Los Alamos COVID Impact For Week Ending Feb. 21, 2022
Los Alamos COVID Impact:-
631 tests
- 54 diagnoses (40 in Los Alamos, at least 14 in White Rock)
- 0 death
Source: New Mexico Department of Health. By Eli Ben-Naim.
Chart 610: Seven-Day Average Number Of COVID-19 Diagnoses Overall And By Age Group In Los Alamos
This chart shows the seven-day average number of COVID-19 diagnoses versus date in Los Alamos. On a scale of 0 to 100, the diagnoses index quantifies the current level of diagnoses by using a comparison with daily levels since the start of the pandemic (the higher the index, the more severe the current state of the pandemic is). The current number of diagnoses is higher than 92 percent of preceding days. Source: New Mexico Department of Health. Created by Eli Ben-Naim
This chart shows the number of COVID-19 diagnoses by age group for the past week in Los Alamos. Source: New Mexico Department of Health.Los Alamos School Board Votes To Make Masks Optional In Most Circumstances
LAPS News:
Tonight, in a unanimous vote, the Los Alamos School Board decided to make masks optional in most District settings beginning at once.
Two exceptions to this were part of the motion made by School Board Secretary Antonio Jaurigue. They are that masks must be worn on school buses and in pre-K classrooms since those under five cannot be vaccinated.
More than 375 people attended the Zoom meeting. School Board members had read hundreds of comments on the District website and via email from community members, staff, students and parents weighing in on the issue. Read More
New Mexico Activities Association Executive Director Answers Questions About Governor Lifting Mask Mandate
NMAA News:
New Mexico Activities Association Executive Director Sally Marquez answered questions about what Thursday’s announcement by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham means for athletics and activities in New Mexico.
To view a recording of this interview, click here: https://youtu.be/OuMgJ64zsbI Read More
State Legislature To Look At High Healthcare Costs Paid By Uninsured New Mexicans
NMTFH News:
New Mexico Together for Healthcare, (NMTFH) a multiracial campaign of families and community organizations working together to strengthen healthcare access for all of New Mexico’s children and families, Friday hailed the New Mexico House of Representatives’ passage of HM 36 in the final hours of the legislative session.
HM 36, sponsored by Rep. Roger Montoya, asks the Legislature to hold a hearing on uninsured patients’ hospital charges and how much public money hospitals receive to care for low-income, uninsured patients. The memorial also asks the Human Services Department Read More
Chart 609: COVID-19 Diagnoses In United States Down To Pre-Omicron Levels
This chart shows the seven-day average number of COVID-19 diagnoses in the United States. Daily diagnoses are at the lowest level since Dec. 3, 2021, predating the omicron outbreak. On a scale of 0 to 100, the diagnoses index quantifies the current level of diagnoses by using a comparison with daily levels since the start of the pandemic (the higher the index, the more severe the current state of the pandemic is). The current number of diagnoses in the US is higher than 66 percent of preceding days. Source: New York Times. Created by Eli Ben-Naim Read More
Masks Remain Mandatory At Los Alamos Medical Center
LAMC News:
While the mask mandate has been lifted in most indoor settings in the state of New Mexico, Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) will still require that a mask be worn by all employees, providers, patients and visitors while in its facility.
This is per the State Public Health Order and in accordance with CDC guidelines.
“Thank you for helping to keep our hospital safe for all!” –LAMC Read More
Chart 608: COVID Diagnoses For LAPS Feb. 12-18
This chart displays the number of COVID-19 diagnoses by school for the past week. Source: Los Alamos Public Schools. Created by Eli Ben-NaimChart 607: Los Alamos COVID-19 Diagnoses Edge Higher Than National And State Averages
This chart shows the seven-day average number of COVID-19 diagnoses per 100,000 people versus date nationwide, statewide, and countywide. For the past few days, diagnoses in Los Alamos were higher than the national average and the state average. On a scale of 0 to 100, the diagnoses index quantifies the current level of diagnoses by using a comparison with daily levels since the start of the pandemic (the higher the index, the more severe the current state of the pandemic is). The current number of diagnoses in Los Alamos is higher than 94 percent of preceding days. Sources: New York Times and New Read More
Special Los Alamos School Board Meeting On Mask Mandate To Be Held Virtually Monday Evening
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos School Board will hold a special board meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21 virtually on Zoom to discuss the mask mandate issue.
This meeting is open to the public.
There will be limited time for public comment during the meeting, please submit comments to the email address: public.comments@laschools.net to ensure your comment is heard.
Find the agenda to this meeting here: Feb. 21, 2022 Special Board Agenda.
Find the link to this meeting here.
