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Coronavirus Update: Dr. Fred Fox
Grant County Coronavirus Update
March 31st, 2021
On this week’s Grant County Coronavirus Update, Jamie Newton interviews Dr. Fred Fox, MD, a family and public health physician who has lived in Grant County, New Mexico, for 33 years. He has practiced medicine here, and he has been the Medical Director of the Health Department in Greenlee County, Arizona – right next door to us. In that position, he has major responsibility for coordinating health care and prevention planning in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The program covers a broad scope of topics, including:
- realities of the coronavirus currently,
- guidance for self-care and care for families and the community,
- in-depth explanation of the nature and effectiveness of vaccines to overcome the pandemic,
- the continuing need for consistent coronavirus-safe practices, or “CSPs,”
- the contest between science-based education and misinformation, or even disinformation, to win hearts and minds as the pandemic runs its course,
- and long-term consequences of the disease.
Right click and select “Save Link As” to download
Grant County Coronavirus Update is broadcast live on Gila/Mimbres Community Radio KURU 89.1 FM in Silver City every Wednesday at 10 AM.
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.
Send us your updates to info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org
Resources
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, We Need You. COVID-19 Video Message – link
Grant County Commissioner Alicia Edwards COVID-19 Video Message – link
News
State News
The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday announced 1,313 new cases of coronavirus from last week, for a total of 191,377 cases, with 29 additional deaths for a total of 3,932 deaths in New Mexico.
110 individuals remain hospitalized in New Mexico, which is a decrease of 17 from last week.
Source: https://cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
As of Tuesday, 44.2% of New Mexicans have received their first dose of the two-shot vaccine for COVID-19, while 27.3% 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 reported 23 new COVID cases since last week, for a total of 1,613 cases.
There are 183 active cases in the county as of Tuesday, which is a drop of 4.
No deaths have been reported in Grant County in the last week. 35 people in Grant County have lost their lives due to COVID since the pandemic began a year ago.
Source: cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
The Department of Health also reports that 45.7% of Grant County residents are partially vaccinated and 23% are fully vaccinated. 54% of the county is registered for the vaccine as of Tuesday.
Source: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard.html
NMDOH COVID-19 Vaccine Phase Dashboard
New Mexico continues to lead the nation in vaccine administration. More than 40% of New Mexicans 16 years and older have received a first shot, and roughly 25% are now fully vaccinated. To date, more than 62,000 New Mexico educators have registered for the vaccine, and over 82% of these individuals have received at least a first shot. You can track progress of the state’s vaccine distribution plan on the COVID-19 Vaccine Phase Dashboard at https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/phase-dashboard.html
State Announces COVID-19 Exposure Notification App
The New Mexico Department of Health announced last week the launch of 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
Vaccine Information
State announces that New Mexicans 75+ will no longer need event codes to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments
The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) on Monday announced that New Mexicans 75 years and older who are registered at vaccineNM.org will no longer need event codes to schedule vaccine appointments.
Instead, seniors will receive invitations to schedule appointments. At that point, they will log in to vaccineNM.org using their confirmation code and date of birth and schedule an appointment at a time and location that is convenient for them. No event code will be required, but they will still need to make an appointment to receive their vaccine.
Those requiring additional assistance with registration or scheduling can dial 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support.
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
New Mexico Veterans Now Eligible for Vaccination
Effective immediately, the NM VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to all veterans in New Mexico enrolled with the VA—regardless of age or chronic health complications.
Any enrolled veteran is eligible to get the vaccine. However, you must register for an appointment with the NMVAHCS by calling (505) 265-1711 and using one of the following four extensions:
- 3915
- 3916
- 2912
- 2917
DVS strongly encourages all veterans to register for the vaccine.
If you are not enrolled with VA health care, then please register for a COVID-19 vaccine with the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) at: https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/
You can also call DOH toll free 1-(855) 600-3453. Press option 0 for vaccine questions, or option 4 for tech support. The call center is open every day from 8am to 5pm.
Source: NM Department of Veterans Services
New Mexicans with Disabilities Encouraged to Register for COVID-19 Vaccine
The Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) and Department of Health (DOH) have announced that individuals 16 years or older with intellectual and developmental disabilities are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. This group is at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and includes individuals who utilize the DD Waiver, Mi Via Waiver, Medically Fragile Waiver, Supports Waiver, as well as any New Mexican on the waitlist for these services.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may register at VaccineNM.org or by calling 1 (800) 432-2080
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
The New Mexico Department of Health announced today that it will begin Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility on Monday, April 5th, making all New Mexicans age 16+ eligible for the vaccine. When it’s your turn, get your shot! Sign up at www.vaccinenm.org
The New Mexico Department of Health will continue to schedule vaccinations in order of eligibility phase. Opening Phase 2 of eligibility ensures that those areas of the state in which all previously eligible residents have been scheduled are able to continue filling vaccination appointments.
