Burgess Reports On County Efforts To Address COVID-19
County Manager Harry Burgess
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos County continues to implement changes as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, County Manager Harry Burgess reported during the regular County Council meeting March 31.
Two weeks ago, he said, the County initiated new policies regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. This resulted in department heads sending as many employees as possible home. He said employees could telework and emergency leave was given to non-essential jobs.
The original policy was effective through April 6 but then U.S. President Read More
Number Of COVID-19 Cases In NM By County As Of April 6
Changes In Council Meeting Due To COVID-19
COUNTY News:
The Los Alamos County Council meeting scheduled in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. today, April 7 will continue using a format that complies with the recent New Mexico Department of Health’s public health emergency order governing mass gatherings because of COVID-19.
The format was initially used for the March 31 Council meeting and that process is noted again for public reference below:
Public in-person attendance Tuesday evening will not be allowed. Minimal County staff will be in attendance to present items and most Councilors will be participating by phone. The agenda has been Read More
Triad National Security Pledges $50,000 In Emergency Grants To Local Philanthropies: The Food Depot And Los Alamos, Santa Fe And Taos Community Foundations
Los Alamos National Laboratory. Courtesy/LANL
LANL News:
Triad National Security, the management and operations contractor of Los Alamos National Laboratory, has pledged $50,000 to four local philanthropies to address emergency needs caused by the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Funds are prioritized in the areas of healthcare, food security, childcare for essential workers and education.
“These community partners are experts in responding to the urgent needs of their respective communities,” said Thom Mason, president of Triad National Security. “They have proven track records Read More
Lisa Shin, O.D. Office Closed – Open For Virtual Eye Care
By LISA SHIN, O.D.
Los Alamos
Dear Friends:
I trust you and your family are safe and healthy, during this time of severe economic and social disruption. We are working together to prevent the spread of COVID19 within our community!
Unfortunately, our building was vandalized, and thieves took cash, broke windows at Daniel’s Cafe and Top Nails. Thankfully, my office was spared, but we installed new plexiglass windows, new door locks, and will upgrade our camera system.
Like every small business owner, I have made difficult decisions to ensure our future viability and to safeguard Read More
EPA To Donate Some 225,000 Pieces Of PPE To State And Local Responders Fighting COVID-19 Across United States
EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler
EPA News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday that it has identified approximately 225,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) available to support the COVID-19 response.
“EPA is working hard to support our nation’s first responders as they risk their own safety to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said. “After searching our inventory of personal protective equipment, we identified excess supplies and sent them to those on the frontlines of this fight. Read More
Stay Healthy & Informed With Facts On Pets & Coronavirus
ACLA News:
As a pet owner, you may have questions about how COVID-19 affects not only humans, but also our pets.
To provide some clarity and peace of mind, here are answers to some of the most common questions and concerns we hear from pet owners.
COVID-19 and animals
Because experts believe COVID-19 originated in animals before being transmitted to humans, pet owners may wonder if the disease could be passed from pet to owner. Rest assured, there is no evidence that any pets, livestock or other animals in the U.S. could be a source of COVID-19.
Similarly, there are no reported instances of human-to-animal Read More
Heinrich Launches ‘Hometown Heroes’ Initiative To Highlight New Mexicans Stepping Up During COVID-19 Pandemic
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced Monday the launch of the “Hometown Heroes” initiative to shine a spotlight on some of the local heroes stepping up to serve their fellow New Mexicans during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The coronavirus pandemic has brought upon some of the most challenging times many of us will ever face. But it has also shown us how dependent we are on one another for support. So many New Mexicans are showing up in moving ways to demonstrate our state’s trademark creative tenacity and incredible ingenuity Read More
Cumulative Number Of COVID-19 Positive Tests In NM, And Bernalillo, Sandoval & Santa Fe Counties Of April 6
New Mexico Governor Officially Extends Emergency Order To April 30 … Essential Businesses Further Restricted To Limit Gatherings; New Mexicans Must Stay Home…
STATE News:
SANTA FE – With COVID-19 cases still rising in New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday extended her public health emergency order and announced the extension of related public health orders to encourage social distancing and preserve safety equipment for health care workers.
Per the order, all guidance and advisories issued by the governor and secretary of health are in effect through at least April 30.
