Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update – September 23, 2020

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Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Today on Coronavirus Update, Jamie Newton talks to Dr. Renée Despres, a public health researcher and technical writer who teaches at Western New Mexico University. Dr. Despres has years of experience in pandemic planning. Recently Dr. Depres gave a presentation to the Grant County Commission entitled “COVID-19: Toward Prevention & Recovery in Grant County, NM.” Dr. Despres offers us practical guidance for infection avoidance for individuals and the community as a whole.

Coronavirus Update is a local radio show that provides the latest information you need to know on local community strategies to slow the spread of the Coronavirus and protect yourself, your family and our community during this public health crisis. Brought to you by Gila/Mimbres Community Radio, Gila Resources Information Project, Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Grant County and National Center for Frontier Communities.

Send us your updates to info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org

NM Dept of Health COVID-19 Hotline 1-855-600-3453 or visit cv.nmhealth.org

Coronavirus Information Hotline at 1-833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov

NM Crisis & Access Line, 24/7, 1-855-662-7474; nmcrisisline.com

Message from Grant County’s health care providers –video

Donations to Community COVID-19 Response – Grant County Community Foundation

Grant County Coronavirus Update website – grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org


Coronavirus Update is broadcast live on Gila/Mimbres Community Radio 89.1 FM Silver City on Wednesdays at Noon and rebroadcast Wednesdays at 6 pm and Thursdays at 8 am

Or listen to this episode at your convenience via this link…


As of Today, Wednesday, September 22nd, 27,790 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in New Mexico, with 854 deaths , 69 currently hospitalized individuals, and 15,586 recoveries according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

On Tuesday, state health officials reported three additional deaths related to COVID-19 along with 110 new cases. Grant County has 11 new cases of coronavirus in the past week for a total of 110 with 43 of those reported recovered.

In recent days, the state’s rate of spread exceeded the goal of 1.05 or below.

The rate of spread increased to 1.11 as of Sept. 20. This is the number of people each person, on average, with COVID-19 will spread the disease to others.

The state’s metro area had the highest spread rate of the five regions, at 1.19, while the northwest had the lowest, at 1.

The spread rate has increased slightly since early September. Officials say the increase was expected after some restrictions were lifted and it’s likely that increased travel around the Labor Day holiday had a role.

The state’s daily cases, on a seven-day rolling average is at 104 as of Sept. 15, well under the state’s goal of 168 or below.

In positive news, the state processed 5,679 tests per day on a seven-day rolling average as of Sept. 19. The state had peaked at just over 7,900 tests in late July, maintaining near that number through the first few days of August.

As of Sept. 11, the state was only processing 4,208 tests on a seven-day rolling average, largely because of a lack of public demand, state officials said.

The positivity rate also remained low, at 2.2 percent as of Sept. 19, well below the state’s goal of 5 percent or below.

More information is available at cv.nmhealth.org

LOCAL COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULES

The Grant County Public Health Office provides free testing every Tuesday from 8:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. and every Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

Appointments can be scheduled by registering on the following website:
https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org/

Once registered, you will receive a code. Please save this code and use it when making your appointment by calling: 575-538-5318 (ext. 4).

The Grant County Public Health Office is located at 2610 N. Silver Street (across the street from the Swimming Pool).

CVS Pharmacy Drive-thru in Silver City is making Self-swab tests available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com

Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS) in Silver City is doing testing on weekdays except for Tuesday at their clinic at 1007 Pope Street in Silver City and at their Lordsburg clinic on weekdays except for Thursdays at 530 De Moss Street. Call 1-888-271-3596 for an appointment.

NEW MEXICO TAPS FEDERAL LOANS TO PAY UNEMPLOYMENT

New Mexico has depleted its unemployment benefits trust fund and has begun to use federal loans to keep up with claims — spending that can trigger higher taxes if not repaid, a top labor official said Tuesday.

Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley said that unemployment trust reserves were exhausted on Sept. 8 — and that the state has spent about $35 million since then in borrowed federal funds to maintain unemployment benefits.

