We should to take a look at recent local COVID-19 numbers, which are the highest they’ve been in several months.
Carlsbad Medical Center reports 14 positives over the weekend out of 80 tests. The hospital now has multiple patients with COVID-19 who are on ventilation. While we don’t have all of the data, the information we do have indicates that most to all of the recent COVID-19 positives in our area are from people who haven’t received a vaccination. Please keep these individuals and our health care providers in your prayers.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported 29 positive COVID-19 cases over the weekend. The total number of cases over the prior week was over 50, which is a substantial increase from the data from the previous six weeks. The state’s “Red to Green” guidelines are (thankfully) a thing of the past, and hopefully will remain so, but Eddy County would have been moving back toward Red based on this past week’s data if the gating criteria still existed.
We have very much enjoyed our situation returning to normal, but we also want to support continued safety. COVID-19 isn’t the only safety concern out there, but it is certainly a major one.
Eddy County’s vaccination rate is currently about 40%, according to the state data base. Some people have decided not to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Some are unable to do so for health reasons. Others say they are waiting for the CDC to move past the “experimental” phase of the vaccine, or have concerns over the lack of privacy they associate with the vaccine process. Each individual or family is making a choice, but the risk of COVID-19 does remain and should be taken seriously.
The City of Carlsbad doesn’t have any prizes or lottery plans associated with getting a vaccine, but we do support making everyone aware of options for those who might be interested in receiving one. I have personally received the vaccine and was grateful that it was available, both for me and for members of my family. Beginning July 26, each Monday’s Department of Health vaccine clinic will take place from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Carlsbad Public Health Office, 1306 W. Stevens Street, instead of at the civic center. For more information, please call (575) 885-4191. Our local DOH officials have been very professional throughout the past few years and are committed to helping others. If you have questions about the vaccine process, please call and ask.
Earthquake update: the morning of July 19, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake took place near the Lea and Eddy County line just north of the border with Texas. The United States Geological Survey considers this to be a “light” earthquake. The State of New Mexico reports that no system alarms were triggered at the South Y Brine Well.
Sincerely, Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway