SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials on Tuesday reported an additional 227 COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to more than 15,500 since the coronavirus outbreak began.
The latest figures show Bernalillo County, which includes the state’s most populous metro area, added another 65 confirmed cases.
Health officials also reported three additional deaths, bringing that total to 551. The latest deaths include a McKinley County man and San Juan County woman, both in the their 30s, who had underlying conditions.
New Mexico has been added to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut’s quarantine list because it’s among states where infection rates have been growing.
The number of cases in New Mexico and elsewhere is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested and people can be infected without feeling sick.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.
To stem the spread of the virus, New Mexico’s governor has issued a new order prohibiting indoor dining. The New Mexico Environment Department announced Tuesday that it suspended food permits on Monday for four restaurants, three in Carlsbad and one in Hobbs, that were offering dine-in service in violation of the order. If the restaurants correct the violations, they can request to have their permit reinstated.
Officials also found a restaurant in Santa Fe and another in Farmington that were offering dine-in service in violation of the order. Restaurant managers immediately agreed to comply with the governor’s prohibition and ended their indoor dining, the department said.
