Immediately pay your past-due balance in full.
Disconnecting power is not something PNM wants to do, according to the release. In fact, PNM wants to help customers avoid it. Several thousand customers have recently set up a payment plan with PNM to catch up on their bill, helping them avoid disconnection, but it is critical that millions of dollars of financial assistance is not left on the table for the remaining New Mexicans who need help paying their utility bill.
For financial assistance with your past-due PNM bill, apply online at PNM.com/help or call PNM. PNM will review your qualifications with the following assistance programs to help pay down, or possibly pay off, your past-due PNM bill. In some cases, programs can be combined to maximize the amount of assistance you receive.
Source: https://silvercitydailypress-nm.newsmemory.com/?publink=02be8e570_1345ea4
State reminds public: Faking vax cards is a crime
Fraudulent use endangers public health, safety
The state of New Mexico is reminding the public that it is a crime to falsify or fraudulently use a CDC vaccination card because it puts the health and safety of others at great risk, including children who are too young to be vaccinated.
As the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus surges nationally, a cottage industry has developed to provide fake vaccination cards, which some unscrupulous individuals who refuse to be vaccinated are using to avoid face mask requirements or other COVID safety protocols.
“This national trend of providing imitation vaccination cards is dangerous, and it’s carelessly placing countless New Mexicans at risk,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Don’t do it. If you do, New Mexico law enforcement and criminal justice agencies are poised to address that behavior with the full weight of the law. Get vaccinated instead and help protect our state — schedule an appointment today at VaccineNM.org.
Anyone who suspects fraudulent use of a vaccination card should report it immediately by calling the Department of Health at 1-833-551-0518 or by submitting your concern through this online portal.
Source: https://cv.nmhealth.org/2021/08/13/state-reminds-public-faking-vax-cards-is-a-crime/
Department of Health Calls for Healthcare Providers to Register and Administer Vaccines
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is calling on all New Mexico healthcare providers caring for immunosuppressed patients to register with the agency as an approved COVID-19 vaccine provider in anticipation of federal approval and recommendation for booster shots for portions of New Mexico’s population.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is imminently expected to authorize a booster dose of COVID vaccines for patients with weakened immune systems.
For physicians wishing to register to administer COVID-19 booster shots, please contact the New Mexico Statewide Immunization Information system (NMSIIS) Help Desk at covid.vaccines@state.nm.us or register online at https://cv.nmhealth.org/providers/vaccines/vaccine-provider-portal/
State agencies partner with Vitalant to combat blood shortage
Blood donations in New Mexico have plummeted due to COVID-19, with Vitalant cancelling more than 1,600 blood drives during the pandemic
Santa Fe, NM – Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. And while the COVID-19 pandemic has caused blood donations to decline by anywhere from 30% to 70% in most developed nations, U.S. hospitals have also seen a significant rise in trauma cases, organ transplants, and other surgeries that require blood products. As a result, the United States is experiencing a severe blood shortage that is limiting access to critical care in hospitals nationwide.
Here in New Mexico, the pandemic has forced Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, to cancel more than 1,600 blood donation events. And while New Mexico’s high school students typically account for 30% of Vitalant’s blood donations, in-school donations have essentially dropped to zero with most students learning remotely.
“It takes over 300 blood donations a day to meet the needs of area patients and to be ready for emergencies,” said Pascen Booth, Senior Manager for Vitalant. “We all expect blood to be there for us if we ever need it, and with this decline in donations we are currently at critical need.”
To combat this shortage, the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and the Department of Health (DOH) have partnered with Vitalant to raise awareness of the critical need for blood donors, highlight donation events across the state, and recruit ambassadors among the state’s health and emergency management professionals to amplify this message in their communities.
How to Donate
To learn more and schedule an appointment to donate, please visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825) or the local number at 505-246-1457. Residents can also click here to access Vitalant’s donations portal, where you can search for donation events based on your zip code.
