New Mexico to order ‘non-essential businesses’ to close

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday new restrictions, including the closure of “non-essential businesses,” aimed at fighting the spread of the new Coronavirus.

Businesses such as grocery stores, health care operations, media outlets, and farms are allowed to remain open, Lujan Grisham said. But “basic retail” businesses will have to close, she said. The announcement came as the state officials said New Mexico now had 18 new positive novel coronavirus cases bringing the state’s total to 83.

The governor also said the state will require “100 per cent” of the state’s non-essential workforce to work from home.

The new restrictions ask state residents to now limit gatherings to five people or less.

The action follows a series of emergency public health orders that have closed down the state″s indoor shopping malls, gyms, and movie theatres. Officials also have eliminated dine-in service at restaurants, bars, and breweries.

Lujan Grisham said residents can still go for a jog and walk their dogs.

The action follows a series of emergency public health orders that have closed down indoor shopping malls, gyms, and movie theatres. Officials eliminated dine-in service at restaurants, bars, and breweries. The state will ramp up surveillance efforts to monitor businesses.