Currently, Phases 1A, 1B, and 1C are eligible. Beginning Monday, Phase 2 will be eligible as well.
The Following Groups are Currently Eligible for Vaccine:
- Hospital personnel
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
- Medical first responders
- Congregate setting workers
- Persons providing direct medical care and other in-person services
- Home-based healthcare and hospice workers
- Persons 75+
- Persons 16+ with a chronic health condition or a disability
- Educators, early childhood professionals, and school staff
- Frontline essential workers
- Residents of congregate care facilities
- New Mexicans age 60 and older
- Other essential workers
Source: https://prod.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2021/03/?view=1430
Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine
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:
- Muscle pain
- Soreness in your arm
- Body aches
- Chills
- Feeling tired
- Fever
Side effects are a sign that your body is building up protection from COVID-19. They may be uncomfortable, but they are much less harmful than having COVID-19.
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.
Fully vaccinated people can:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
- Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- Refrain from staying away from others or getting tested unless symptoms appear.
However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
For now, fully vaccinated people should continue to:
- Take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are:
- In public
- Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household
- Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk
- Avoid medium or large-sized gatherings
- Delay domestic and international travel. If you do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and recommendations.
- Watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others.
- You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
Red to Green Reopening Plan
The state’s red-to-green public health order in which counties are evaluated over a two-week period for daily cases and test positivity rate will be updated next on April 7. Counties not meeting daily case thresholds of eight or fewer cases per 100,000 population and test positivity rates below 5% follow the strictest Red guidelines; those meeting one of these benchmarks have some expanded capacity at Yellow; Green counties—those meeting both requirements —have fewer restrictions. And the new color of turquoise indicates counties that have reached the Green Level for two consecutive biweekly updates.
The red to green framework was last updated March 24. Grant County currently remains in the yellow category. Applicable restrictions include:
- Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions
- Essential retail spaces: 33% of maximum capacity
- Food and drink establishments: 25% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoors dining; any establishment serving alcohol must close by 10 p.m. each night
- Close-contact businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 20 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
- Outdoor recreational facilities: 25% of maximum capacity (unless required to have less capacity under the state’s COVID-Safe Practices)
- Close-contact recreational facilities: Remain closed
- All other businesses: 25% of maximum capacity or 125 customers at one time, whichever is smaller
- Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 33% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises
- Places of lodging: 60% of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 25% of maximum occupancy for all others; 5 guests maximum for vacation rentals
- Mass gatherings limit: 10 persons, 80 vehicles
Source: https://cv.nmhealth.org/public-health-orders-and-executive-orders/red-to-green/
Safe Ways to Have Fun
State Parks Now Open to Everyone
With New Mexico’s modified health order, state parks, previously only open for day use to New Mexico residents, will reopen for everyone to use immediately, and reopen for camping, by reservation, on Feb. 27. Please check the guidelines listed at the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to stay safe.
Source: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us
Penny Park, other Silver playgrounds are now open
According to the Silver City Daily Press, Penny Park and all playgrounds in town are now open to the public as of February 8. People using any of the town’s parks must abide by the state’s public health orders and the town’s local ordinance. Face coverings and social distancing are required.
Source: Silver City Daily Press, February 8, 2021
Resources
Please consider getting tested for COVID-19 if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Testing Sites and Times
Grant County Public Health Office, 2610 N. Silver Street Silver City, NM
Provides free testing every Tuesday from 8:00-10:00a.m., and from 2-4pm. Testing is free, but insurance will be requested upon registration at https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org/
Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code and arrive during the designated times. Please remain in your vehicle and wear a mask.
Testing may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.
Hidalgo County Public Health Office, 530 DeMoss Street, Lordsburg, NM
Testing will be conducted every Thursday from 9:00-11:00a.m. Please remain in your vehicles. Testing is free, but insurance will be requested upon registration at at https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org/
Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code and arrive during the designated times. Please remain in your vehicle and wear a mask.
Testing may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.
CVS Pharmacy Drive-thru in Silver City, 610 Silver Heights Blvd., Silver City, NM.
Patients will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window. Testing is available every day.
Patients must register in advance at CVS.com Self-swab tests will be made available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them.
