By Jo Mixon
So much has happened in the past few weeks due to COVID-19, I want to pinch myself to see if I am really awake, but I refrain because I bruise easily, hehehe.
One thing I am sure of is this too shall pass! We have all lived through many hardships. We are told hardship builds character. In many instances it brings out our true character, good or bad. I believe the best thing we can do for one another in the coming weeks is not to be a promoter of mass hysteria. Many of the newspaper headlines we are seeing are designed to scare you. Fear mongering doesn’t help. The worse decisions are made from fear.
Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. Be prepared, but don’t panic. Stay factual, and that means check the facts first and the sources, especially on your face book feeds. Please do not attack one another or our guests…. remember even though we are extremely blessed to live in this mountain paradise, most of our businesses depend upon tourism! Many workers are being displaced right now without a paycheck. These are able bodied people who want to earn their living and by no choice of their own, are suddenly without a job. Not everyone will get paid for the time they cannot work.
A few true facts: Nationwide, there are 3,774 cases, that is .000009% of the population and 92% of those infected have had mild symptoms. Our nations population is 329.45 million people, 60 people nationwide have died from COVID-19. In New Mexico there are 17 positive cases which is .00000773% of our state population, none of them in northern New Mexico, with 0 deaths. Due to these numbers, am I saying, taking precautions are wrong? Not at all. Absolutely take precautions, but remain calm and kind while doing so. Use common sense. If you feel bad, stay at home. If you are in the health category at high risk- self isolate for a few weeks. If you have symptoms, call the New Mexico Department of health at 855-600-3453 to report your signs and seek guidance.
As a community we will be adhering to the state mandates and we do take this seriously. The ski resort has closed early and they have had to cancel planned Spring Break Concerts but the tubing hill and cross country area remain open until March 22. Our hotels are open. Our restaurants are open at 50% of their seating capacity and many are offering take out. The state parks have been closed, which includes the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and Eagle Nest Lake and this prevents camping in the Cimarron Canyon, but the Carson National Forest is open, with new temporary regulations put into place. See www.fs.usda.gov for more information. Our in-town hiking trails are open. There is still plenty to enjoy and the fresh air is energizing!
During this time of closures and uncertainty, take the time daily to nourish yourselves, both physically and spiritually. Treat your body well, get lots of sleep, eat your veggies, take a hike, exercise, wash your hands, pray, and smile! Together… at least 3 feet apart… we got this!
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