Curry makes green, Roosevelt turquoise

SANTA FE -- Curry County entered the green designation, and Roosevelt County turquoise as the state unveiled its latest “Red to Green” data for COVID-19 mitigation.

Since Nov. 30, the state has compiled data every two weeks based on whether counties have met the gating criteria of 8 daily cases per 100,000 residents and test positivity of 5% or lower. Red counties meet neither criteria, yellow counties meet one, green counties meet both and turquoise counties make the green designation in consecutive weeks.

Wednesday’s release from the state showed no red counties, 13 turquoise counties, 10 green counties and 10 yellow counties.

Curry entered the green designation with 4.7 daily cases per 100,000 and test positivity of 1.6%. The county can immediately operate under green restrictions which include 50% capacity at essential retail spaces and most businesses, 50% capacity at houses of worship and dining at 50% indoor capacity and 75% outdoor capacity.

The change in designation also means Curry County prep sports can allow spectators inside at 25% indoor capacity and 50% outdoor capacity. Also, the mass gatherings definition is increased to 20 people or 120 vehicles.

Roosevelt reached the turquoise designation with 5.4 daily cases per 100,000 and test positivity of 2.34%. Turquoise restrictions include 75% capacity at essential retail spaces and most businesses, 75% capacity at houses of worship and dining at 75% capacity outside and inside.

The upgrade to turquoise means Roosevelt County prep sports can allow spectators inside at 33% indoor capacity and 75% outdoor capacity. Also, the mass gatherings definition moves to 150 people or 200 vehicles.

More detailed information is available at ccv.nmhealth.org/public-health-orders-and-executive-orders/red-to-green/