Senate Democrats Request USDA Work With State Agencies To Ensure Child Nutrition Programs During School Closures
U.S. Sen. Martin HeinrichWASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) sent a letter Friday with Senate Democrats to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue, requesting that the USDA proactively work with all state agencies to ensure the availability of waivers that provide flexibilities for Child Nutrition Programs in the event of school closures.
Sen. Heinrich continues to be engaged with New Mexico state agencies, including the New Mexico School Nutrition Association, to ensure that necessary lines of communication and funding are available Read More
County Addresses Contractors, Service Contracts, Facilities
County Manager Harry Burgess
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Manager Harry Burgess sent a letter Friday to contractors who operate a variety of County facilities on behalf of the County, assuring them that they could continue to receive monthly compensation in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Burgess sent the letter to the executive directors of the Los Alamos History Museum, Pajarito Environmental Education Center, which manages the Nature Center, the Fuller Lodge Arts Center and the Arts Council.
The executive directors expressed concerns to the County about financial impacts, should Read More
NM Health Department: Nursing Homes Should Limit Most Visitors To Prevent Potential Spread Of COVID-19
From the Office of the Governor:
SANTA FE – In order to minimize the danger of COVID-19 spread to high-risk communities, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) today announced that it has ordered nursing homes to limit visitation to people whose loved ones are receiving end-of-life care.
The order also targets facilities providing assisted living, adult day care, hospice and rehabilitation for older adult patients. Facilities where older adults live or that provide services to them are strongly encouraged to implement the recommendations as is reasonably appropriate.
DOH further Read More
Ben Ray Luján: Staying Safe During Coronavirus Epidemic
Chart of what to know about coronavirus. Courtesy/BRL
By U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján
As the impact of coronavirus reaches further across New Mexico and the nation, I know many are thinking about how to keep themselves and their families safe.
Right now, I’m working closely with my colleagues on Capitol Hill to pass a bill that would dedicate significant resources to food and unemployment benefits and ensure that people affected by the virus have access to affordable testing.
In the meantime, each of us can make an impact to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Congressional Candidate Valerie Plame Discusses COVID-19
By VALERIE PLAME
CD3 Candidate
This week, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in New Mexico.
Although the tendency is to panic during trying times like these, the most important thing we can do right now is to remain calm, heed the advice of experts, and take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
During my time in the CIA, I experienced many high-stress situations and national crises. But I also experienced what can be accomplished through diligence, cooperation, and swift action. My goal then Read More
Governor Evicts PRC From PERA Building
PRC Chair Theresa Becenti-Aguilar
From the Public Education Commission
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Public Education Commission (PRC) scrutinized an eviction letter hand delivered and served Tuesday to Chief of Staff Jason Montoya by the General Services Division, demanding the PRC to vacate the PERA Building by June 30, 2020.
The timing could not have been more suspicious for the PRC following the failed effort by the Governor and several Legislators to dismantle the agency during the 2020 legislative session when HB11 was tabled in the Senate.
HB11 would have transferred regulatory authority Read More
New Mexico Insurance Superintendent Russell Toal Guarantees Free COVID-19 Testing And Treatment
Russell Toal
SANTA FE – In response to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s March 11 declaration of a public health emergency, Superintendent of Insurance Russell Toal has issued an emergency rule prohibiting health insurers from imposing cost sharing, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles, for testing and health care services related to COVID-19.
The rule also covers pneumonia, influenza, or any disease or condition that is the subject of a public health emergency.
“Gov. Lujan Grisham has made clear that New Mexico will take aggressive, proactive steps to contain and prevent the spread
Canceled: County Council Work Session March 17
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Council Chair Sara Scott made the decision earlier today to cancel the upcoming work session scheduled for March 17.
In making this decision, she noted that with the emerging situation surrounding COVID-19, it is prudent to exercise caution and support similar efforts to limit the spread of the disease.
“Given that work sessions are not a required meeting according to County Code, unlike stated requirements for twice-monthly regular County Council meetings, it seems appropriate to cancel this specific work session, especially since the limited number of Read More
Los Alamos Council Chair Sara Scott Addresses COVID-19
By SARA SCOTT
Chair
Los Alamos County Council
Our County is facing challenges to our health, economy and personal stress levels – concerns regarding the Coronavirus are evolving rapidly and we are all responding to new information, significant closures, and public health orders daily. As a community, this is a chance for us to show how much we care for each other.