Source: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2021/8/?view=1591
New Mexico’s Eviction Moratorium Remains in Place
Apply Now for Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Available
New Mexico’s Eviction Moratorium remains in place. The State Supreme Court will decide when to lift the moratorium and it has not set an expiration date yet.
If you are in need of assistance, the state of New Mexico will grant approximately $170M of federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. New Mexicans can apply for assistance at www.RentHelpNM.org.
Renters across the state are eligible for the program — except for residents of Bernalillo County, Dona Ana County, and those who live in a pueblo or tribal area. Those two counties, as well as tribal governments, will administer their own Rental Assistance Programs. Those seeking assistance should review the current FAQ at www.RentHelpNM.org to learn more about eligibility and documentation needed for their application.
The state of New Mexico will either pay the landlord and/or the utility provider directly depending on the financial assistance request by the applicant. Landlords and utility providers are encouraged to download a W9 and submit it to DFA via ERAVendor.Relations@state.nm.us as soon as possible to ensure a streamlined process for receiving payment.
For more information visit www.RentHelpNM.org
Vaccine Information
Vaccine Sites and Times
- Albertsons Pharmacy, 1956 US-180 E, Silver City. Hours: M-F 8am – 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am – 5pm
- Appointment required
- Register online first at the link below
- Walgreens Pharmacy, 100 Rosedale Rd, Silver City. Hours: M-F 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 6pm. Pharmacy closed 1:30 – 2pm for meal break.
- Same day and walk-in appointments available
- To schedule an appointment by phone, call your local pharmacy (575-388-3113 or 1-800-WALGREENS)
- To schedule online, visit this website: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/findcare/coronavirus.jsp?ban=dl_dlDLB_03292020_covid19
- CVS Pharmacy, 610 Silver Heights Blvd, Silver City. Hours: M-F 8am – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 6pm
- Walk-in vaccinations available within pharmacy hours
- Scheduling of vaccinations also available
- Walmart Pharmacy, 2501 US-180, Silver City. Hours: Open until 8pm
- Appointment required. Visit this website: https://www.walmart.com/account/login?returnUrl=%2Fpharmacy%2Fclinical-services%2Fimmunization%2Fscheduled%3Fimztype%3Dcovid%26emailMe%3Dfalse
- Silver Health Care, 1600 E. 32nd Street, Silver City, NM 88061, (575) 538-2981. Must register with NMDOH https://goodtimes.vaccinenm.org/stay-ahead-nm/, and schedule for Thursday morning vaccination.
Hidalgo Medical Services COVID-19 Community Clinics in Grant County and Hidalgo County
Hidalgo Medical Services has opened COVID-19 Community Clinics in Grant County and Hidalgo County. These are walk-in clinics with no appointment necessary for COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 testing.
Grant County COVID-19 Community Clinic
E 32nd Street, Silver City, NM 88061 (Across the street from Gila Regional Medical Center)
Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed 12-1 Lunch Break)
Days of Operation: Open 5 days a week. Open one Saturday a month, with the following Monday closure. (See schedule on the website)
Hidalgo County COVID-19 Community Clinic
109 Poplar Street Lordsburg, NM 88045
Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed 12-1 Lunch Break)
Days of Operation: Open rotating days of the week. Open one Saturday a month. (See schedule on the website)
For more information, visit Hidalgo Medical Services website at hms-nm.org
Source: https://hms-nm.org/hms-covid-messages/
State Announces On-Site COVID-19 Vaccination Events for Organizations
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) announced that businesses, nonprofits, religious congregations, community centers, and other organizations can request on-site vaccination events through a new DOH webform at getvaxnm.com.
Organizations that can bring a minimum of 25 people to a vaccination event – through a combination of employees/members, family, or members of the surrounding community – will qualify, and DOH will work with the organization on scheduling. In some cases, DOH may combine multiple requests and create a single event in a given geographical location. DOH may also redirect requesting organizations to pre-existing events.
