FACT BRIEF

Has New Mexico closed down some grocery stores temporarily as part of its pandemic restrictions?

Saturday, December 5, 2020

By Christopher Hutton

This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

YES

As part of renewed efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus in the state, New Mexico's health authorities issued a public health order that has resulted in the temporary closure of a dozen grocery stores, including Walmart stores in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

The order requires any business, even if essential, to close for two weeks if four or more coronavirus infections among employees are reported within a two-week period. As of Dec. 4, a number of restaurants, fast-food outlets and other businesses have also been shut down by the order.

Grocery stores are otherwise open, along with other essential businesses. According to the state's orders, a store may not exceed "may not exceed either 25% of maximum occupancy or 75 customers at any one time," whichever is smaller.

Sources

Center Square: New Mexico governor shuts down grocery stores put on COVID-19 'watch list' for two weeks

NM Health Department: Next phase of COVID-19 response

NM Environment Department: Current list of 'rapid response' store closures

AP: Some New Mexico essential business close due to virus spike

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