The amended public health order, which is attached to this news release, further restricts business operations as a means of combating continued congregating in spaces Read More
Chart 22: COVID-19 Daily Cases By County In New Mexico
Statewide counts. Shown are the cumulative numbers of tests, diagnoses, and deaths in New Mexico. Also shown is the number of active hospitalizations. Courtesy/Eli Ben-Naim
Fraction of those recovered to date versus the complementary fraction of those who died from COVID-19. Courtesy/Eli Ben-Naim
The time evolution of the doubling time. The doubling time was estimated by comparing the number of diagnoses on a given day with the corresponding number one week before. Courtesy/Eli Ben-Naim
Read More
New Mexico COVID-19 Cases Now At 686
STATE News:
SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials today announced 62 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Los Alamos County remain at 2 confirmed case.
Per the New Mexico Department of Health, the most recent cases are:
- 16 new cases in Bernalillo County
- 1 new case in Chaves County
- 1 new case in Doña Ana County
- 2 new cases in Grant County
- 4 new cases in McKinley County
- 25 new cases in San Juan County
- 11 new cases in Sandoval County
- 2 new cases in Santa Fe County
Today’s announced cases include additional positive tests from the La Vida Llena long-term care facility in Albuquerque, where Read More
Closures Of County Facilities Continue Because Of COVID-19
COUNTY News:
Los Alamos County Manager Harry Burgess announced today the following facilities will remain closed until April 30 due to the recent order issued by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham:
- Both public libraries;
- Aquatic Center;
- Fuller Lodge;
- History Museum;
- Teen Center;
- Both Youth Activity Centers;
- Nature Center;
- Golf Course Pro Shop; and
- Fuller Lodge Art Center.
All programs, classes and activities in those facilities are canceled. The two senior centers also will continue to be closed with all programs cancelled but home meal deliveries will continue.
Additionally, the closure Read More
Scenes From Bethlehem Church Palm Sunday Procession
Bethlehem Church Pastor Nicole Ferry and her husband Ray prepare for the Palm Sunday Procession through Los Alamos. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com
Bethlehem Church Pastor Scott Thalacker shows enthusiasm Sunday as the procession prepares to get underway. Courtesy/BELC
Separated by her window, resident Joyce Eyster raises her hand to touch Pastor Nicole Ferry’s hand during the procession event Sunday that passed by Sombrillo and Aspen Ridge. Eyster is the oldest member of Bethlehem Church. ‘Joyce turned 99 years old last month and just seeing her face brought me great joy,’ Pastor Read More
Happy Hearts Hunt Launches In Los Alamos
Governor Issues Rules For Vehicle Sales During Pandemic
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
STATE News:
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized automobile sales by small dealers on an appointment basis utilizing strict social distancing practices during the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order.
Additionally, online/Internet sales by all licensed New Mexico motor vehicle dealers are allowed.
“This is great news for New Mexicans,” said Marc Powell, CEO of the New Mexico Independent Automobile Dealers Association. “New Mexico’s transportation system is built around the automobile. There are more than 1,000 small independent car dealers in every city and Read More
Udall, Heinrich Call For Social Security Recipients To Get CARES Act Direct Cash Assistance Without Having To File Tax Return
U.S. SENATE News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the CARES Act that the president signed into law last week ensured that the Treasury Department had the authority to send automatic direct cash assistance to Social Security beneficiaries regardless of whether they file taxes or not, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released contradictory guidance earlier this week stating that Social Security beneficiaries would need to file tax returns in order to receive direct payments.
New Mexico U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich joined a group of 41 senators in expressing alarm over this guidance Read More
Graph Of Cumulative Number Of COVID-19 Positive Tests In New Mexico, Albuquerque Area And Santa Fe As Of April 5
Graph of the COVID-19 positive tests in New Mexico as of April 5. Created by Marv Alme
Number of COVID-19 Positive Tests in New Mexico, the Albuquerque Area, and Santa Fe County as of April 5. Created by Marv Alme Read More
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich Addresses Firing Of Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson
U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich
From the Office of U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich:
WASHINGTON (April 5, 2020) – U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on President Trump firing the intelligence community inspector general, Michael Atkinson:
“The president prioritizing retaliation against his perceived rivals during this global health and economic crisis is infuriating. His fixation on tearing down and politicizing the nation’s Intelligence Community is especially dangerous now, when our country most needs Read More
DPU Will Not Turn Off Utilities Due To Inability To Pay While Public Health Emergency Order Is In Effect
DPU Manager Philo Shelton encourages community members needing assistance with utility bills to call the Customer Care Center at 505.662.8333. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
The coronavirus has ignited a lot of concern and worry. People are anxious not only for their health but also for economic reasons.
Many businesses have closed, and their employees are without work due to the virus, but bills and expenses are still coming in.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) assures its customers that during this Public Read More
