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More than 3,500 businesses, public institutions and non-profits have reported a positive COVID-19 case on-site in the first two weeks of 2021, according to data released by the state this week.
Of those, 84 are now on the state’s “watchlist” because of multiple or recurring cases of COVID-19 on site — many of which are still open to the public without any notice to customers that the location is considered high risk by the state’s COVID-19 watchdogs. Any organization with two or more rapid responses conducted by the New Mexico Environment Department or the Public Education Department in the last 14 calendar days is included on the Rapid Response COVID-19 Watchlist, according to guidelines issued by the state.
The Rapid Response COVID-19 Watchlist allows the public to make more informed decisions when patronizing establishments. State regulatory agencies may initiate compliance investigations and/or exercise enforcement when establishments fail to adhere to required practices.
The current public health order mandates certain establishments close for two weeks if they have four or more rapid responses within the last 14 day. But essential businesses may remain open with multiple tests if they are the sole provider of essential services for an area. Businesses with multiple positive tests can also remain open if they implement an employee testing plan approved by the state.
As cases explode, the database — now containing more than 20,000 records of rapid response visits by the Environment Department — can be almost impossible for individuals to navigate when considering where to conduct their essential shopping trips.
At The Paper. we’ve mapped all of the new rapid response locations enabling you to search for businesses and locations you frequent.
How to use the map.
- Zoom to your neighborhood or area using the “+” and “-” buttons in the bottom corner.
- Drag the map using your fingers on your phone or by holding down your mouse on desktop/laptop devices.
- Use the [ ] button in the top right of the map to open a full a new full-screen version, if you’d like.
- Click an icon to see the location name, address and number of cases. The “date initiated” field indicates when NMED or PED initiated a rapid response to a positive case.
- All mapped locations are based on data provided by NMED.
See the Map in Google Maps (new tab).
I’m perplexed. Why would one wish to FIND Covid Hot-Spots? Wouldn’t one wish to AVOID them?