Update January 20, 2021: On his first day as President of the United States, Joe Biden issued a federal mask mandate. The executive order requires all federal employees to wear masks while on federal property. It also requires private citizens to wear masks while on federal property. This includes federal courthouses, post offices, national parks, public transportation that crosses state borders (buses, planes, and trains), and more.
The executive order follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The hope is that widespread mask use will limit the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. New Mexico residents are reminded that masks will be required when visiting any federal property.
Update January 8, 2021: The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has announced that the state has entered phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination plan. The vaccine is now available to seniors 75 and older, persons 16 and older that are at risk of COVID-19 complications, essential workers unable to work from home, and vulnerable populations. Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the vaccine at NMDOH’s COVID-19 vaccine registration system.
Update November 13, 2020: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has ordered a “reset” of New Mexico’s COVID-19 safety practices. Her amended public health order asks New Mexico residents to stay at home, except for essential purposes. Essential business like grocery stores, pharmacies, shelters, and child care facilities are allowed to remain open. However, they will only be allowed to operate at 25% maximum capacity or 75 individuals at any given time.
In-person dining will not be permitted, but restaurants can allow curbside pickup. Nonessential businesses are ordered to close and may face fines up to $5,000 for noncompliance. The amended public health order is expected to remain in effect for at least two weeks.
Updated June 30, 2020: Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has updated the state’s Public Emergency Health Order to extend to at least July 15, 2020 in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Additionally, she said that the state will aggressively enforce the $100 fine for not wearing a mask in public settings. The fine applies to residents and visitors.
With the number of confirmed New Mexico COVID-19 cases on the rise, residents of Albuquerque and beyond may be feeling understandably uneasy. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys comprehends the gravity of the public health crisis we now face as a country, and encourages everyone to follow all protocols and instructions given by our local and federal governments.
In addition to our COVID-19 Resources page, we also wanted to share some simple New Mexico COVID-19 safety tips to help you keep yourself, your family, and our community at large safe during this turbulent time.
New Mexico COVID-19 Safety Tips
Just as it is important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is equally as important to prevent accidental injuries to help reduce the strain on our local and national healthcare systems. The following tips offer simple actions you can do to play your part.
Tip #1: Watch Out For Scams
Scams may not be the first threat that comes to mind when you think of global pandemics, but it’s something to watch out for. Be cautious of anyone you don’t know asking for money via social media. COVID-19 phishing scams have already been reported, in addition to malware on websites claiming to have updated coronavirus tracking information.
You should also be wary of anyone advertising a cure for COVID-19, for which there is no current approved medication or vaccine. Double check all news sources for authenticity before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation.
Tip #2: Take Extra Precautions in Public
While the White House has called for increased practice of social distancing and many companies have directed employees to work from home, not all contact with the public may be avoidable. If you need to go to the grocery store, for example, try to avoid shopping during peak times. Also, try to maintain the appropriate space of six feet between you and others whenever possible.
Panic buying has also become a problem throughout much of the country. This stressor may cause some to act aggressively towards others. The demand for products has also left many stores overworked and understaffed. Watch out for slick surfaces and precarious merchandise displays so as to avoid a slip and fall accident.
Parking lots may be especially hectic. You can prevent New Mexico pedestrian injuries by looking both ways before you cross the parking lot, keeping an eye out for drivers backing out of parking spaces, and being wary of reckless or speeding drivers.
Tip #3: Postpone Nonessential Travel Plans
In an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, many countries have imposed travel restrictions. In the U.S., some states are also attempting to protect their borders. If possible, cancel or reschedule any travel plans, especially those that require traveling in close proximity to others. A public health advisory from the office of the governor has recommended that any person traveling to New Mexico from outside the state self-quarantine for at least 14 days after arrival.
If you do need to travel by plane, find out if there will be any additional screenings for which you may need to arrive at the airport earlier. Bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes and try to maintain as much distance as possible between you and fellow travelers.
If traveling by car, don’t let your guard down even if there are fewer cars on the road. There may be a higher amount of stressed, drowsy, ill, or otherwise impaired drivers on the road. Keep distractions to a minimum, stay calm even if other drivers show signs of road rage, and don’t be afraid to pull over if you feel drowsy. All these precautions reduce your chance of being injured in a New Mexico car accident.
Injured in New Mexico During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Although you may follow New Mexico COVID-19 safety tips, others may not. If you are injured due to another person’s negligence during this time, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is committed to being available day or night to assist our clients.
Call us at 505-544-4444 to schedule your free consultation. Alternatively, you can chat with a live representative online, or submit the details of your case using our secure contact form.