SANTA FE – Health officials in New Mexico reported an additional 262 COVID-19 cases and two more confirmed deaths Sunday.
That increased the statewide death toll to 545 and the confirmed cases total to 15,028.
The New Mexico Department of Health said 111 of the additional cases were in Bernalillo County, the state’s largest county that includes the Albuquerque metro area.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, Studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
For most people, the new 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, including pneumonia, and death.
On Saturday, state authorities ordered a Walmart Supercenter in Las Cruces to close after four employees tested positive for the coronavirus in a three-week span. The store employs more than 400 people.
The state Environment Department now is requiring the store to test all of its workers and thoroughly disinfect the building.
