Coronavirus updates for Wednesday

Courts extend deadlines on fines

SANTA FE – New Mexico's Supreme Court has issued an order extending the payment of fines and fees for 30 days, according to a news release from the administrative office of the courts.

The purpose is "to help financially struggling New Mexicans and reduce the number of people who appear in courthouses to resolve traffic and other cases," the release said.

“We understand New Mexicans are facing financial difficulties during this public health emergency and providing more time to pay fines and fees will offer temporary relief,” Chief Justice Judith K. Nakamura said.

The Court’s order will add 30 days to the payment deadline imposed by a magistrate, metropolitan, district or municipal court for fines and fees that must be paid between March 19 and May 29, 2020. The extension does not apply to amounts past due.

Portales Schools extends meal pickup hours

Portales Municipal Schools has extended its mela pickup service to 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. weekdays.

Meal pickup is still at Lindsey-Steiner Elementary and Portales High School.

The district has served 853 meals since beginning Tuesday, and Superintendent Johnnie Cain expected more Thursday.

Muleshoe clinic closes

Muleshoe Area Medical Center announced on its Facebook page Wednesday that Muleshoe Family Medicine Clinic “will be closed until further notice to better comply with recently recommended state regulations.”

The clinic, at 701 S. First St. in Muleshoe, is across the street from the Muleshoe hospital. No explanation was provided for the clinic’s closing.

“In the meantime,” the hospital post continued, “Medical Clinic of Muleshoe (located in the hospital) will be open by appointment only. … We will reassess the closing on Monday and keep you updated with further information.”

Veterans Services making adjustments

The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is making adjustments to its field office operations.

That includes Clovis where its office will move to a “telework” operation — by appointment-only.

“DVS Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs) will be able to offer full-spectrum benefits assistance — including filing for federal VA claims, and processing applications for state veterans benefits — via telephone or computer,” a news release from the governor’s office read.

The adjustment is designed to comply with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s statewide directive to all state agencies to minimize the risk of exposure to people possibly infected with the COVID-19 virus.

The change, along with others around the state, is scheduled to take place Thursday. The news release did not state when operations are expected to return to normal.

The Clovis office number is 575-762-6185.

Tips from the governor

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday issued the following tips on testing and travel guidelines in connection with the coronavirus pandemic.

Testing

• It is critical that all New Mexicans know that those without symptoms of COVID-19 infection — those symptoms being fever, cough, or shortness of breath and/or muscle cramping — do not need testing for COVID-19.

We are currently in allergy season, and having allergy symptoms such as sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose or throat is not an indication for testing.

As we work to increase the state’s capacity for COVID-19 testing, the test needs to be prioritized for those with symptoms of COVID-19 infection: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Please trust New Mexico’s valued medical professionals who are working so hard to protect and treat the New Mexico public and only get tested if you are currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.

Workplaces should not mandate that employees get tested for COVID-19 UNLESS employees are displaying symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Entering medical facilities

• It is critical that those who DO have symptoms of COVID-19 do NOT enter medical facilities without first contacting them, especially emergency departments.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and most cases will resolve on their own. In fact, 80% of cases are mild. Unless you have serious, emergent symptoms, you should not enter emergency departments. Entering medical facilities unnecessarily puts others at risk, increasing the potential to both infect others in the facility who would be more susceptible and reduce the facility’s ability to care for other patients.

Reasons to seek emergency attention with COVID-19 are no different than reasons for going to an emergency department for other medical conditions: if you are having trouble breathing or significant shortness of breath, please seek medical attention.

Travelers: Self-isolate for 14 days

• In order to mitigate the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, the New Mexico Department of Health asks all persons traveling into New Mexico from outside the state to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor themselves for any symptoms. If the individual has or develops any respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) or fever, they need to call 855-600-3453 and press option 2.

Portales closing public library

PORTALES — The city of Portales announced Wednesday it will close the Portales Public Library until further notice.

The decision was made “to best protect the health of its patrons and employees until further notice,” according to a city news release.

Librarians will be available by phone at (575) 356-3940.

Also, free WiFi will be available in the library parking lot until midnight each evening without a password, the release said.

Portales closing public library

PORTALES — The city of Portales announced Wednesday it will close the Portales Public Library until further notice.

The decision was made “to best protect the health of its patrons and employees until further notice,” according to a city news release.

Librarians will be available by phone at (575) 356-3940.

Also, free WiFi will be available in the library parking lot until midnight each evening without a password, the release said.