Friday, April 19, 2024
Fair, 85°Wind: 11.5 mph, S
Welcome to our new web site!
To give our readers a chance to experience all that our new website has to offer, we have made all content freely avaiable, through October 1, 2018.
During this time, print and digital subscribers will not need to log in to view our stories or e-editions.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The below information is current as of 4:15 p.m. Friday, April 17. As we know, the news regarding Coronavirus and responses is changing by the minute. We will work to update as needed.)
Daily statistics
According to the Centers of Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html, the national confirmed COVID-19 cases increased from 632,548 April 16, to 661,712 April 17. There have been 33,049 deaths, up 1,978 from yesterday.
In New Mexico, confirmed cases rose from 1,597 April 16 to 1,711 April 17 (with 51 deaths) and 65 cases in Doña Ana County, with 7 new cases reported since yesterday.
In Texas, cases increased from 16,455 April 16 to 17,371 April 17, with 428 deaths. El Paso County has now confirmed 451 cases, up 58 from yesterday.
Information from Mexico is more difficult to track, but as of April 16, the state of Chihuahua has confirmed at least 117 cases and 22 deaths. Of those, Ciudad Juarez has had 82 cases, with 20 deaths. Nationwide, Mexico has reported 6,297 cases as of April 17, with 486 deaths and 2,125 recoveries.
Globally, 2,204,511 have tested positive, with 149,378 deaths and 560,980 recoveries.
Regional Statistics
NEW MEXICO (info from April 17)
35,613 people tested
1,711 positive (4.8%)
96 currently hospitalized
382 recovered
44 deaths
65 cases in Doña Ana County (out of 2,625 tests, 2.2%)
Source: NM Dept of Health (https://cv.nmhealth.org/), updated daily approx. 4 p.m.
TEXAS (info from April 17)
169,536 people tested
17,371 positive (10.2%)
1,522 currently hospitalized
4,190 recovered (estimated)
428 deaths
451 cases in El Paso County
Source: Texas Dept of Health (https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus), updated approximately 11 a.m.
Diocese of Las Cruces lifts ban on public Mass
Bishop Peter Baldacchino announced the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces has lifted its ban on the public celebration of Mass. It is reportedly the first diocese in the United States to do so.
Catholics are still dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Masses, but those who feel comfortable may attend the limited, small-group Masses.
Each parish will determine its own methodology, but priests and pastors are asked by the bishop to follow all state and federal public health order guidelines.
The diocese encourages all individuals who are at risk for COVID-19 to remain at home and view the various live stream Masses made available to them.
Priests are allowed to celebrate Masses in the presence of the faithful while maintaining all current health precautions set forth by the state and federal government. Mass celebrations in the Church will take place with less than five people present.
When the celebration has concluded, pews, chairs, or other often contacted surfaces will be sanitized. Parishioners will be seated at a minimum safe distance of six feet from each other.
Bishop Baldacchino also authorized priests to celebrate Mass outdoors, in compliance with state guidance on social distancing, and specifically recommended setting up an altar in the parish parking lot with parishioners remaining in their cars with an empty space between each vehicle.
Parishes that lack sufficient parking spaces may celebrate the liturgies in open cemeteries or other available open spaces. Parishioners should maintain at least a six feet separation at all times.
Check with your parish to determine how and when it may conduct Mass.
Bishop Baldacchino made a provision for priests to resume weddings and funerals while maintaining state and federal government regulations.
The decision was made in response to various news outlets stating there has been an increase in divorces, drug use, and alcohol abuse, the Diocese’s press release stated. “In the midst of financial uncertainty, fear for one’s health, pandemic induced anxiety and confinement to their homes, people need a word of hope and our Church offers the essential hope.”
