Coronavirus cases continue rising

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The below information is current as of 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The news regarding Coronavirus and responses is changing by the minute. We will work to update as needed.)

According to the Centers of Disease Control, www.cdc.gov, the national confirmed COVID-19 cases increased from 4,226 March 17, to 7,038 March 18.

In New Mexico, confirmed cases increased from 23 to 28, but still none confirmed south of Socorro County. In Texas, cases increased from 64 to 83, with a total of three confirmed in El Paso County. Information from Mexico is more difficult to track, but Ciudad Juarez has so far confirmed only one case.

Here are three symptoms the CDC says may appear 2-14 days after exposure to COVID-19: fever, cough, shortness of breath. The CDC says this list is not all-inclusive. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.

Federal and state officials are urging individuals to seek testing only if symptoms are present. The goal is to lighten the load on an already overburdened healthcare facility system.

Governor addresses state

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham addressed the state today, reiterating the importance of social distancing and reduced public interaction.

She asked, effective March 19 through April 10, for New Mexicans to keep gatherings under 10 people. She asked restaurants to limit operations to takeout and delivery. She asked that other public gathering places – spas, gyms, movie theaters, shopping centers and casinos – to close altogether through April 10. She asked lodging facilities, including hotels, to limit occupancies to 50 percent.

“We know this is hard, on every individual and on every business,” Grisham said. “We do not take it lightly,” adding her main objective is to keep New Mexico safe and reiterating that she is on the phone with businesses, working to help address their concerns. “These are not orders to shelter in place. If these orders are insufficient, we have to think about the next orders,” she said.

To increase testing opportunities, the state is setting up additional sites through the Department of Health in five new locations, including one in Las Cruces.

“Only people who are symptomatic should go to these sites,” Secretary of Health Kathy Kunkel said, adding there will be intense screening prior to testing.

People without the primary symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath – do not need to be tested for COVID-19. This is allergy season, and allergy symptoms such as sneezing or itchy eyes, nose or throat do not indicate a need for testing.

Grisham said undocumented immigrants are eligible for testing.

“I want everyone to feel like this is a state that will keep the whole state safe,” Grisham said. “Do not be afraid to call us.”

The toll-free health hotline is 855-600-3453.

And while New Mexico’s numbers are relatively low, the state is preparing for almost certain increases.

Dr. Chad Smelser, deputy state epidemiologist, put it this way: “We’re still early.”

President addresses nation

President Donald Trump held a press conference Wednesday, and he discussed continued work to increase availability of testing and medical equipment. He also announced the closing of the U.S./Canada border, except for trade and essential crossings.

Government officials are considering multiple financial measures -- including the possibility of individual payments to citizens and reduced restrictions on unemployment -- to help cope with the economic downturn.

The U.S. Senate today passed an economic relief bill – the second in recent weeks – which the president is expected to sign.

Latest regional numbers

NEW MEXICO

2,354 people tested

28 positive (1.2%)

0 deaths

0 in Doña Ana County

Source: https://cv.nmhealth.org

TEXAS

1,907 people tested

83 positive (4.4%)

2 deaths

3 cases in El Paso County

Source: www.dshs.texas.gov

News from Las Cruces, Mesilla

• MountainView Regional Medical Center has a limited supply of COVID-19 tests on hand and these are reserved for symptomatic patients. The recommendation to test patients who meet the risk criteria is made by the attending physician. If a suspected COVID-19 case is identified, the attending physician will coordinate testing and the patient’s ultimate disposition, and coordinate with the Department of Health, as necessary.
• Dollar General has announced stores nationwide, including Las Cruces, will hold “senior store hours,” reserving customer traffic for seniors. In Las Cruces, those hours will be 8-9 a.m.
• While some restaurants are temporarily closing, many are emphasizing takeout service, drive-through and, in some cases, home delivery. Call ahead for options.
• The Town of Mesilla has closed its town hall, public safety building and Mesilla Community Center until further notice. Utility bills may be paid online at www.mesillanm.gov or dropped in the yellow box at 2231 Avenida de Mesilla. Business permits and applications will be processed remotely. For further information, call 575-524-3262.
• Doña Ana County Government Center will close to the public effective 5 p.m. Friday, March 20. The Treasurer’s Office extended its phone hours to 6 p.m., and payments can be made by phone (575-647-7433), online (www.donaanacounty.org/treasurer/payments) or at the drop box in front of the County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd.
• The City of Las Cruces will still accept utility payments at its drop box between City Hall and Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, or at its East Mesa Customer Service Center, 5195 Bataan Memorial West, or by phone at 866-426-9757.
• Both El Paso Electric and Las Cruces Utilities have suspended utility cutoffs until further notice. Call your utility provider to see whether you are in danger of cutoff for non-payment.