Hospital notes fewer patients

CLOVIS — Plains Regional Medical Center was in no way out of the storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic. But Interim Administrator Jorge Cruz said the waters were a little calmer last week.

Cruz told the Clovis city commission during its Thursday virtual meeting the hospital started the day with 15 COVID-19 patients after having 25 to 30 daily over recent months.

More relieving, Cruz said, the hospital had no patients, COVID-19 or not, in its intensive care unit for the first time in months.

“We did things we never imagined we could do in our hospital,” Cruz said. “I am extremely, extremely proud of the work we put forth during trying times.”

Mayor Mike Morris praised Cruz and the PRMC staff.

“Hearing that 15 is your number — my heart goes out to those 15 — but that’s the lowest number you’ve shown us in quite some time and I’m happy about it.” Morris said.

Cruz spoke briefly on vaccinations, noting first responders are getting opportunities to schedule for their first round of the two-dose vaccination. Hopefully by the end of January, Cruz said, the hospital can move into the vaccination of patients.

Emergency Management Director Dan Heerding provided vaccination information outside of the hospital, noting that Roden Smith Pharmacy went through 300 doses covering 21 agencies.

Through Wednesday, Heerding said, the state had received 106,000 doses and distributed 85% of them.

He encouraged residents to register for the vaccine at vaccinenm.org. Anybody uncomfortable with the Internet, Heerding said, can call 855-600-3454, then press 0, then press 4.

The state was still in Phase 1A Thursday, Heerding said, which included frontline healthcare workers. Phase 1B, which began Friday, adds these groups, in sequence: New Mexicans 75 years and older; those 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that place them at greater risk from COVID-19, and frontline essential workers who cannot work remotely. The latter group includes early education and K-12 educators.

The vaccine is free, Heerding said, but there may be an administrative charge that’s normally covered by insurance. Local entities are getting the Moderna vaccine, which can be stored at higher temperatures than the Pfizer vaccine.

In other COVID-19 developments:

• The state reported 1,645 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, including 53 cases in Curry County and 13 in Roosevelt County.

Two local deaths were reported Friday among the 30 statewide, a Curry County man in his 40s who was hospitalized and a Roosevelt County female in her 80s who had underlying conditions and was a resident of Heartland Continuing Care Center.

Curry County has reported 51 total deaths and Roosevelt 35 related to the virus. For Roosevelt County, 13 of those deaths have come the past two weeks.

• The 27th Special Operations Medical Group began its own administration of the Moderna vaccine Thursday.

According to a release from the wing’s public affairs office, Department of Defense phases prioritize national security and installation functions, deploying forces and those at the highest risk for developing severe illness from COVID-19.

“Our Medical Group has been committed to developing and executing a COVID-19 vaccination plan in concert with Department of Defense guidance,” Wing Commander Col. Robert Masaitis said in the release. “Their hard work and dedication to the health of our force has enabled Cannon AFB to remain vigilant and healthy despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented.”

According to the release, prioritized people are “highly encouraged” to take the vaccine. Masaitis said there are still months ahead for Cannon and the community in the fight against COVID-19, but the arrival of vaccines “indicate a path forward.”

• The Environment Department’s Rapid Response Watchlist included four local establishments, all in Clovis, among a list of 89 that have accumulated at least two rapid responses within 14 days.

The state initiates a rapid response when it learns of a positive COVID-19 case in a workplace. The state agency initiating the rapid response will offer direction to establishments regarding testing, quarantining and isolating, disinfecting, and COVID-safe practices.

The Clovis locations are Mental Health Resources with six rapid responses, Interim Health Care with five and Southwest Cheese and Albertsons Market with two each.

An establishment that reaches four rapid responses inside 14 days is under consideration for a 14-day closure. However, no local establishment has been closed under such a directive despite exceeding the threshold.