Today, state officials announced the addition of seven new positive cases for COVID-19, bringing the state total to 35.
The new cases include four people in Bernalillo County, two in Santa Fe County and one in San Miguel County.
A news release on the new cases does not include the gender or ages of the individuals. In response to an inquiry from SFR, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's Press Secretary Nora Meyers Sackett said via email that:
“As the number of cases rises, the health department’s epidemiologists will not always be able to report out the level of detail in the same timely manner that had previously been reported with regard to ages and genders of each specific case – this change is in the interest of 100% accuracy and consistency.”
Yesterday, state deputy epidemiologist Chad Smelser announced the first instance of known "community spread" in the state: a Bernalillo County woman in her 40s with no known travel or contact with someone who has COVID-19. Because community spread has now been detected, health officials said in a news release that "given the infectious nature of the virus it is likely other residents are infected but yet to be tested or confirmed positive."
The health department says it has active investigations into the positive patients, which includes contact-tracing and swabbing symptomatic individuals who have had contact with those who have tested positive for COVID-19. A health department advisory to clinicians on March 13 says the state needs "to prioritize testing for persons with symptoms" and that test results "may not be accurate for persons without symptoms and do not reflect the risk of becoming infected in the future."
In response to the emergence of community spread, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham yesterday expanded upon previous restrictions to close additional businesses, such as gyms, spas and shopping malls, and restricted restaurants and other eateries to take-out only.
The geographic breakdown for cases in the state so far is:
- Bernalillo County: 20
- Sandoval County: 4
- San Miguel County: 1
- Santa Fe County: 7
- Socorro County: 2
- Taos County: 1
People with symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, should call their health care providers or the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline immediately (1-855-600-3453). The state has recommended against people without symptoms seeking tests.
New Mexicans with non-health-related questions or concerns can also call 833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov. The health department has more info at cv.nmhealth.org/
The new restrictions currently are in place until April 10.
