New Mexico state health officials on Tuesday announced 109 additional positive tests for COVID-19. That brings the total case number statewide to 794.
Those cases include clusters at San Felipe and Zia Pueblos. According to a news release, state health officials are working with tribal officials to contain the spread of COVID-19 and provide care to those who have tested positive. NMDOH has conducted extensive testing in both pueblos, where the current numbers of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 are:
- San Felipe Pueblo: 52
- Zia Pueblo: 31
Today’s announced cases also include additional positive tests from the La Vida Llena long-term care facility in Albuquerque where, as of today, 24 residents and 23 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
The state also disclosed a new death from the virus: A male in his 30s from Bernalillo County who died yesterday. The individual had underlying medical conditions. That is the state’s 13th fatality.
As of today, the health department has designated 171 COVID-19 cases designated as having recovered; 51 people have been hospitalized. SFR has previously requested, but has yet to see, a county-by-county breakdown for hospitalizations and recoveries. Hospitalization figures, per the state, can include people who tested positive elsewhere but are hospitalized here, but do not include the reverse.
Last week, SFR also asked during a press conference for a list of counties experiencing community spread, where the cause of the virus is not clearly connected to travel or another individual. Today, the state health department says it has detected detected community spread in Bernalillo, Doña Ana, McKinley, Otero, Sandoval, San Juan and Santa Fe counties and is investigating those cases that have no known exposure. Moreover, the agency reports that "given the infectious nature of the virus it is likely other residents are infected but yet to be tested or confirmed positive."
Statewide totals
According to the governor's office, yesterday's case numbers included one duplicate in Bernalillo County. The error has been corrected and is reflected in today's total COVID-19 New Mexico cases. However, county totals are subject to change upon further investigation and determination of residency of individuals positive for COVID-19.
Bernalillo County: 307
Catron County: 1
Chaves County: 15
Cibola County: 15
Curry County: 8
Doña Ana County: 35
Eddy County: 4
Grant County: 4
Lea County: 2
Lincoln County: 1
Los Alamos County: 2
McKinley County: 55
Otero County: 3
Rio Arriba County: 6
Roosevelt County: 1
Sandoval County: 128
San Juan County: 107
San Miguel County: 1
Santa Fe County: 66
Socorro County: 5
Taos County: 14
Torrance County: 7
Valencia County: 7
Informational videos
The state today also shared several informational virus-related videos today. These include tutorials on how to make cloth masks (with a reminder that surgical masks or N-95 respirators are critical supplies that need to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.)
Another features Dr. Erik Kraai, the medical director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit at University of New Mexico Health, and other physicians from Presbyterian and Lovelace Health Systems discussing ventilators, sometimes needed for COVID-19 patients.
And healthcare workers also explain exactly how Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) works.
Faith-based FAQ
The governor's office and health department also released an FAQ for faith-based organizations as Easter, Passover and Ramadan approach. Among other ideas, the state recommends religious organizations livestream their religious ceremonies or consider a "drive-in" service "so people can participate separately, yet together. Attendees can drive up in their cars, park and watch the video service on their cellphones or on a giant screen while listening via a radio station." Live streaming also is recommended for study groups, prayer groups and funerals. Read the full list of recommendations here.