Three confirmed COVID-19 cases at Chino Mines

Late in the day on April 1, a Chino Mines employee notified the company about having tested positive for COVID-19. This employee was last at work the morning of March 26. The employees who were identified as having close contact with this individual were immediately directed to self-quarantine. The office area where this employee worked was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The workforce was notified of the positive case early on April 2.

On April 3, Freeport-McMoRan was notified by health-care providers that other employees were tested and some may have been exhibiting symptoms. Upon learning this, the company immediately sent a communication to employees stating that they should go home immediately if feeling ill and stressed the importance of adhering to recommended social distancing guidelines.

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Grant County Commission declares Health Emergency 031920

By Hallie Richwine

The Grant County Commission called an Emergency Meeting March 19, 2020.

Chairman Chris Ponce thanked the commissioners for the approval of the emergency meeting agenda.

County Manager Charlene Webb explained Resolution R-20-16. "The reason for this declaration is that under these circumnsatnces, in order for the County to receive additional funding, we need to have declared an emergency in correlation with what has been declared by the State."

"The most recent order recommended gatherings of less than 10 people and the County building is closed," Webb continued.

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Grant County Commission Regular Meeting 031920

By: Hallie Richwine

The regular meeting of the Grant County Commission happened March 19, 2020 at the Grant County Administration building. Commissioner Alicia Edwards joined the meeting by phone.

The Commissioners first reviewed two proclamations. The first was the Proclamation of April 2020 as Continental Divide Trail month. County Manager Charlene Webb said the event was cancelled or postponed so she asked that any action be tabled.

The second Proclamation was the consideration of a Proclamation declaring April 2020 as Imagination Library Month. Webb asked that the commissioners proceed but that they will mail the proclamation to the entity. Kevin Hubbs read the proclamation aloud, and you can view it below the article.

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Governor officially extends emergency order to April 30

Essential businesses further restricted to limit gatherings; New Mexicans must stay home to prevent further spread of virus

SANTA FE – With COVID-19 cases still rising in New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday extended her public health emergency order and announced the extension of related public health orders to encourage social distancing and preserve safety equipment for health care workers. Per the order, all guidance and advisories issued by the governor and secretary of health are in effect through at least April 30.

The amended public health order, which is attached to this news release, further restricts business operations as a means of combating continued congregating in spaces outside the home. The order is effective 8 a.m., April 7. The governor's executive order authorizing the extension of the public health orders is also attached.

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Grant County Commission prepares for COVID-19 at work session 031720

By Hallie Richwine

After the meeting opened the agenda was altered to let healthcare professionals give their presentations and get back to their respective jobs. 

Dan Otero, CEO of Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS), spoke first. He said HMS continues to work with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH), and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) to demystify as much as possible the risk to patient, employee, and community safety. "Health care systems are always keeping the highest standard when it comes to sterilization, etc," Otero said, "This is not the first virus that has gone around." Otero said as "we navigate this together we need to retain a high level of confidence in our health care systems."

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Phone number corrected: GRMC COVID Screening Program and Clinic will begin Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Those to be tested should be aware that the tester will be in full protective gear as pictured in the photo.

All tests are done by appointment only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday ONLY.

If you want to be tested please, call 575-388-4103 for an appointment at the COVID Clinic at 1260 E. 32nd Street, Silver City (located in the La Montaña Plaza).

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