COVID-19 In New Mexico – What You Need to Know

By Family Policy Alliance

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump launched a 15-day national effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19. (The details can be found at the bottom of this email.) Locally, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and state leaders have also taken steps to curb the spread and assist those directly impacted by the virus.

This is what you need to know:

HEALTH & SENIOR SERVICES

The New Mexico Department of Health is encouraging all New Mexicans to practice social distancing and to stay home, especially if you are sick. If you exhibit the symptoms of COVID-19—such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath—please call your healthcare provider or the COVID-19 hotline immediately at 1-855-600-3453.

Seniors in need of healthcare, meals, or medical transportation should call 1-800-432-2080.

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

Last week, Governor Lujan Grisham announced that K-12 public schools would close for three weeks to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Schools and USDA-approved meal sponsors are now employing efforts to continue feeding children. Many school cafeterias will remain open and workers will prepare meals that parents or students can grab and go at specified times. Other districts are arranging delivery by school bus or National Guard to students in remote areas. The newmexico.gov website is being updated in real time. Families can click on the “Information About Education” tab for a list of sites that will provide breakfast and lunch to students between March 16 and April 6.

To help families find child care, the state has established a Child Care Resource and Referral line at 1-800-691-9067. Families can also contact the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department to let them know they need full-time care. In addition, all parents receiving child care assistance will have their copays waived during the public health emergency.

JOBS & THE ECONOMY

This week, the state extended eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits to workers affected by COVID-19. To file a claim, impacted workers can visit jobs.state.nm.us or call 1-877-664-6984.

The state of New Mexico has also adjusted its business loan guarantee programs in order to make capital available to business owners whose operations are severely impacted by COVID-19. Information on the programs is available on the COVID Business Assistance page on the EDD website.

We hope this information helps!

If there is one thing we can be certain of—it is that our God is still on the throne. We all know “this too shall pass” and to that end, we will continue to pray and trust in Him as we anxiously await the brighter days which lie ahead.

At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, our vision is a state and nation where religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. And though we find ourselves in challenging times such as these, we will never waiver in our efforts to turn that vision into reality.

On that note, and on behalf of my family, thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. They mean more to us than words can express.

God bless you