New Mexico’s unemployment rate of 11.4% in August exceeds neighboring states as health officials take gradual steps toward reopening the economy and schools, where most pupils are still studying from home.

McCamley said about 123,000 people were receiving unemployment benefits as of last week in a state of 2.1 million residents. That’s up from 9,600 active claims in March before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

The tourism and hospitality industry has been especially hard hit, along with oil production and construction.

In June, lawmakers put a freeze on unemployment insurance tax rates for businesses through the end of 2021.

The administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is contemplating a decision on when to reinstate a requirement that unemployment beneficiaries actively look for work.

The current emergency health order limits businesses including retail outlets, private schools and indoor restaurant areas to 25% of maximum capacity, while hotels and lodges can seek certification for 75% occupancy.

Masks are mandatory in public, with a 10-person limit on public gatherings and a 14-day self-quarantine requirement for travelers entering from high-infection rate states that currently include Texas, Arizona and California — but not Colorado.

Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley stated “The more people can control the virus with their behaviors, the more we are going to be able to feel comfortable introducing risk into communities and hopefully people are going to get back to work,”

https://apnews.com/89af8249dd7b4416653c3bc59430069a

NEW MEXICO SMALL BUSINESS CONTINUITY GRANT

Small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for a State of New Mexico Small Business Continuity Grant. These grants cover expenses associated with rent, non-owner payroll, mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, and marketing.
Also, covered are costs associated with reconfiguring physical space, installing plexi-glass barriers, PPE and more. For information regarding these grants and other help for your small business please call the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce at 575-538-3785.

Application and corresponding documentation must be submitted to the Chamber for consideration between 9am – 5pm Monday thru Friday or via email to director@silvercity.org.  There are limited grants available, so complete your application for consideration today.

The grant application with requirements and full details is available on the Silver City Grant county Chamber of Commerce website at silvercity.org

HOW TO VOTE IN GRANT COUNTY

The Grant County Clerk’s office has sent out courtesy absentee applications for the 2020 General Election beginning September 14, 2020.

It is entirely YOUR CHOICE to use or not use this absentee application being sent to you. If you choose to vote absentee by mail, the application must be received in the clerk’s office no later than Tuesday, October 20, 2020. You also have the option to apply for an absentee ballot online at NMVote.org.

Do you need to register to vote? October 6 is the last day to register to vote at the Grant County Clerk’s office or Department of Motor Vehicles; by mail via the Secretary of State’s Office or online at nmvote.org

Election Day is Nov 3, from 7 am–7 pm

However, you can vote early at

Grant County Clerk’s Office
1400 Highway 180 East
Silver City, NM
October 6–30, M–F, 8 am–5 pm
Sat. October 31, 8 am–5 pm

Bayard Community Center
290 Hurley Avenue
Bayard, NM
Sat. October 17, 9 am–6 pm
Tues-Sat, October 20–31, 9 am–6 pm

More information on the general election is available at the Grant county Clerk’s office at grantcountynm.gov

BE AN ELECTION PROTECTION VOLUNTEER

Common Cause NM is looking for volunteers to help this election season as voters face new challenges to accessing the ballot box. You can make a difference and help answer questions about voting by mail, early voting and in-person voting during this pivotal election. Throughout the election cycle, volunteers provide voter information, document problems encountered when voting, and work with partners on the ground to identify and remove barriers to voting. Election protection focuses on the voter – not on the political horse race – and provides guidance, information and help to any American, regardless of their voting choices. Volunteer! Find out more at https://www.commoncause.org/new-mexico/

2020 CENSUS REMINDER

If you haven’t responded to the 2020 Census yet, now is the time.

The deadline for the census is now September 30.

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.

The easiest way to get counted is to go online to 2020census.gov and fill out the on-line questionnaire.

If you do not have access to the internet or have not received a paper questionnaire, you can call the 2020 Census Assistance line at 1-844-330-2020.