New Mexicans can also continue to register and self-schedule their vaccine appointments at vaccineNM.org.
Source: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2021/5/?view=1487
For those experiencing difficulties registering or getting a vaccination appointment:
The NM Department of Health encourages all NM residents to register for their COVID-19 Vaccine.
New Mexico is distributing vaccines as swiftly, efficiently, and equitably as possible.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at www.vaccineNM.org
If you do not have access to the internet you can call 1-855-600-3453.
And for Grant County residents, a vaccine hotline has been set up to assist you and answer any questions. Call 575-597-7029.
How to Talk to Family and Friends about COVID-19 Vaccines
Talking with family and friends about the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine can be hard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some tips. You can help by listening without judgement and identifying the root of their concerns. Things to remember to help open the discussion include:
- Listen to questions with empathy
- Ask open-ended questions to explore concerns
- Ask permission to share information
- Help them find their own reason to get vaccinated
- Help make their vaccination happen
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/talk-about-vaccines.html
Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine
Updated August 12, 2021
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.
Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine monitoring has historically shown that side effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose. For this reason, the FDA required each of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be studied for at least two months (eight weeks) after the final dose.
The COVID-19 vaccine helps your body learn how to defend itself from the disease. You may feel uncomfortable for two or three days after you receive the vaccine. After being vaccinated, you may feel some side effects such as:
On the arm where you got the shot:
|
Throughout the rest of your body:
|
If you had a severe or immediate allergic reaction after getting the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get a second dose of either of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Learn about getting a different type of vaccine after an allergic reaction.
Remember
- Side effects can affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine both need 2 shots in order to get the most protection. You should get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get it.
- You only need 1 shot of the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine to get the most protection. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.
- It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or two weeks after the single-dose J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. You should keep using all the tools available to protect yourself and others until you are fully vaccinated.
- Millions of people have received COVID-19 vaccines, and no long-term side effects have been detected.
- CDC continues to closely monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. If scientists find a connection between a safety issue and a vaccine, FDA and the vaccine manufacturer will work toward an appropriate solution to address the specific safety concern (for example, a problem with a specific lot, a manufacturing issue or the vaccine itself).
If you are fully vaccinated, you can participate in many of the activities that you did prior to the pandemic. Learn more about what you can do when you have been fully vaccinated.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 two weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen).
The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings.
As of the July 28th guidance, fully vaccinated people can:
- Participate in many of the activities that they did before the pandemic; for some of these activities, they may choose to wear a mask.
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel and from self-quarantine after travel.
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
- Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible.
Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. However, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. To reduce their risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission. As of 10/8/21, Grant County is an area of high transmission.
- Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 get tested 3-5 days after the date of your exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
- Isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations. The Governor’s mask mandate took effect on 8/20/21 and was extended to October 15, requiring masks indoors in public regardless of vaccine status.
People who are immunocompromised should be counseled about the potential for reduced immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines and to follow current prevention measures (including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they don’t live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces) regardless of their vaccination status to protect themselves against COVID-19 until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
COVID-19 Exposure Notification App available
The New Mexico Department of Health has launched a COVID-19 Exposure Notification System, called the NM Notify App. When activated on a Smartphone, the app alerts individuals when they have been exposed to someone who has verified that they are infected with COVID-19.
The app was designed in a first-of-its-kind partnership between Google and Apple. Once downloaded, the app uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with other phones that have activated the app. Then, if one of the users verifies an infection of COVID-19, all users that have been in contact with the infected person within a 14-day period will receive a notification of possible exposure. The app then directs users on next steps to prevent additional spread of COVID-19.
The NM Notify app is completely safe and anonymous, and fully protects users’ privacy. No personal data is collected through the app. The app is in wide use in many states and around the globe. According to Google and Apple data, every two downloads of the app can prevent one infection.
To learn more about the NM Notify Exposure Notification app, go to NMNotify.com.
Source: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2021/3/?view=1418
Resources
COVID-19 Testing
NM DOH COVID-19 Testing Guidance
Testing Sites and Times
Updated 10/8/21
Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS)
Hidalgo Medical Services has opened COVID-19 Community Clinics in Grant County and Hidalgo County. These are walk-in clinics with no appointment necessary for COVID-19 vaccinations and COVID-19 testing.
Grant County COVID-19 Community Clinic
Address: 1304 E 32nd Street, Silver City, NM 88061 [Note: This address is incorrect – it is the hospital parking lot. The clinic is actually set across the street. A new address is forthcoming]
Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed 12-1 Lunch Break)
Days of Operation: Open 5 days a week. Open one Saturday a month, with the following Monday closure. (See schedule on the website)
Hidalgo County COVID-19 Community Clinic
Address: 109 Poplar Street Lordsburg, NM 88045
Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed 12-1 Lunch Break)
Days of Operation: Open rotating days of the week. Open one Saturday a month. (See schedule on the website)
For more information, visit Hidalgo Medical Services website at hms-nm.org
At-home, self-administered COVID-19 saliva test opportunities
The State of New Mexico is proud to offer fast and accurate COVID-19 saliva testing, at no cost, to any person who feels they need a test.
- Order your test from Vault. The test kit will arrive at your home via expedited shipping.
- Log on for a virtual visit with a Vault test supervisor; they will show you how to collect your saliva sample. You must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew anything for 30 minutes before your testing session.
- Ship your sample to the lab in Oakdale using a prepaid UPS package.
- Get your result 24 to 48 hours after your sample arrives at the lab.
To sign up for a test, and for more information, visit https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/
CDC Update About Surface Cleaning Effectiveness
The principal mode by which people are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 is through exposure to respiratory droplets carrying infectious virus. It is possible for people to be infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites), but the risk is generally considered to be low. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/surface-transmission.html)
The most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces is to regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can also reduce the risk of infection.
Always follow standard practices and appropriate regulations specific to your type of facility for minimum standards for cleaning and disinfection. This guidance is indicated for buildings in community settings and is not intended for healthcare settings or for other facilities where specific regulations or practices for cleaning and disinfection may apply.
Study finds carcinogen above FDA limit in several hand sanitizer brands
As reported by CBS Morning, Valisure, an independent pharmacy and lab that tests drug products for quality, says it tested 260 products and found elevated levels of benzene in more than 20 of them.
Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to it is known to cause blood disorders, including leukemia.
Below is a list of the hand sanitizer brands that this study found have levels of benzene above allowable levels.
- Artnaturals
- SS Lavender & Herbs Scented Sanitizer
- Huangjisoo Hand Sanitizer Gel Type Hand Cleanser
- True Wash Instant Hand Sanitizer Natural
- The Crème Shop Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Peppermint-Scented Infused with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E
- Star Wars Mandalorian Hand Sanitizer (blue and green)
- Body Prescriptions Winter Mint Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
- Born Basic Anti-Bac Hand Sanitizer
- Beauty Concepts Sugar Cookie Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
- Pure Logic Hand Sanitizer Aloe + Green Tea
- Miami Carry On Instant Sanitizer Gel Soothing Gel – Wash Free – With Aloe
- Natural Wunderz Triple Action Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Aloe Vera
- Clean-Protect-Sanitize Hand Sanitizer
- Puretize Hand Sanitizer
- Hand Clean 100 Ethanol Gel
Source:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hand-sanitizer-benzene-cancer-chemical/
Economic Relief Resources
Financial Resources for New Mexicans During the COVID-19 Pandemic & Recovery
The pandemic and economic crisis have created financial hardships for many New Mexicans. Many families have had difficulty accessing the financial resources available to help meet basic needs. In response, we have created the Financial Resource Guide During COVID-19.
The guide is a comprehensive source of information about assistance—and New Mexicans’ rights to access it—available across the state now and in the future.
