Curry, Roosevelt set to stay in turquoise

Barring a significant outbreak event over the weekend — and probably, even with one — Curry and Roosevelt counties should stay in the state’s vaunted turquoise status under the “Red to Green” COVID-19 public health guidelines.

The state has, since Nov. 30, graded counties every two weeks on meeting gating criteria of 8 daily cases per 100,000 residents and test positivity at or below 5%. Green counties meet both, yellow counties meet one, red counties meet neither and turquoise counties make green for two consecutive data collection periods.

The state will unveil its next “Red to Green” update Wednesday.

Curry County made green March 24 and turquoise April 7, while Roosevelt County made green March 10 and turquoise March 24.

Between the last data collection period on April 5 and Friday, Curry County has confirmed 14 cases and conducted 1,724 tests, a raw test positivity rate of 0.81%. Curry County must be at or below 56 new cases over the two-week period to meet the daily case criteria.

During the same period, Roosevelt County has confirmed six cases and conducted 725 tests, a raw test positivity rate of 0.83%. Roosevelt must be at 23 or fewer cases over the two-week period for the daily case criteria.

Outside data calculation is not an exact science because the state calculates slightly different data than what it makes publicly available each day. Duplicate tests and positives are eliminated, and positive cases are reassigned to the date of the test.

In other COVID-19 developments:

• Friday update: Friday saw the state report 264 new cases of COVID-19, with four in Curry County and none in Roosevelt County.

Roosevelt County reported two cases Wednesday, and has not confirmed another case this week.

Curry County reported its 74th COVID-19 death on Tuesday, a male in his 60s with underlying conditions.

• State passes 4,000: The DOH announced Thursday the state had passed the 4,000 mark for New Mexicans who have died due to COVID-19.

Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said the milestone is a reminder to remain cautious in the weeks and months ahead.

“While New Mexico is leading the nation in vaccinations and staying vigilant with COVID-safe practices,” Collins said, “we are not out of the woods. There is still much work still to be done.”