SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is extending an emergency health order through May 15 while relaxing restrictions on nonessential businesses that offer curbside service and deliveries and allowing gun shops, veterinary offices and state parks to reopen with restrictions.
Confirmed infections statewide in New Mexico climbed to 3,411 on Thursday. There were 11 new fatalities that brought the overall death toll to 123.
U.S. health officials say coronavirus infections are beginning a renewed surge on the Navajo Nation and bordering areas that may peak around May 10.
In a press briefing Thursday, officials with Indian Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described the challenges of containing the virus on remote stretches of the vast indigenous nation that overlaps portions of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
The surge comes as President Trump announced that the federal government will not be extending its coronavirus social distancing guidelines and plans a visit to Arizona next week.