New Mexico Reports Record 577 New COVID-19 Cases

Today, New Mexico health officials reported 577 new COVID-19 cases, far outstripping the former highest day of 488 new cases last week.

The new numbers come as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham prepares tomorrow to announce amendments to the public health order intended to help curtail "uncontrollable spread," which she described last week as an "extreme risk" for the state.

Uncontrollable spread is here as far as the COVID Exit Strategy website—which health officials have referenced throughout the pandemic—is concerned. It currently lists New Mexico as having reached that state.

Bernalillo County continues to lead with the most new cases: 199 today, followed by Doña Ana County with 108 and Chaves County with 66. Santa Fe County had 17 new cases today.

The health department's weekly epidemiology report on cases shows the average daily case rate between Oct. 6-12, with the red and brick-colored counties showing the highest rate.

The same report indicates a decline in gatherings among people testing positive who report activities, with reported visits to restaurants higher than both gatherings and travel.

The state also announced three additional deaths from Bernalillo, Chaves and Doña Ana counties; there have now been 921 fatalities.

As of today, 145 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, 20 more than yesterday.* A weekly epidemiology report on hospitalizations through Oct. 12 says the state had had 127 hospitalizations in the week prior. The chart below shows those admissions per 100,000 by county.

New cases

New fatalities

Congregate facilities

The Department of Health has identified at least one positive COVID-19 case in residents and/or staff in the past 28 days at the following facilities:

Statewide cases

County totals are subject to change upon further investigation and determination of residency of individuals positive for COVID-19.

Cases among people being held by federal agencies

Cases among people being held by the New Mexico Department of Corrections

*Per the health department, hospitalization figures include people who were tested elsewhere but are hospitalized in New Mexico, but don't include people who were tested here but are hospitalized out of state.