Downward infection trend continues

The downward trend of COVID-19 infections is continuing in Curry and Roosevelt counties, with neither county reporting a double-digit day in new cases so far in February, and only one double-digit day in the last week.

Friday saw the state report 670 new COVID-19 infections, including seven in Curry County and five in Roosevelt. None of the 29 deaths reported were tied to either county.

Over the last week, recorded Jan. 30 to Friday, Curry County has reported 48 new cases, with a high of 15 on Jan. 30 and a low of three on Tuesday. In Roosevelt County, there have been 35 new cases, with a high of seven on Tuesday and a low of three on Monday.

Of the 137 deaths reported statewide during the seven days, one was a local report. That came on Sunday, as Roosevelt County reported a female in her 60s with underlying conditions.

In the first five days of February, Curry has reported 27 cases while Roosevelt has reported 26. At that pace, Curry would report 152 new cases and Roosevelt 146. In January, Curry County reported 705 new cases, while Roosevelt reported 260.

Red to Green

When the state releases its “Red to Green” data on Wednesday, both Curry and Roosevelt counties should be close to the yellow designation.

Every two weeks since Nov. 30, the state has measured each county based on whether they meet the two gating benchmarks of 8 daily cases per 100,000 residents and test positivity of 5% or less. The state gives a green designation to counties that meet both, yellow to counties that meet one and red to counties that meet neither.

According to the state’s public COVID-19 dashboard, since Jan. 25, Curry County has had 114 new cases and 3,155 tests. Roosevelt County has had 54 new cases and 1,156 tests.

That would be test positivity of 3.6% for Curry County and 4.7% for Roosevelt County. However, the state calculates test positivity by removing duplicate tests, and that data is not segregated in the public dashboard.

There are several differences between public health orders in each designation, but the yellow category permits indoor dining at 25% capacity and outdoor dining at 75% capacity with mass gatherings defined as 10 people or 25 vehicles. Under the red designation, only outdoor dining is allowed at 25% capacity and mass gatherings are defined as five people or 10 vehicles.

Super Bowl guidance

The New Mexico Department of Health on Thursday issued public health guidance ahead of today’s Super Bowl. Health Secretary-Designate Tracie Collins recommended watching the game only with members of the household.

“We will come together again safely — and soon,” Collins said. “If people are worried about hurting anyone’s feelings by telling friends and family they won’t be attending a Super Bowl party, they shouldn’t be. Not attending is the best way to show you DO care. Next year, we will all be able to cheer on our favorite teams.”

Recommendations include connecting with friends and relatives over video chat services, making only as many grocery store trips as possible, and supporting local businesses by ordering takeout or delivery.

Rapid Response Watchlist

No Curry or Roosevelt establishment was listed Friday on the Environment Department’s Rapid Response Watchlist. The list included 41 establishments 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.

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.