It was reported on Friday, March 27, that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in New Mexico is now at 191 with 55 more people testing positive. The a 40% increase in one day, though alarming, should not come as a surprise to anyone in that it coincides with increased testing throughout the state.
According to state officials, the number patients hospitalized increased by 4 and is now 17 with 6 of those hospitalized in intensive care or on ventilators to help them breathe. Twenty-seven of the new cases are in Bernalillo County. Most of New Mexico’s cases are connected to international or interstate travel. This prompted Governor Lujan Grisham to issue a two-week quarantine order for air travelers upon their arrival to the city.
On March 27, the New Mexico Department of Health release the following data:
Updated New Mexico COVID-19 cases: Now at 191
Mar 27, 2020 | Press Room
“SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials on Friday announced 55 additional positive tests for COVID-19.
Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are:
27 new cases in Bernalillo County
1 new case in Cibola County
1 new case in Eddy County
1 new case in Lea County
2 new cases in McKinley County
1 new case in Rio Arriba County
1 new case in Roosevelt County
5 new cases in Sandoval County
3 new cases in San Juan County
7 new cases in Santa Fe County
5 new cases in Taos County
1 new case in Valencia County
The Department of Health on Thursday reported no additional deaths in the state related to COVID-19. The number of deaths in the state related to COVID-19 remains at one.
Including the above newly reported cases, New Mexico has now had a total of 191 positive tests for COVID-19:
Bernalillo County: 82
Cibola County: 2
Chaves County: 4
Curry County: 1
Doña Ana County: 16
Eddy County: 2
Lea County: 2
McKinley County: 5
Rio Arriba County: 3
Roosevelt County: 1
Sandoval County: 15
San Juan County: 17
San Miguel County: 1
Santa Fe County: 29
Socorro County: 2
Taos County: 8
Valencia County: 1
As of today, there are 17 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. This number may include individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 out of state but are currently hospitalized in New Mexico. This number does not include New Mexicans who tested positive for COVID-19 and may have been transferred to a hospital out of state.
The Department of Health has detected community spread and is investigating cases with no known exposure. The agency reports that given the infectious nature of the virus it is likely other residents are infected but yet to be tested or confirmed positive. To that end, all New Mexicans have been instructed to stay home except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare. These additional restrictions have been enacted to aggressively minimize person-to-person contact and ensure spread is mitigated. All businesses except those deemed essential have been ordered to close. New Mexicans are strongly urged to limit travel to only what is necessary for health, safety and welfare.
The New Mexico Department of Health has active investigations into the positive patients, which includes contact-tracing and swabs of symptomatic individuals who have had contact with the positive cases.
Every New Mexican must work together to stem the spread of COVID-19. Stay home.
New Mexicans who report symptoms of COVID-19 infection, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should call their health care provider or the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline immediately (1-855-600-3453).
While the state is gratified that COVID-19 testing is increasingly available, we need to prioritize testing for persons with symptoms of COVID-19 infection – fever, cough, or shortness of breath. This is allergy season, and allergy symptoms such as sneezing or itchy eyes, nose or throat do not indicate a need for testing.
New Mexicans who have non-health-related questions or concerns can also call 833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov, which is being updated regularly as a one-stop source for information for families, workers and others affected by and seeking more information about COVID-19.
The state Department of Health will update its dedicated COVID-19 webpage with additional tests as the state lab provides results.”
You can review future updates from the New Mexico Health Department at this link:
TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND FAMILY
Older adults and those with chronic illnesses are most at risk to contract the virus that could result in death from complications. Even healthy young people not worried about getting sick should take steps to protect themselves and others in that they could still carry the virus but not show signs of it. The strategy must be to limit the chance of transmitting the disease to persons who are more vulnerable.
Government officials urged people to protect themselves by:
Washing their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Cleaning “high-touch” surfaces daily with regular household cleaners
When coughing, use a tissue or cough into the forearm of your elbow
Avoiding the sharing of personal household items
Stay at home when sick
Avoid large crowds and public events
Practice “social distancing” when talking to others in person by standing 6 feet away from them
Wear medical mask if available that seals around mouth and nose when out in public
Self-quarantine for 14 days if you can
Limit activities to grocery shopping, trips to gas station and medical appointment