Meeting ID: 505 663 2222
Passcode: lapsboard
Los Alamos Public Schools To Continue Following Current Masking Guidelines Until Board Convenes In Special Session
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Interim Superintendent Jennifer Guy in a message sent to parents today addressed the state’s lifting of the indoor mask mandate:
“Today Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham lifted the mask mandate statewide, including in schools whose governing bodies choose to do so.
“The board will convene a special session to consider how this impacts LAPS and make a decision regarding this order early next week.
“Our schools will continue to follow the current masking guidelines until the board makes a decision.”
New Mexico Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted Effective Immediately … Governing School Bodies Will Decide Local Masking Policy
From the Office of the Governor:…See Public Health Order here.
The indoor mask mandate remains in effect for congregate settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities and detention facilities. The decision on masking in schools will be left up to governing school bodies, which may elect to keep or suspend masking requirements.
“I want to express my gratitude to every New Mexican who has steadfastly
Chart 606: COVID-19 Related Hospitalizations In New Mexico
This chart displays the number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations versus date. On a scale of 0 to 100, the hospitalizations index quantifies the current level of hospitalizations by using a comparison with daily levels since the start of the pandemic (the higher the index, the more severe the current state of the pandemic is). The current number of hospitalizations is higher than 74 percent of preceding days. Source: New Mexico Department of Health. Created by Eli ben-NaimGovernor Rescinds Statewide Mask Mandate In New Mexico
AFT-NM News:
SANTA FE – Citing reduced COVID-19 risk and removing her mask, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced at a news conference this afternoon following the end of the 30-day legislative session, that the state’s mask mandate for indoor public spaces has been lifted.
American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT-NM) President Whitney Holland released the following statement about the governor rescinding the mask mandate:
“Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, in consultation with health experts and educational stakeholders, announced the rescinding of the statewide mask Read More
County Offering Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits To Businesses
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County has received another shipment of rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits. County officials indicate that these tests will be made available to local businesses that did not receive rapid tests from the County last month.
Interested businesses may call or email Los Alamos Senior Budget Analyst Barbara Lai at 505. 730.3115 or barbara.lai@lacnm.us to reserve ten tests (five boxes containing two tests each).
Once tests are reserved, business representatives can arrange to pick tests up8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Read More
LAMC Receives 4-Star Rating In Patient Experience From Becker’s Healthcare!
LAMC News:
Los Alamos Medical Center (LAMC) received a 4-Star Rating in Patient Experience. LAMC is 1 of 8 New Mexico hospitals to be recognized for this achievement.
This rating is based upon the entire interaction of all staff members with patients. Providing the best possible service and patient experience is what LAMC strives for every day.
“We know that the first 96 seconds that our patients interact with caregivers sets the stage for a positive experience,” LAMC’s Chief Nursing Officer Julie Ward said. “We are so fortunate to have compassionate, dedicated, and tireless caregivers who Read More
New Mexico Legislature Passes Bill To Decriminalize Drug Checking Supplies And Devices
NMDPA News:
SANTA FE — In response to news that the New Mexico State Legislature passed a bill (HB 52) to decriminalize the possession of drug checking supplies and devices, which can greatly reduce the risk of overdose and other potential harms, Emily Kaltenbach, Senior Director of Criminal Legal and Policing Reform at the Drug Policy Alliance released the following statement:
“The overdose crisis is claiming more lives than ever before. Yet, tragically, it’s still illegal in many states for people to possess drug checking supplies, which can greatly reduce the risk of overdose and other Read More
Skolnik: COVID Update #12 – Are Cases Plateauing In Los Alamos?
By RICHARD SKOLNIK
Los Alamos
Status of the Pandemic
The table below shows cases, hospitalizations, and deaths for the US, New Mexico, and Los Alamos for the week ending February 14.
The graphic below (thanks to Eli Ben-Naim) shows the rolling 7-day average of cases in Los Alamos County over the last six months.
This graphic (also thanks to Eli Ben-Naim) shows the age distribution of new cases over the last two weeks.
Cases in Los Alamos have come down substantially in the last two weeks. However, they remain higher than at any time prior to the Omicron surge. In addition, the number Read More
Chart 605: COVID-19 Related Deaths In Los Alamos
This chart displays the cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths in Los Alamos versus date. The latest two deaths involved a male in his 80s and a female in her 70s. Source: New Mexico Department of Health. Created by Eli Ben-NaimCHRISTUS Health Names New VP Of Cancer Services
Vice President Andrea Teague
CHRISTUS St. Vincent News:
IRVING, Texas. — CHRISTUS Health has announced that Andrea Teague, MD, has been named vice president of Cancer Services.
As vice president of Cancer Services, Teague is responsible for developing and implementing an effective oncology service line program that meets the growing needs of cancer patients throughout the entire continuum of care.
Teague will be based in Santa Fe, and is expected to be instrumental in the development and operation of the cancer program and facilities at CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Read More
