ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque officials confirmed more COVID-19 infections at the city’s homeless shelter as cases across New Mexico keep rising.
The city reported an additional 72 cases at the shelter Sunday, bringing the total to 93 confirmed infections since the pandemic began. Overall, state health officials have reported a total of more than 33,360 cases, including 389 cases that were added to the tally Monday.
New Mexico health officials reported another four deaths Monday, bringing the statewide total to 915 since the pandemic began.
The shelter is not taking new residents. Anyone already there who’s experiencing symptoms or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is being isolated and tested, officials said. Some hotels are being used to house those who test positive in an effort to curb spread among the homeless population.
The city said it has established protocols for identifying vulnerable people such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk. They’re being offered shelter in other locations.
New Mexico has had some of the most restrictive health orders in place since the pandemic began but has been reporting near record highs in recent days.
State health officials reported 488 new confirmed cases Friday, marking a record for daily cases since the pandemic started. They followed Saturday with another 486 confirmed cases. The previous high of 455 was recorded in late July.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some – especially older adults and people with existing health problems – it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
