FROM THE RIO ARRIBA LEADERSHIP TEAM

In response to New Mexico’s Public Health Emergency on Covid-19 – Rio Arriba continues to have no confirmed cases yet. County leadership is actively responding and adjusting essential services.

CRISIS HOTLINES

• NM Crisis & Access Line 1-855-662-7474: is here to support individuals and communities during this time. Counselors are available to listen and support you 24/7.
• NM Dept of Health Coronavirus Hotline 1-855-600-3453: for news about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and assistance addressing your anxiety and concerns.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.

DONATIONS

The County is asking for donations of shelf stable foods, paper towels, toilet paper, non-perishable supplies, as well as protective gear such as N95 masks, surgical & procedure masks and safety eye glasses to make available for our residents in need which include our homeless population, elderly, low-income households among others. Donations can be dropped off at the Fire Marshal’s Office in Espanola located at the County Annex (1122 Industrial Park Road) during business hours 8:00am – 5:00pm.

HOUSEHOLD ACTION PLAN – GET YOUR HOME/FAMILY READY:

Sign up for local updates. There are two ways you can stay updated on the latest county information: KDCE Radio Covid-19 Updates – Monday through Friday following the 7:30 morning news. EMS Emergency Alert System – For phone alerts: text your zip code to 888777 or for emails sign up here: https://local.nixle.com/signup/widget/i/6807.

Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk. Early data suggest older people are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

Coordinate with your neighbors about emergency planning. If your neighborhood has a website or social media page, consider joining it to maintain access to neighbors, information, and resources.

Create an emergency contact list. Ensure your household has a current list of emergency contacts for family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, health care providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.

Practice everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses: 1) Avoid close contact with people who are sick, 2) Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care, 3) Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water. If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Support our local businesses – our local community pharmacies, grocery stores, restaurants, health clinics and hospital all continue to operate and can use your support. See the County list of significant closures and facilities and services that remain open.

HOW TO RESPOND IF YOU ARE NOT ILL:

“The best thing New Mexicans can do right now is self-isolate and limit person-to-person contact,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Keep washing your hands with soap and water regularly. Stay at home. Remember your neighbors and buy only what you need when you are shopping.”

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ILL:

If you’re sick with flu like symptoms stay home. Flu like symptoms include: fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Provide self-care until you are either fever free for 24 hours without medications for fever or until you need emergency care.

If you have an emergency need that requires an ambulance, call 911. Tell the dispatcher you are having flu like symptoms so that the Ambulance Staff can prepare with protective gear.

For Emergency Room visits, please call ahead to Presbyterian Hospital (505) 753-7111. Hospital staff will direct you to the appropriate entrance. Please wear a surgical mask, if you have one, when around other people and before you get to the ER. If you need someone to accompany you, keep it to one person.

If you would like to discuss your signs and symptoms with a medical provider, first call your primary care provider or your insurance provider’s Nurse Hotline Number (on the back of your insurance card), you can also arrange for e-visits or online video chats with an RN or MD.

Those 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. People without those symptoms do not need to be tested for COVID-19 at present.

New Mexicans who have non-health-related questions or concerns can also call 833-551-0518 or visit newmexico.gov, which is being updated and finalized as a one-stop source for information.

UPDATED STATE DIRECTIVES ON MASS GATHERINGS & BUSINESSES

New Mexicans are being asked to avoid all contact with others, except those essential to public health, safety and welfare. The intent is to temporarily limit person-to-person contact in New Mexico. The order is in effect until April 10, 2020, but can be extended as needed.

• All mass gatherings are prohibited, meaning groups of greater than 10 people.
• All food service establishments and bars are ordered to close for dine-in service but can still operate through take-out & home delivery service. This applies to restaurants and bars within hotels.
•  Hotels must operate at 50% occupancy.

CLOSURES: All Indoor shopping malls, Theaters, Flea markets, Recreational facilities, Health clubs, Gyms, Resort spas, Spas at hotels, Indoor/outdoor pools, Non-tribal casinos, must close.

EXEMPTIONS: Essential establishments will continue to operate, and are exempt from these restrictions including: pharmacies, grocery stores, shelters, courthouses, banks, corrections and detention facilities, hospitals and other health care facilities, places of worship and golf courses.

•  Hotels currently over 50% occupancy do not have to move guests. Attrition to meet the 50% occupancy directive is acceptable. Hotels currently being used as alternatives for housing are exempt from the 50% occupancy threshold.

ON HOARDING: In an effort to limit hoarding, the order directs grocery stores and other retailers to limit the sale of over-the-counter medications, durable medical equipment, baby formula, diapers, sanitary care products and hygiene products to 3 packaged items per individual.

COUNTY SERVICES CHANGES:

ADULT DAY CARE: Because of the greater risk to senior citizens and medically fragile individuals, we are closing our Adult Day Care as a protective measure, effective March 13 until April 30. We are currently organizing for home food delivery along with activity kits.

SENIOR CENTERS: We are pausing meal service at our Senior Centers, but if you drive up to the center, we will bring a “to go” meal out to your vehicle. We are planning to call all those who regularly attend our senior centers to provide updates. If you don’t have a phone, please don’t be alarmed if the police drive up to your door. We may be asking them to do ‘welfare checks’ to make sure you are ok.

MEALS ON WHEELS: Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) will continue to all those who normally use them. On Fridays, we will be bringing frozen meals for the weekend.

STATE OF NEW MEXICO TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

CATEGORY 1: Travel to/from affected areas OR have been in direct contact with a person known to be positive for COVID-19. If you have travelled to high-risk COVID-19 areas (China, Europe (especially Italy, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, New York City, New York, San Francisco, California) in the past 14 days or been in contact with a test-positive COVID-19 individual, you ae requested to self-isolate for a period of 14 calendar days.

CATEGORY 2: Travel outside of New Mexico (but not to currently known high risk areas). If you who have travelled outside of the state it’s recommended you stay in self-isolation for a period of 14 calendar days. If you have or develop any respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) or fever, call 855-600-3453 and press option 2.

CATEGORY 3: Planned out-of-state travel in the coming weeks and months.

While we cannot regulate your personal travel decisions, we strongly advise you to reconsider out-of-state travel. You will be recommended to self-isolate for 14 calendar days upon your return. Also, as travel bans can be implemented, you run the risk of being unable return. Also, as travel bans can be implemented, you run the risk of being unable to return to New Mexico. Check http://cv.nmhealth.org for updated information.

May you all remain healthy and safe. Together, supporting each other we’ll get thru this!