FARMINGTON – The New Mexico Department of Health released an updated county map Wednesday that shows San Juan County maintained a Yellow Level status on the state’s COVID-19 color-coded tier system.

To be considered at Yellow Level, a county must have either a new COVID-19 case incidence rate of no more than eight cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent two-week period, or an average positive COVID-19 test rate of less than or equal to 5% over the most recent 14-day period.

Last cycle, the positivity rate was recorded at 3.16%, with 9.3 cases per 100,000 residents.

According to Wednesday’s report, the positivity rate had increased to 4.93% and 17.70 cases per 100,000 residents.

Because San Juan County has barely maintained Yellow Level, restrictions will not change this cycle.

Essential retail will be restricted to 33% capacity. Restaurants will continue to operate at 33% indoor capacity and 75% outdoor capacity. Restaurants serving alcohol must close at 10 p.m.

Bars and clubs are still prohibited from operating. Mass gatherings are limited to 10 people. Churches can operate at only 33%.

The state updates the county maps every two weeks. The next update comes out May 5. For the county to move to green, it must have both a positivity rate of 5% or less and no more than eight cases per 100,000 residents.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com