The guide includes information about programs funded through federal legislation like the American Recovery Plan Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, as well as long-standing state and local programs that can help families with food, housing, healthcare, child care, and more.
Access the resource guide here: http://nmpovertylaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/NMCLP-COVID-Guide.pdf
New Mexico Gas Company COVID-19 Relief for Small Business Customers
Qualified accounts will be eligible for a one-time credit of 0.50 cents for every dollar paid, up to $250, not to exceed the total balance on the account on a first come first served basis.
Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2022 or until all funds have been allocated, whichever comes first.
Program Requirements – To qualify, a small business must be:
- Registered with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
- An active non-residential, Small Volume Rate 54 customer. Please refer to page 2 of your NMGC bill.
- A NM, locally-owned business with 50 or fewer employees.
- Experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19, with an account at least 30 days in arrears.
- Able to pay at least 15% of the past due balance and agree to enter into a payment arrangement for the remaining past due balance.
Source: https://www.nmgco.com/SmallBusiness/CovidRelief
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
The Provider Relief Fund supports families, workers, and the heroic healthcare providers in the battle against COVID-19. Health and Human Services (HHS) is distributing $178 billion to hospitals and healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response.
Check out this website for more information: https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/index.html
Consumer Debt/Bankruptcy Workshop
The New Mexico State Bar is holding a consumer debt/bankruptcy workshop from 6-8 p.m., October 27, via video and teleconference.
At the workshop, an attorney will give a group presentation on bankruptcy, according to a news release. After the presentation, a one-on-one free consultation will be given by phone to people who register in advance. Call 505-797-6094 to register.
Senior Utility Assistance
Seniors 60+ in need of financial assistance may apply for this support, and may qualify if they do not exceed the 200% income threshold. Call the NM Aging and Long-term Services Department at 1-800-432-2080 to check eligibility.
Help with Internet Expenses — the Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Beginning on May 12 households can apply in three ways:
- Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
- Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
For more information, check this website: https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program
The COVID-19 Housing Cost Assistance Program provides emergency housing grants to income-eligible households and residents of tribal lands experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
These grants are housing assistance payments made on behalf of income-eligible applicants and residents of tribal lands, up to $1,500 per month for a period of up to three (3) consecutive months, to maintain housing and/or to reduce housing cost delinquency due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
The NM Mortgage Finance Authority will pay your past-due housing payments directly to your landlord, mortgage or loan servicer, escrow company or other housing provider. The assistance does not have to be repaid.
Applications will be accepted beginning March 4, 2021. Click here to apply. To request that a paper application be mailed to you, call 505.308.4206 or 866.488.0498.
USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections, Foreclosures and Other Activities on Farm Loans for Several Thousand Distressed Borrowers Due to Coronavirus
Due to the national public health emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.
Source: https://www.usda.gov/
Food Assistance
SNAP Food Stamp Benefits to Increase by More Than 25% in October
The average monthly per-person benefits for qualified recipients will rise from $121 to $157
President Joe Biden’s administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food aid available to needy families — the largest single increase in the program’s history.
Starting in October, average benefits for food stamps — officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. The increased assistance will be available indefinitely to all 42 million SNAP beneficiaries.
The increase coincides with the end of a 15 percent boost in SNAP benefits that was ordered as a pandemic protection measure. That benefit expires at the end of September.
The aid boost is being packaged as a major revision to the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, which estimates the cost to purchase groceries for a family of four and guides the way the government calculates benefits. In practical terms, the average monthly per-person benefits for qualified recipients will rise from $121 to $157.
Double your SNAP Benefits at Silver City Farmers Market
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.
Farmers’ Market is held weekly every Saturday 9 am — 12 pm, at the corner of Pope St. and College Avenue in the old Life Quest parking lot.
The Wednesday Market takes place every Wednesday from 9am -12:00pm in the Ace Hardware Parking Lot, US 180 at the 32nd St Bypass.