If you live in Grant County and need personal assistance filling out your census form, you can get help at:

Village of Santa Clara City Hall, 105 Bayard Street, Village of Santa Clara, NM Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. & 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Any other time call for an appointment at (575) 537-2443

Grant County Administration Building/Planning and Mapping Department from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. located at 1400 Highway 180 East, Silver City. 575-574-0000

Additionally, Belinda Jones of the El Refugio is offering to help walk anyone through the form. You can reach her at 575-538-2125 extension 17.

There are fewer than 10 days left to complete the census, so please get counted today! That’s 2020census.gov

FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULES

The Commons regular food pantry distribution will be next Wednesday September 30th from 4-6pm and again on the first Saturday in October, the 3rd, from 10am to 12pm. The Commons is located at 501 East 13th Street, next door to Knights of Columbus. For more information please contact The Commons at 575-388-2988.

The Food Pantry at the Gospel Mission located at 111 South Texas Street in Silver City is open for drive thru only on Wednesdays 8:30 am – 9:30 am. There is a also a Daily soup kitchen: Breakfast takes place from 8:30-9:30 Mon-Fri and Lunch occurs every day from 12-1 pm  Call 575 388-5071 for more information.

St. Francis Newman Center Food Pantry located at 914 W. 13th St. Silver City is open every Monday at 4 pm. Cash assistance for rent, utilities, bus passes and prescription drugs is also provided. Call 575-388-4933 for more information.

DOUBLE YOUR SNAP BENEFITS AT THE SILVER CITY FARMERS’ MARKET

Silver City Farmers’ Market accepts EBT cards and offers Double Up Food Bucks to double your SNAP benefits. Use your EBT card and get half off all your produce purchases.

Saturdays 9 am — 12 pm at the corner of Pope St. and College Avenue in the old Life Quest parking lot
Wednesdays 9 am — 12 pm at Ace Hardware Parking Lot

Visit the website at https://www.silvercityfarmersmarket.info/.

NEW MEXICO CRISIS AND ACCESS LINE

If life disruptions caused by coronavirus are having an emotional toll on you or someone you love, you are not alone– many more people are dealing with feelings of sadness and anxiety right now. The NM Crisis and Access Line is available any time, free and confidential. 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474)

The Talk Helpline, 1-855-NMCRISIS, provides immediate assistance, referrals, and someone to talk to in times of overwhelming feelings. Professional counselor staff are trained to help people manage stress reactions, anxiety, dealing with loss and promoting positive coping activities, including those that help strengthen resilience.

More information at nmcrisisline.com

CO-STARTERS GRANT COUNTY 9-WEEK COHORT BEGINS OCTOBER 1

CoStarters a nine-week, cohort-based program that equips entrepreneurs of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action will begin its next training cohort in Grant County on Thursday, October 1 and runs 9 weeks through Thursday, December 3.

Working together, participants develop and fine-tune their ideas, critically examining every part and determining next steps through real-time feedback from people in the community.

Participants leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate their models, and repeat the process with the next great idea. All sessions will meet in person and COVID SAFE PRACTICES will be followed.

Go to www.swnmact.org/costarters or call Lee Gruber at 575-590-0314 for more information.

Please visit our website at GMCR.org for all of today’s updates, as well as replays of today’s and past shows.

And be sure to visit our new website, grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org, a clearinghouse of local, state and federal information and resources to help keep you, your family and our community safe in these times.

While you’re there, you can also join our mailing list to receive these daily updates via email.

And don’t forget that you can send us your updates via our new email address at info@grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org or on facebook @ Gila Mimbres Community Radio.

Written by: Allyson Siwik

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Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update – September 9, 2020

Coronavirus updates for Grant County for Wednesday, September 2, 2020.  Our guest today on Coronavirus Update is Hannah Wecks, Snell Middle School Librarian and Technology Liaison for the Cobre School District. She will be talking to us about the challenges of online schooling in rural New Mexico and offer some helpful resources.      Coronavirus Update is a local radio show that provides the latest information you need to know on local […]

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