As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to result in social and economic disruption in New Mexico, the United States and around the world, I am committed, in this Chamber eBlast, to bring you up-to-date guidance and resources, as they become available, that will help support your businesses and employees during this difficult time and to share local community updates.
Please follow the guidelines as to the Public Health precautions, it could save your life or the lives of others.
Thank you,
Jo Mixon
Mayor of the Village of Angel Fire
President/CEO Angel Fire Chamber of Commerce
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Updated 4/17/2020
Stay Home Angel Fire, essential travel only! Be sensible, think before you travel, even to neighboring towns and villages in New Mexico, unless it is absolutely essential. If you cannot purchase it here, do you need it today? Be safe, save lives, you could unknowingly become the carrier.
As of April 17, 2020 the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting testing 34,488 people in New Mexico with 1,597 positive test results. Sadly, 44 people have died in New Mexico due to Covid-19.
Please continue to practice the recommended hygiene and social distancing. The percentage of positive tests per total tests is now 4.6% in NM. So far the fatality rate is 2.7% in NM. Visit www.coronavirus.gov for additional information.
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As of this publication today April 17, 2020.
COVID-19 Positive Cases in New Mexico = 1,597, Hospitalized = 90
Positive Cases in Colfax County = 3
Positive Cases in Taos County = 15
Today a new online portal from the New Mexico Department of Health with additional #COVID19 data for New Mexico was launched. It includes county-by-county breakdowns of positive cases by age & gender, as well as reporting on testing by county.
See it here: NMDOH COVID-19 Public Dashboard
Also see it here: Videos on How to Make your Own Face Mask
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Holy Cross Hospital, Taos NM
Abbott COVID-19 rapid testing platform is now available at Holy Cross Hospital. This equipment was acquired through FEMA | NMDOH. Holy Cross Hospital was one of the 15 NM Hospitals to receive this equipment. This type of test is reserved for those that meet the appropriate risk criteria. Pictured here our lab employees displaying the new equipment.
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The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is partnering with the New Mexico Tourism Department to provide technical assistance and counseling consultation to tourism businesses in response to COVID-19. SBDC is currently recruiting for 5 part-time advisors for these roles. If you have any referrals for one of these positions, we invite you to share the below opportunities with those individuals, or apply yourself!
(These are remote positions with needed equipment being provided by SBDC, and applicants do not need prior business experience).
Apply Below:
Business Advisor (temp)
Administrative Assistance (temp)
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National Updates
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: The Small Business Administration announced yesterday, April 16, 2020 that the Paycheck Protection Program (part of the federal CARES Act recently passed by Congress), which offers forgivable loans to cover up to 2.5 months of payroll for businesses and other organizations, has run out of money. Banks have already obligated the nearly $350 billion initial appropriation for the PPP, and the SBA said that further loans cannot be processed at this time.
We at the Angel Fire Chamber, the New Mexico Chamber Executives Association, the NM Association of Commerce and Industry and the US Chamber are urging Congress to take swift action in providing additional funding for the PPP: Terri Cole, President & CEO of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce said, “Short-term grants in the midst of this uncertain and destabilizing crisis are absolutely key to our economic recovery and will help limit the damage that this pandemic is causing in the private sector to employers and workers alike. Keeping Americans employed is an important national priority, and it’s important to our businesses as well.”
We will keep you updated about congressional negotiations on the future of the PPP and additional potential stimulus measures as they are made available.
Further guidance on the provisions of the CARES Act from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce can be found here.
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New Financial Relief Opportunity
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – in partnership with Vistaprint and a coalition of supporting companies, foundations, and philanthropic donors – is working to provide financial relief through the Save Small Business Fund. Beginning on April 20th at 3:00 PM ET, the Foundation will be accepting applications for up to $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States, including chambers of commerce. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community.
Click here to visit savesmallbusiness.com for more information.
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Phased Federal Plan To Reopen The Economy
Yesterday, the Trump Administration announced a set of proposed guidelines for states, employers, and individuals to make data-informed decisions regarding re-opening the economy. Based on a set of criteria regarding new infections and hospital readiness, each phased step toward fully opening the economy includes recommendations for individuals and employers based on risk levels and sector. These guidelines can be modified by the Governors on a state-by-state or even regional basis as needed, and are dependent on mitigating further outbreaks.
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New Mexico Updates
The New Mexico Department of Health is providing regular updates on testing, reported cases, and recommendations in our state including guidance for returning international travelers. The state hotline for coronavirus information and guidance for those who may be feeling ill is 855-600-3453.
Click here to see the latest public health and executive orders issued by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, including an extension of the restrictions on public gathering and non-essential businesses through April 30th.
The New Mexico Department of Health is offering a set of best practices for retail food providers including health, human resources, and operational guidance. Click here for more information.
New Mexico has qualified for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance program to assist businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. There are two ways to learn more and begin a loan application:
Online by visiting the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance program at www.sba.gov/disaster.
By phone at 800-659-2955 or email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are hearing impaired may call 800-877-8339.
The New Mexico Public Education Department has cancelled K-12 classes for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year: PED has also issued an FAQ document regarding this order and the state’s plans for continuous education.
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