Albertsons – Silver City, New Mexico
Saliva Test- Cost $120.00 (not covered by insurance). Procedure: Recipients register online via the Albertson’s website, then receive a tube for saliva collection. The specimen is then mailed to a lab and results are sent back within three to five days.
Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS)
Testing is now available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 2:30pm (closed 12-1pm for lunch) in all HMS locations — Animas, Cliff-Gila, Mimbres, Mining District, Lordsburg, Silver City, Bayard, and Santa Clara.
Testing expanded to everyone at both sites via a drive-up testing approach. Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them. Call 575-388-1511 for an appointment in Silver City, 1-888-271-3596 for an appointment in Lordsburg.
At-home, self-administered COVID-19 saliva tests
At-home, self-administered COVID-19 saliva tests offer accurate laboratory-confirmed results returned within 24-48 hours of receipt of the sample.
The free tests are available to New Mexico residents regardless of exposure risk– whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic, and whether they have come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive individual or not.
To order a test, and for more information, visit learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/.
The State Department of Health reminds New Mexicans of the following
- Please be patient after receiving your COVID-19 test. As cases rise, so do testing demands. After receiving your COVID-19 test, monitor yourself for symptoms. If you are having symptoms or if you tested because of an exposure, 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, even if you are asymptomatic do not leave your home to do errands, work, or to see friends. If infected with COVID-19, you must not leave your home unless you are seeking out emergency medical care. Find more information regarging testing positive at https://cv.nmhealth.org/how-to-isolate-when-positive/
- Finally, if you need emergency medical care, call 9-1-1, not the Department of Health information hotline.
Resources
$600 Income Tax Rebate now available under Working Families Tax Credit
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department has begun issuing $600 rebates for certain eligible recipients of the Working Families Tax Credit. The rebates were authorized by the Legislature earlier this year and signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The one-time rebates are available to taxpayers who are not dependents, who receive the Working Families Tax Credit, and who have an adjusted gross income of $31,200 or less (single filers) or $39,000 (married filing jointly, heads of household).
Taxpayers who have already filed their 2020 New Mexico Personal Income Tax returns and are eligible for the $600 rebate do not need to take further action. The $600 rebate will be mailed to them or delivered by direct deposit if they selected that option when they filed their 2020 tax return.
Source: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Working-Families-Rebates-Sent.pdf
Restaurant and Bar Gross Receipts Tax Relief
The temporary Gross Receipts Tax relief authorized by Senate Bill 1 allows many restaurants, bars, breweries and similar businesses a Gross Receipts Tax deduction for sales of prepared food and drinks made after March 1, 2021 and prior to July 1, 2021.
The tax relief is intended to help businesses that have been especially hard hit financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the four-month period that the deduction is available, eligible businesses may choose either to not charge Gross Receipts Tax on the deductible receipts, or to charge the tax but keep the amount charged.
Fast food restaurants are not eligible for the deduction, but mobile food services do qualify.
More information, including how the deduction will be claimed, is available on the Forms & Publications page of tax.newmexico.gov.
Source: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Release-Bulletin-on-COVID-relief.pdf
Tax Assistance
State of New Mexico Extends Personal Income Tax Filing Deadline to May 17
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department announced it will extend the deadline for filing and paying 2020 New Mexico Personal Income Taxes until May 17, 2021 in accordance with the federal extension announced this week.
If you qualify for a 2020 Economic Stimulus Payment (EIP), also known as the individual payment from the COVID relief bill, but have not received it yet, make sure to claim your Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return. Visit irs.gov for more information
Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit
Printed copies of the federal Form 1040, instruction books, and New Mexico tax forms are available outside the Silver City Public Library’s Cooper Street doors during curbside pickup hours. We also have the AARP free tax assistance program packets in a box by the doors. You can also get online tax help from AARP by clicking here. The local AARP tax help number is 575-342-1892.
You can download tax forms here: https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions
New Mexico tax forms can be found here: https://www.tax.newmexico.gov/forms-publications/
Consider filing your federal taxes online at https://www.irs.gov/filing . For income below $72,000, you can use their Free File offer, available here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free . Go to https://tap.state.nm.us/tap/_/ for New Mexico online tax filing.
The United Way offers free tax filing with expert assistance at myfreetaxes.com.
Western New Mexico University is also offering tax help free of charge to faculty, staff, students, and community members through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
Tax Day for individuals extended to May 17: Treasury, IRS extend filing and payment deadline
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days.
