Governor lifts some business restrictions

New Mexico will relax some of its pandemic-related restrictions against small businesses beginning Friday.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in an afternoon news conference that retailers that had been closed because of COVID-19 concerns will be allowed to offer curbside pickup and delivery.

While many restrictions of her public health order remain through May 15, Lujan Grisham also said golf courses can reopen Friday and gun stores can open by appointment only.

Dine-in restaurants will remain closed, along with malls, gyms, casinos and movie theaters.

The governor has been under intense pressure from small business owners and Republican politicians in recent days because of her polices that allow big-box chain stores to remain open while shuttering small businesses that have fewer issues with social distancing.

New guidelines include:

• Non-essential retailers can operate via curbside pickup and delivery service where permitted by their license.

• State parks to reopen on a modified day-use-only basis, as staff is available - camping and visitor centers still closed.

• Pet services (adoption/groomers/daycare/boarding) permitted to operate

• Veterinarians permitted to operate

• Golf courses allowed to open for golf only - no dine-in food service or retail

• Gun stores can operate (by appointment only given need for background check)

Mass gatherings are still prohibited and a 14-day quarantine order remains in place for out-of-state airport arrivals.

We will have a compete report in Sunday’s newspaper.