We held a COVID-19 meeting on Wednesday with county, school and hospital officials. As most people already know, COVID-19 numbers are up lately, both in Carlsbad and, it seems, everywhere else. We felt that we should make sure we understand the present situation. The good news is that COVID-19 related hospitalizations and EMS calls are still very low. So many individuals are testing positive for COVID-19, but we are not seeing many of the more severe cases we saw a few years ago. Let’s pray that direction will continue. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are still available through the New Mexico Department of Health office and at local pharmacies, for those who want them. 

With school resuming in Carlsbad, the state’s policies on testing for school employees and students after potential close contact exposure to COVID-19 will again come into play. The school district is in the process of setting up a testing service, similar to what it utilized last year. We will be happy to work with the school district to help provide information about this service. 

From the office of Mayor Dale Janway