Individual taxpayers can also postpone federal income tax payments for the 2020 tax year due on April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This postponement applies to individual taxpayers, including individuals who pay self-employment tax. Penalties, interest and additions to tax will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of May 17, 2021. Individual taxpayers will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by May 17.
More information at IRS.gov
Food Assistance
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.
Winter 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.
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 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, 914 W. 13th St. Silver City, NM
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.
The Commons Center for Food Security and Sustainability
Open the first Saturday 10:00 – Noon OR Last Wednesday 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Users must choose one OR the other. For residents in 88061, 88065, 88022, 88053
Please have your pantry card available or bring a picture ID and separate proof of physical address.
The next regular food pantry distributions for Silver City, Tyrone and Arenas Valley will be the last Wednesday of the month, today March 31st from 4pm-6pm and this Saturday April 3 from 10 am to noon.
The Commons is located at 501 East 13th Street, just off Swan Street behind the Knights of Columbus. For more information please contact The Commons at 575-388-2988 or visit the website https://thecommonsgrantcounty.org
Seeking Substitute Teachers!
Silver Consolidated Schools is looking for qualified individuals to serve as substitute teachers for the district. Individuals will have flexibility in areas to substitute and buildings to serve. Pay is based on educational background and experience. Those who are interested should contact Samantha Madrid at smadrid@silverschools.org or by calling 575-956-2000.
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. today April 28, 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.
CDC Issues Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed a declaration determining that the evictions of tenants could be detrimental to public health control measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, and has issued a temporary halt in residential evictions through June 30.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-eviction-declaration.html
State Announces $170M for Rental and Utility 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. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) will administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in partnership with the City of Albuquerque. New Mexicans can apply for assistance at www.RentHelpNM.org beginning April 5, 2021.
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
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.
Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) Update
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is assistance available to those who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits. As relates to that need, the NM Dept of Workforce Solutions will open applications for Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) starting Wed, March 10.
Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) provides $100 in extra benefit to individuals with at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment in the tax year prior to their initial unemployment insurance claim.
Note: Under the American Rescue Plan Act, the deadline for MEUC applications has been extended to the first week of September.
Source: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info
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/
PNM COVID Relief Program for Individuals, Small Businesses and Nonprofits
PNM is extending help for families, small businesses and nonprofits struggling to pay their electric bill. The PNM COVID Customer Relief Fund helps eligible customers pay down, or even pay off, their past-due PNM bill.
The funding has been extended to today March 31, 2021, due to the number of customers that are still experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic. Access the application while funds are still available by calling PNM at 855-364-2950 between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, or go to https://pnmcovd.powerclerk.com/
Business Assistance
COVID disaster loan extended through 2021
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.
Eligible small businesses and nonprofits can apply for the program at sba.gov/disaster.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG)
SVOG is a federal economic assistance program for arts organizations, administered through the Small Business Administration. If you are a theatrical producer, talent rep, venue promoter, operate a live venue, live performing arts organization, movie house, or cultural institution you may be eligible to apply.
Pivotal NM has uploaded a webinar to help businesses prepare for SVOG.
New Mexico Safe Certified Training Programs
New Mexico businesses in all sectors are encouraged to receive training in COVID-safe practices to help ensure everyone’s safety as New Mexico reopens for business and recreation.
Source: https://nmsafecertified.org/
Paycheck Protection Program
If you need assistance in navigating the process for the Paycheck Protection Program or PPP or any other relief programs, please contact the Las Cruces office of Senator Martin Heinrich at (575) 523-6561 for assistance. You can also visit his Covid-19 Resource Center at www.heinrich.senate.gov/coronavirus
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
The next round of new PPP funds is open for applications.
This latest round will be much easier for small businesses to access, with some necessary flexibility to allow businesses to address their specific needs and still get their loans forgiven. That includes new provisions that allow restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in related services to calculate a higher PPP forgivable loan amount in order to aid industries that have been severely impacted by state and local restrictions. Also eligible for this round of PPP are housing cooperatives, local newspapers and TV and radio broadcasters, and 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including local chambers of commerce and tourism organizations.
>>>You can find more information about how to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program at sba.gov
Additional program changes have been announced to make access to PPP loans more equitable, allowing sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support.
SBA is currently offering PPP loans until today March 31, 2021.
For more information, click here.
Mental Health Resources
Places to Call for Help
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 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!
If You Just Want Someone to Hear You Out…
Call the Peer-to-Peer Warmline at (855) 466-7100. They are available to talk every day from 3:30p – 11:30p MT. They are available by text from 6:00p – 11:00p MT
