Amended Public Health Order Eases Restrictions on Recreational Facilities, Entertainment Venues, Casinos
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the state of New Mexico published the revised Public Health Order, which permitted the operation of Recreational Facilities, Entertainment Venues, and Casinos.
The Public Health Order also amended the "Red to Green" framework to allow for further eased restrictions on mass gatherings and tourism-related businesses. The amended Public Health Order introduces a "Turquoise" level for counties that meet the criteria of the "Green" level for the two most recent 14-day reporting periods.
What does the Turquoise Level cover?
Counties at the Turquoise Level have both a new COVID-19 case incidence rate of no greater than 8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent four-week period, and an average percent of positive COVID-19 test results over the most recent four-week period less than or equal to 5%.
Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions
Essential retail spaces: 75% of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor)
Food and drink establishments (if NM Safe Certified): 75% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor dining
Close-contact businesses: 75% of maximum capacity; no restrictions on outdoor spaces
Large entertainment venues: 33% of maximum capacity for any indoor/enclosed space on premises; 75% of any outdoor space on premises
Recreational facilities: 50% of maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on the premises; 75% of any outdoor space on premises
Bars and clubs: 33% of maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on premises; 75% of any outdoor space on premises, where applicable
**All other businesses: 75% of maximum capacity indoors; no restrictions on outdoor spaces
Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 75% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises
Places of lodging: No maximum occupancy restrictions for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 50% of maximum occupancy for all others; 15 guests maximum for vacation rentals
Mass gatherings limit: 150 persons, or 200 vehicles
With the introduction of Recreational Facilities, Entertainment Venues and Casinos, there are also changes to the Red, Yellow and Green Levels. You can review changes to those levels here, as the framework now accounts for recreational facilities, entertainment venues, casinos, and bars and clubs.
This order is effective as of TODAY, Feb. 24.
Additionally, the state updated its list of counties that meet the requirements outlined in the "Red to Green" framework. This update include four counties that have reached the "Turquoise" level.
Counties in Turquoise
Union
Catron
Harding
Sierra
Counties in Green
De Baca
Quay
Torrance
Mora
Taos
Los Alamos
Counties in Yellow
Lea
Lincoln
Guadalupe
Hidalgo
Colfax
Curry
Santa Fe
Roosevelt
San Juan
Chaves
Rio Arriba
Luna
Valencia
Bernalillo
Sandoval
Socorro
San Miguel
Cibola
Grant
Counties in Red
McKinley
Eddy
Otero
Doña Ana
