SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials on Monday reported an additional 132 coronavirus cases and five more deaths.
The latest numbers come as nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in some parts of the state begin providing additional visitation options for residents and their families by arranging outdoor or open-window meetings.
The New Mexico Health Care Association and New Mexico Center for Assisted Living said Monday that the state’s new visitation guidance marks a positive step for residents of long-term care facilities and will help with patient well-being while still considering the health concerns associated with the pandemic.
Starting Monday, facilities in nearly two-thirds of New Mexico’s 33 counties could begin providing options for limited visitation. That includes facilities in Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Sandoval counties. Dona Ana County is not on the list.
“We appreciate families’ patience and understanding as facilities slowly and safely welcome families to visit their loved ones,” the association said in a statement.
As of Monday, state health officials have reported more than 22,440 virus cases and 690 deaths since the pandemic began. That includes nearly two dozen additional cases in Lea County in southeastern New Mexico, where officials reported that a man in his 20s who had underlying conditions was among those who have died.
