Frequently Asked Questions From The New Mexico Department Of Health
What’s changed in the May 1 order?
Non-essential retailers may operate via curbside pickup and delivery service where permitted by their license.
State parks will reopen on a modified day-use-only basis, as staff is available. Camping and visitor centers are still closed.
Pet services (adoption/groomers/daycare/boarding) may operate.
Veterinarians may resume operations.
Golf courses may open for golf only; no dine-in food service or retail.
Gun stores may operate by appointment only to provide background checks and and to allow individuals to take possession of firearms ordered online.
Horse racing facilities may reopen without spectators.
What stayed the same?
All individuals are instructed to stay home except to maintain continuity of functions critical to public health and safety.
Mass gatherings (groups of five or more) are prohibited.
All businesses and nonprofits must remain closed, including offices, workplaces and retailers, except those retailers whose business license allows them to have curbside or delivery service.
All restaurants and bars must remain closed for inside dining.
All indoor malls, gyms, salons, theaters and casinos must remain closed.
A 14-day quarantine order remains in place for out-of-state airport arrivals.
When may I leave my house?
You may leave your home for these reasons:
If you work for an essential business. See the full list of what businesses and services are deemed essential here.
If your job is part of essential government services that cannot be conducted through telework (the latest order does not change this)
If you work for a retailer, restaurant or other non-essential business that is providing curbside/delivery service.
To conduct “necessary activities” – obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor, purchasing necessary supplies such as groceries and personal hygiene products, picking up educational supplies from your child’s school or providing necessary care and supplies to family members in another household.
You may leave your house to take a walk, or jog or to walk the dog. But you may not do these things in groups of more than 5 and you must practice social distancing (6 ft apart). And you should limit your time outside to only what is essential.
Are there additional limitations on stores deemed essential and therefore allowed to remain open?
Yes. Retail operations that are considered essential businesses – including grocery stores – must limit the number of customers to 20 percent or less of maximum occupancy, as determined by the relevant fire marshal or fire department. They also must help customers comply with 6-foot social distancing.
Won’t that result in lines outside those stores?
Should customers need to wait outside a retail space, they must comply with social distancing protocols including the requirement to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other individuals and avoid person-to-person contact.
What about non-essential retail?
The new order allows non-essential retail businesses to open for curbside/delivery service if allowed by their licenses. They are expected to keep their in-person workforce to an absolute minimum.
Are hotels, motels and other places of lodging still open?
Yes. Hotels, motels, RV parks, and the like may remain open but per the governing public health order, they must limit occupancy to no more than 25 percent of maximum occupancy.
What is considered a “mass gathering” under the order?
A mass gathering is defined as any public or private gathering that brings together five or more individuals in a single room or connected space or an outdoor space where people are within 6 feet of each other. The order banning mass gatherings was extended to May 15.
Are there any exemptions to the 5-or-more rule?
Yes. If five or more people live together, they are exempt inside their residence.
So, what’s still closed?
The following remain closed:
Entertainment venues
Gyms and fitness studios
Public events and gatherings
Convention centers
Hair and nail salons
Casinos
Auto dealerships
Liquor stores
Payday lenders
And more
How long will this order be in place?
All the public health orders are in place through May 15, 2020, unless otherwise amended.
What about government services?
This order does not change the status of state and local government operations. Previous orders exempted all persons necessary to maintain the operations of state and local governments. State government has already moved to a largely telework system; local government agencies are strongly encouraged to do the same.
Is there a curfew associated with the order?
No.
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