NM DOH

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday 20,000 job cuts, about a quarter of its workforce, and the withdrawal of $12 billion in grants. It’s all part of efforts by Elon Musk’s DOGE group and the Trump Administration to slash federal spending. That’s left state departments of health, and both private and public agencies across the country — and here in New Mexico — reeling.

The state announced Friday norovirus cases have been on the rise in New Mexico amid a larger national trend.

Three New Mexico counties — San Juan, Union, and Guadalupe — have high community levels of COVID-19, five less than the previous week according to the latest CDC data that accounts for hospitalization and case rates. But data on just the spread of the virus by itself shows nearly all of the state is bright red, indicating high transmission rates.

Just like the rest of the country, New Mexico is still dealing with a triple-demic of COVID-19, RSV, and flu and doctors are reporting surges that haven’t been seen in the past two winters. However, on December 15th most PCR testing sites will officially close down as the state pivots to relying on at-home testing, but any delay in testing could lead to higher hospitalization numbers.

At a news conference Thursday, Acting New Mexico Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase said he keeps track of how long COVID has been around in his journal, and that this week New Mexico hit day 1,000 as challenges persist. Cases are up, PCR testing is becoming less accessible and indoor masking is recommended in several counties.

Three New Mexico counties – McKinley, Valencia and San Juan – have high community levels of COVID-19. That’s according to the latest CDC data accounting for hospitalization and case rates. But in terms of just the spread of the virus, all but one of New Mexico’s counties are bright red on the CDC map, showing the highest levels of transmission. KUNM’s Jered Ebenreck has this report. And the state’s surveillance tools for tracking the virus appear to be contracting or stalled.

According to the latest CDC data accounting for hospitalization and case rates, four New Mexico counties, including Bernalillo and Sandoval, have high community levels of COVID-19. But in terms of just the spread of the virus, 21 counties show the highest levels of transmission. As hospitals fill with sick children and adults from various respiratory viruses, state health officials cautioned people to use masks and get the latest Omicron booster.

Seven New Mexico counties, including McKinley and San Miguel, have Medium community levels of COVID19 according to the latest CDC data. But when the metric is COVID transmission alone without considering hospitalizations, that green and yellow map turns an alarming red and orange. Nationally, health officials warn that colder months could bring a surge in cases as people gather indoors. But Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said mandatory measures are not going to happen.

State health officials Thursday rolled out a new website for the COVID omicron booster shot and gave an update on other public health risks in the state. The CDC also announced a change from daily to weekly COVID case and death reports starting October 20.

Three New Mexico counties - Catron, Grant and Hidalgo - have shifted into high community levels of COVID19 after two weeks when the entire state showed low COVID Community Levels. That’s according to the latest federal data. Two new COVID variants are also raising concerns just as the CDC repeals universal masking guidance for hospitals and health clinics.