The Eastern New Mexico News - Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

In line with public health orders that reopen the state in phases during the COVID-19 pandemic, local governments have begun Phase 1 reopening procedures.

With some exceptions, most governmental buildings will open lobbies Monday, though residents are still asked to handle matters online or through appointment when possible.

The following entities shared their plans with The News:

City of Clovis

The city has announced:

• The Clovis-Carver Library will open Monday. Patrons are asked to enter through the west door and exit through the south door. Visits should be limited to 30 minutes, and computer time and availability will be limited.

• The Senior Services Department will remain closed, but to-go meals will still be available from the Curry Resident Senior Meals Association.

• The Potter Park Pool and Clovis Aquatic Center will remain closed.

• The Hillcrest Park Zoo was initially planning to reopen this week, but revised orders from the state have prevented that. No tentative date for reopening has been announced.

• Roy Walker Recreation Center will remain closed. Tax preparation service will still be offered, but patrons are asked to drop off their tax documents and pick up their returns.

• Citizens are asked to wear masks in public, and city employees will wear masks in any inside or outside common area.

Mayor Mike Morris said he doesn’t enjoy being told to wear a mask any more than anybody else, but, “you’re going to see me in a mask if you see me out in public.” The Clovis Police Department will not enforce mask use.

• Retail businesses were allowed to open at 25% capacity, with employees required to wear masks. The North Plains Mall will be closed, but any stores with their own entrances to the outside are allowed to open.

• Houses of worship are restricted to 25% of fire code occupancy. The state had on Wednesday limited occupancy to 10% before making the change Friday.

Morris said he has advocated the need for a regional approach, given Curry County's low number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and his belief citizens will look out for each other. He said he feels like his words have “fallen on deaf ears,” but he will continue advocating for more relaxed restrictions for Clovis and surrounding areas.

Curry County

Lobbies have been modified for COVID-19 safe practices, and plexiglass has been installed in the assessor, treasurer and administration offices.

• County offices will reopen Monday, with telework encouraged. A minimum of 6 feet will be maintained between employees and anybody who enters the lobby area. Temperatures will be taken and face masks will be available if needed.

• A hiring freeze will be in effect through the remainder of the fiscal year with the exception of election workers, but the county will continue to post vacant positions.

• All detainees being transported to court will wear red detainee jumpsuits and will wear a mask to court. Once court operations are complete, the jumpsuit will be sanitized and washed. All detention staff and contractors have been tested for COVID-19. To date, no detention staff, contractors or detainees have tested positive.

Roosevelt County

The county has been transitioning since May 4, when county employees returned to physical worksites. The county courthouse has been open to the public for district court and early voting in the June 2 primary.

• Residents are asked to make appointments for any business matters, and to use drop boxes, the internet and postal mail when possible.

• The Roosevelt County Law Enforcement Complex lobby will reopen to the public Monday.

• County rental facilities remain closed.

Courts

Any person entering a courthouse or judicial building must wear a mask or other face covering. Courts will be prepared to provide masks to people who don’t have one and need to enter a court facility.

Judges will still conduct hearings via teleconferencing unless an emergency requires in-person appearances, and do have the discretion to remove face masks when speaking to ensure a clear record is kept of the proceeding.

Youth sports

The Clovis Baseball Association, which operates through the United States Special Sports Association, has announced it will cancel the 2020 season and issue refunds to families who had previously signed up.

Regarding Little League Baseball, which has canceled its World Series, Clovis American has already canceled its season while Zia Little League will conduct baseball skills development while staying in line with state orders. Information is available at:

clubs.bluesombrero.com/clovisziall