Food Pantry Schedules
As a reminder, the Food Pantries at the Gospel Mission and St. Francis Newman Center are open every week
The Gospel Mission, 111 South Texas Street, Silver City, NM
Open for breakfast MWF 8:30 am – 10:00 am, lunch M-Sat 12-1pm. Food bags available Mon-Fri 9am – 1pm. Showers and clothes are also available to those in need. Call 575 388-5071 for more information.
St. Francis Newman Center Food Pantry, 914 W. 13th St. Silver City, NM
Open every Monday at 4 pm. Cash assistance for rent, utilities, bus passes and prescription
Business Assistance
Restaurant Revitalization Funding Available Now
An eligible business may receive a tax-free federal grant equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss, calculated by subtracting its 2020 gross receipts from its 2019 gross receipts.
Eligible expenses are those incurred from February 15, 2020 to December 31, 2021, or a date determined by the Small Business Administration. If all grant funds are not spent by the business, or the business permanently closes before the end of the covered period, the business must return unused funds to the Treasury.
For more information, check out: https://restaurant.org/downloads/pdfs/advocacy/understandingrrf
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans Increase Lending Limits
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program for the COVID-19 pandemic disaster declaration has been extended to Dec. 31, 2021.
If you are a small business, nonprofit organization of any size, or a U.S. agricultural business with 500 or fewer employees that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, you can apply for the COVID-19 EIDL.
EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021 pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at a 3.75 percent interest rate for small businesses and a 2.75 percent interest rate for nonprofit organizations, with a 30-year maturity and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin.
For loans approved starting the week of April 6, 2021: 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for the program at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/covid-19-economic-injury-disaster-loan.
Mental Health Resources
Places to Call for Help
American Psychological Association COVID-19 www.apa.org/topics/covid-19
Crisis Text Line – Text ‘Home’ to 741-741. Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in any type of crisis.
Text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517) if you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others.
Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233
To Find A Therapist – Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist tool is a wonderful resource for discovering therapists in your area and according to your needs. You can also find quality inexpensive licensed professional therapists using a popular resource called BetterHelp.
If you want to hurt yourself, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Call 911 if you are in an EMERGENCY SITUATION. If you feel like you’re going to hurt yourself, it is an emergency!
In New Mexico, you can talk to trained staff if you have mental health or substance abuse concerns: call the NM Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474) 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. You are not alone and it is normal to feel anxious and worried! You can confidentially reach out to talk to someone anytime and anyplace.
If You Just Want Someone to Hear You Out…
Call the Peer-to-Peer Warmline at (855) 466-7100. If you want to talk to someone who has been there and understands the emotional, mental, and behavioral health concerns you may be experiencing then call us to talk to a professional peer support specialist on the Peer-to-Peer Warmline between 7:00 a.m. – 11:30pm MT.
Our peer support specialists are real people who have recovered from their own mental health concerns, parents that have helped a youth with a mental health diagnosis navigate the system of care, and resource foster parents that understand the emotional struggles you and the foster youth you are supporting experiences.
Self-Harm – An Elevated Risk For Students During COVID-19
Resources for Youth and Families:
Youthline is a 24-hour peer-to-peer helpline for teens to talk through any issues they may be facing, including navigating eating disorders, relationship or family concerns, bullying, sexual identity, depression, self-harm, anxiety, and/or thoughts of suicide. Text teen2teen to 839863 or call 1-877-968-8491.
The Trevor Project: LGBTQIA+ kids, teens, and young adults can contact The Trevor Project for support during a crisis, if they feel suicidal or need a safe space to talk. You can also chat via their website or by text. The hotline is 24/7; texting Mon-Fri 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
Go to the COVID-19 Information Resources For Families website below that contains parent training and support resources: www.autismspeaks.org/covid-19-information-and-resources-families
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network created a resource to help families manage the challenges associated with the current Coronavirus outbreak. This includes age-appropriate tips for helping children cope with stress and uncertainty at this time. www.nctsn.org
