March 13, 2020
For More Information: Kyle Marksteiner (575) 887-1191
kmarksteiner@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
City of Carlsbad Implements Governor’s Restrictions on Public Gatherings
The City of Carlsbad is in the process of implementing Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Executive Order 2020-004, which temporarily prohibits mass gatherings across New Mexico, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway has announced.
This Executive Order was issued on March 11, 2020, as a way to combat spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It defines mass gatherings as events that bring together 100 or more individuals in a single room or connected space such as auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, conference centers and theaters.
“We sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and understanding,” Mayor Janway said. “This is an unprecedented event and a rapidly developing issue, and we are doing everything we can to remain compliant with this order and protect the safety of our citizens while also continuing to provide services to our citizens.”
“Mass gatherings” do not include family gatherings such as weddings or funerals, shelters, retail stores or grocery stores, typical office environments, businesses, courthouses, restaurants and bars, correctional facilities, schools, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health care facilities and places of worship.
City-owned facilities potentially impacted include the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts and Exhibition Center, the Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex, the Pecos River Village Conference Center, the Riverwalk Recreation Center, the North Mesa Senior Center and the San Jose Senior Center. Generally, facilities are remaining open at this time for normal business hours, but many planned large-scale events are being cancelled. The City is also developing and adopting plans for each location on a case-by-case basis.
“Having participated in briefings with both the White House and the State, we recognize that reducing mass gatherings does slow the spread of this disease,” Mayor Janway said. “Carlsbad is an extremely involved community, and we know this will have an impact on so many of our organizations. We know that we have exceptional residents who will work together through this, and we will emerge stronger than ever.”
For questions as to whether any specific event has been postponed or cancelled, please contact that event’s organizer or the venue. Contact information for city locations is available on our web page at https://cityofcarlsbadnm.com/
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