We’ve been through challenges before and what I’ve seen from folks in town these past few weeks doesn’t surprise me – from the sincere interest by so many in what they personally can do to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to rapidly Read More
NM Health Officials Announce 4 More COVID-19 Cases
From the Office of the Governor:
- A Bernalillo County man in his mid-50s with close household contact with a previous presumptive positive resident. He is at home in isolation;
- A Bernalillo County man in his 80s with close household contact with a previous presumptive positive resident.
Los Alamos County Issues Update On COVID-19
County Manager Harry Burgess
COUNTY News:
County Assessing, Monitoring Impacts on County Services
The Los Alamos County Emergency Management Office and County Manager continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in cooperation with the State Department of Health and new directives being issued.
County Manager Harry Burgess said today that he expects Situation Reports from Department Directors by the end of today regarding their assessment of their department and a variety of factors that might impact County services in the near future.
Burgess said that planning is underway Read More
New Mexico Closes K-12 Public Schools For Three Weeks To Prevent Potential Spread Of COVID-19
STATE News:
‘Our goal is to be so effective at containment that three weeks is all we will need.’ –Gov. Lujan Grisham
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced today that New Mexico K-12 public schools will close for three weeks, effective Monday, March 16, to mitigate the risk of community spread of COVID-19.
The order closing all public pre-schools and K-12 schools will be effective through April 3 and may be extended as conditions warrant. Schools will not be required to make up the missed instructional days at the end of the academic year, the Public Education Department said.
“This Read More
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall Introduces Legislation To Increase Tribal Public Health Security And Preparedness
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thursday, as the United States combats the global novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced the CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act.
This legislation would allow Tribes to apply directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) program and authorizes the CDC to make any necessary modifications to the program to fit the needs of Tribal applicants.
The CDC PHEP Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Issues Update On Operations Of His Washington D.C. And New Mexico Offices
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) has announced that out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of both staff and visitors, his Washington, D.C. office will be operating with minimal on-site staff, with the remainder of staff working remotely.
The New Mexico offices remain fully staffed.
Heinrich will continue to carry out his official duties.
Heinrich will continue to keep New Mexicans informed of any changes and encourages residents to contact his offices for any assistance needed. Heinrich is also encouraging New Mexico residents Read More
Sixth Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Case In New Mexico
NMDOH News:
SANTA FE — New Mexico health officials announced Thursday that a sixth New Mexico resident tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, adding to the five presumptive positive tests this week.
Per New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the most recent case is a Santa Fe County woman in her 50s with known recent international travel to Italy. She is at home in isolation.
The other five presumptive positive tests in New Mexico are:
- A Socorro County husband and wife both in their 60s with known recent international travel to Egypt;
- A woman in her 70s in Bernalillo County with known
Los Alamos County Issues Response To Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham/NMDOH Mass Gatherings Ban Due To COVID-19
COUNTY News:
The increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus spurred the Governor and New Mexico Health Department to issue a Public Health Emergency Order to Limit Mass Gatherings. In response to this, Los Alamos County began this afternoon a case-by-case assessment of all reservations, programs and events.
“The main thing is we are following the Governor’s orders,” said Los Alamos County Communications and Public Relation’s Leslie Bucklin.
The Order, dated March 12, and lasting through April 11, 2020 is stated as follows:
“All Mass Gatherings are hereby prohibited under the Read More
SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted By COVID-19 Up To $2 Million In Disaster Assistance Loans
SBA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation:
“The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely Read More
Canceled: Leagues March Lunch With A Leader
LWVLA News:
Fifth Presumptive Positive COVID-19 Case Announced
From the Office of the Governor:
Department of Health actively investigating all presumptive positives
SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials announced today a fifth New Mexico resident tested presumptive positive for COVID-19, adding to the four presumptive positive tests Wednesday.
Per the state Department of Health, the most recent case is a Bernalillo County woman in her 40s. The Department of Health is investigating a possible travel link. She is at home in isolation.
The other four presumptive positive tests in New Mexico are:
- A Socorro County husband and wife both in their 60s with
New Mexico Health Secretary Issues Public Health Order Suspending Mass Gatherings … Latest COVID-19 Precaution Limits Large Group Gatherings
Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel
From the Office of New Mexico Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel:
SANTA FE – New Mexico Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel issued an order this morning temporarily prohibiting mass gatherings in New Mexico in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public health order defines mass gatherings as events that bring together 100 or more people in a single room or connected space like auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, conference centers and theaters.
- Places of worship;
- Airports;
- Other mass transit;
- Shopping malls;
- Shelters;
- Retail and grocery stores;
