A New Series Of Orders By The Governor

Effective today March 19, 2020 to April 10, 2020.

Attention New Mexicans,

No social contact, no social contact, no social contact!

Today the Governor and New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel has strengthened the previously issued public health order to include additional mandatory closures and guidelines to stem the spread of COVID-19 in New Mexico.

• Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited.
• All restaurants, bars, breweries, eateries and other food establishments must close to dine-in customers; take-out and home delivery are permitted.
• Indoor shopping malls must close.
• Recreational facilities, health clubs and resort spas must close.
• Theaters must close, including movie theaters.
• Flea markets must close.
• Casinos and horse racing facilities and their attendant restaurant and bar operations are directed to close by virtue of this order, March 19, 2020 to April 10, 2020. (This does not include tribal casinos as the governor does not have unilateral power to order them to close, but she is working with them to succeed in 100% closure in New Mexico.)
• Typical office environments where you are engaged in non-essential services should immediately limit operations, to the extent possible, using the 10 people or less guideline.
• All businesses allowed to remain open should limit operations to the greatest extent possible and minimize employee contact. Grocery stores and pharmacies, shelters, courthouses, banks, correction and detention facilities, hospitals and other health care facilities and places of worship (during regular hours) are exempt from the order and able to remain open.
• Hotels, motels and all other lodging facilities are ordered to immediately go to 50% of capacity. One issue the governor stated in her press conference, related to our hotels and hospitality facilities, is they are going to be needed for health care workers and other service providers, as “a place to go to that limits their social contact and interactions with their families.”

More information here on this topic is located here.

Also in her press release, March 18, 2020, Governor Lujan-Grisham said, “This order will include very specific information about enforcement. There are still far too many New Mexicans who are coming into contact with one another. We have to be clear, we will enforce these orders. All public and private folks, we have control over in an emergency contexts, will comply with this order.” When asked how she will enforce these orders, she said, “So the state has, through its powers for these emergency orders, has the power to fine. So there can be civic and potentially criminal penalties and licensure issues related to those folks who don’t comply.” She was very clear that there will be state enforcement.

To watch the entire press release video visit Governor Press Conference 03-18-2020.