Coronavirus Update – April 24, 2020

Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Friday, April 24, 2020.  Our guest today on Coronavirus Update is Steve Chavira, Executive Director of the Silver City-Grant County Chamber of Commerce who will be talking about their response to Covid-19.

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 coronavirusupdategrantcounty@gmail.com

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

Coronavirus Update Resource Page – gmcr.org/coronavirus-resources

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CVU is broadcast live weekdays at Noon and
rebroadcast following Democracy Now! at 6pm and 8am

Or listen to this episode at your convenience via this link…
CVU / Coronavirus Update – April 24, 2020

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April 24, 2020 – Updates as of 10 am – Please note: Because we are producing this show remotely, these updates are current as of 10 am. Information on this page can change quickly, including Coronavirus Updates from previous days. Please visit gmcr.org/category/coronavirus-update to see the latest updates.

As of Today – Friday, April 24 – 2,379 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Mexico, with 78 deaths, 123 hospitalized individuals, and 573 recoveries according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

Grant County currently has 14 positive cases of coronavirus. In total, 46,563 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the state, and 432 have been conducted in Grant County.

For a full breakdown of COVID-19 cases by county and demographic information, visit the state’s COVID-19 data dashboard at: cvprovider.nmhealth.org/public-dashboard

The Department of Health reports that given the infectious nature of the virus it is likely other residents are infected but yet to be tested or confirmed positive. To that end, all New Mexicans have been instructed to stay home except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare.

As a reminder — New Mexicans who report symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, are advised to call their health care provider or the COVID-19 hotline immediately at 1-855-600-3453

New Mexicans who have non-health-related questions or concerns can also call the COVID-19 Information Hotline at 833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov, which is being updated regularly as a one-stop source for information for families, workers and others affected by and seeking more information about COVID-19.

For more information, visit cv.nmhealth.org

CAUTION REGARDING IMPROPER USE OF DISINFECTANTS

Due to recent speculation and social media activity, RB, the company that makes Lysol, has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus.

The company stated in a press release today: “As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route). As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information.”
For more information, visit  https://www.rb.com/media/news/2020/april/improper-use-of-disinfectants/

PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK FOR COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you are at higher risk, you should stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with people who are sick to protect yourself. Call your doctor if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your medical condition or if you get sick. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/index.html

DO YOU HAVE A HOUSEHOLD PLAN TO DEAL WITH THE CORONAVIRUS?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a detailed planning guidance to help household members prepare for community transmission of COVID-19. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. You should base the details of your household plan on the needs and daily routine of your household members. For more information visit  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR SELF-EMPLOYED, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND GIG ECONOMY WORKERS

The NM Department of Workforce Solutions announced on Wednesday that the application for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA will be available on Sunday, april 26. Self-employed, independent contractors, and gig economy workers should begin the process NOW by applying for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a new temporary federal program under the CARES Act that provides benefits to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance.

You must be either unemployed or have hours reduced to fewer than 32 hours/week and must be earning less than the weekly amount of unemployment you receive.

Applying for PUA is a two-step process that you can begin immediately.

First, apply for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits at jobs.state.nm.us to determine if your income is covered by the regular state Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. If determined ineligible for regular UI benefits, you will then be cleared to apply for PUA benefits.

Once you are determined ineligible for regular benefits, you will be provided access to apply for PUA benefits through a link on your Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System homepage. This application will become available on Sunday, April 26.

Again, Self-employed, independent contractors, and gig economy workers should begin the process NOW by applying for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits.

More info and frequently asked questions can be found at dws.state.nm.us/COVID-19-Info

FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULES

Here’s a reminder of FOOD PANTRY schedules for the upcoming week:

The Commons will be holding its next food pantry Wednesday, April 29 from 4 – 6pm for folks in zip codes 88061, 88065, 88022, 88053, The commons is located at 501 E. 13th Street. Visit The Commons Facebook page or website at tvcgrantcounty.org for more information.

The Gospel Mission, located at 111 South Texas Street, Silver City has its Food Pantry Monday thru Friday, 8:30am-1:30pm.

St. Francis Associates at The Newman Center located at 914 W. 13th St. in Silver City has its next Food Pantry this coming Monday April 27 at 4pm. The group also provides cash assistance for rent, utilities, bus passes and prescription drugs. Call 575-388-4933 for more information.

Please note that the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is closed at this time.

SILVER CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

The Silver City Farmers’ Market will be open Saturday, April 25, 10am-1pm. All vendors have been informed of proper precautions to keep themselves and customers healthy to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Silver City Farmers’ Market says it’s important during times such as these that we keep availability to local food possible. cash and EBT cards are accepted. M0re information at silvercityfarmersmarket.info or on Facebook @silvercityfarmersmarket.

And remember you can Double your SNAP benefits with Double Up Food Bucks at the Silver City Farmers’ Market. Get more fruits and vegetables when you spend your SNAP EBT Card dollars at participating farmers’ markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and grocery stores.

For example, if you spend $10 from your SNAP EBT Card at a participating outlet, we give you another $10 to buy fresh fruits and veggies grown in New Mexico.
More information at www.doubleupnm.org/

Please visit our website at GMCR.org for all of today’s updates and additional resources.

And remember to send us your updates and questions — email us at coronavirusupdategrantcounty@gmail.com or post on facebook @GilaMimbresCom munityRadio.

If you missed part of today’s show, Coronavirus Update is rebroadcast at 6pm and 8 am Monday through Friday and past shows are available 24/7 at gmcr.org.