SANTA FE – New Mexico officials are urging residents to take precautions while celebrating Labor Day to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
The state “has made great progress in the fight against COVID-19,” but the holiday weekend will be a key to keeping spread of the virus low and to ensuring that students can return safely to school this year, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement Friday.
“I ask New Mexicans to please not let their guard down – continue wearing masks and avoiding gatherings,” the governor said. “Just one large gathering can lead to hundreds of COVID-19 cases and affect an entire community’s health and safety ...”
Specific practices recommended by state officials including celebrating outside and keeping celebrations within households. Also, wearing a mask, washing hands and staying six feet apart.
Grisham announced Thursday she was easing New Mexico’s self-quarantine requirements for interstate travelers in advance of the holiday and allowing hotels to accept more guests if they undergo certification for coronavirus precautions.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death. The vast majority of people recover.
