Governor to extend order to May 15

SANTA FE – With New Mexico’s coronavirus infection rates showing signs of flattening and the state’s testing capacity increasing, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Wednesday that state officials can begin gradually easing up on business restrictions.

But the governor said that New Mexicans should not let up on social distancing and that she will soon be extending a statewide stay-at-home order through May 15. The order is now scheduled to expire May 1.

Lujan Grisham also said that a 15-member Economic Recovery Council will provide the Governor’s Office with advice about the slow reopening of the state’s economy and that New Mexico mayors will also be closely involved in the decision-making.

“We will get this right in New Mexico,” she said during a news briefing at the state Capitol that was streamed online.

However, the governor did not say specifically when closed businesses might be allowed to reopen, saying that would depend on case trends and other criteria.

The announcement comes as business groups and some county commissions around New Mexico have been increasingly calling on Lujan Grisham to lay out a plan for reopening stores that were closed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Some other states have, in recent days, begun announcing plans to gradually lift state-ordered closures if certain criteria are met.

Despite positive trends in many parts of the state, New Mexicans should not expect life to go back to normal, Lujan Grisham said, as large public gatherings will likely remain off-limits for the foreseeable future.

“We’re not got going to be congregating in large groups at parks,” the governor said. “We’re not going to be going to huge concerts.”