LINCOLN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO MEET TO COORDINATE COVID-19 RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS IN LINCOLN COUNTY

RUIDOSO, NM – March 20, 2020 – Lincoln County officials, Village of Ruidoso officials, Emergency Managers, Fire & Law Enforcement from around the county, Lincoln County Medical Center, New Mexico Department of Health, Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ruidoso Municipal Schools, Hondo Schools, ENMU-Ruidoso, and Albertson’s Market, along with residents from across Lincoln County met via a Skype call hosted by Lincoln County officials and ENMU-Ruidoso on Thursday, March 19 to provide updates on COVID-19 preparedness and response in Lincoln County. 

“We had 70+ participants on a call on Thursday to discuss the amended Public Health Order from the New Mexico Department of Health and how different departments are responding to COVID-19,” said Dallas Draper, Chairman - Lincoln County Commission. “We have municipalities and emergency responders from across the county working together in the wake of this crisis.”

New Mexico health officials announced 43 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico on Friday, March 20, 2020. The Department of Health has detected community spread. The agency reports that given the infectious nature of the virus it is likely other residents are infected but yet to be tested or confirmed positive. At this time there are no reported cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln County.

“We’ve been working for weeks with agencies across the County and State to monitor the development of COVID-19 in New Mexico,” said Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford. “We want residents in the Village and across the county to not panic and continue to practice social distancing. Albertson’s Market and Walmart continue to get trucks of food and supplies and we appreciate their hard work to keep the shelves stocked.” 

New Mexico health officials strongly advise residents to stay home and to undertake only those outings that are essential to health, safety and general welfare in order to stop person-to-person contact. Additional closures and guidelines to stem the spread of COVID-19 in New Mexico were announced on Wednesday including additional information on mass gatherings, business closures and enforcement. For a list of mandates please visit: https://cv.nmhealth.org/2020/03/18/new-mexico-to-order-additional-closures-to-limit-spread-of-covid-19/

During the meeting on Thursday, Emergency Managers reported an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the County and a request into the State for additional gloves and masks. Lincoln County Medical Center is conducting COVID-19 testing at the Tri-Core lab for patients who are symptomatic, or if their doctor requests a test. Presbyterian is asking residents to visit: https://pres.today/covid before calling or visiting the hospital or clinics. 

All five Senior Centers across Lincoln County are closed for activities and “dine in” meals. However, citizens may call the centers to request a meal for lunch and the employees will have meals ready to go for citizens. Collectively they are delivering 144 meals and are providing an additional 85 “to-go” meals. https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/2020/03/18/senior-citizens-center-services-effective-as-of-3-13-2020/

Area schools are also providing meals for students. Please check with your individual school district for information. Ruidoso Municipal Schools are offing both pick up or drop off options, along with the Food4Kids backpack program. Additional information: http://www.ruidososchools.org/Downloads/Food%20distribution-delivery%20update%20(3-17-20)%20(1).pdf

New Mexicans who develop symptoms of COVID-19 infection – fever, cough or shortness of breath – should call their health care provider or the NMDOH COVID-19 hotline immediately (1-855-600-3453). More information: https://cv.nmhealth.org/

Lincoln County will continue to update residents on COVID-19 on their website at: https://www.lincolncountynm.gov/

The Village of Ruidoso will continue to provide new updates on the VOR website https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/coronavirus-covid-19 and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/villageofruidoso/.