New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Monday that all New Mexico residents must stay at home, saying that the approach is “the only way to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
The public health order will be effective on Tuesday at 8 a.m. local time and last until at least April 10.
Lujan Grisham said that residents need to avoid gatherings and avoid face-to-face contact as much as possible and practice social distancing.
“It is urgently important that New Mexicans understand: You must stay home. Don’t panic—but it’s no time for business as usual. This is life-and-death, and the most important thing the average New Mexican can do to help, right now, is stay at home,” she added.
“All businesses except those deemed essential to public health, safety and well-being will be ordered closed. Our society must continue to operate—but in an extremely limited way.”
“As we wait for the federal government to get states the help we need in expanding capacity and testing materials and financial assistance, staying home is the one action all of us, individually and as a group, can control,” she added. “Please stay home. Help protect New Mexico.”
The order also restricts gatherings of five or more people in outdoor spaces.
At least 12 other states have issued similar stay-at-home orders.
“New Mexicans wishing to report a violation will soon be able to call the non-emergency COVID-19 state hotline, 1-833-551-0518,” the statement reads.
New Mexicans who experience fever, cough, or shortness of breath—suspected symptoms of COVID-19—should call their doctor or the state’s health hotline on 1-855-600-3453.