We learned a little more about the plans to provide at-home testing for COVID-19 in the upcoming weeks. During the governor’s press conference Thursday, we were informed that a company called Vault Health has developed a saliva test that can be done at home and return results in a day or two. These tests should be available very soon. It is our understanding, from speaking to members of our local health care community, that the results of these tests will still go through the New Mexico Department of Health.
New Mexico is also expecting to receive another shipment of the Pfizer vaccine early next week, with the focus remaining on front line health care workers, including first responders.
On Thursday, one Eddy County resident was listed among a daily record 48 COVID-19 deaths reported by state health officials. Our prayers go out to members of this individual’s family. The report also included 38 new positive cases for Eddy County. New Mexico has had 126,045 confirmed cases since the pandemic began. There were 852 hospitalized for COVID-19 on Thursday, with 162 on ventilators, according to the state Department of Health.
Here’s a few updates on the efforts to have Carlsbad’s college go independent. We spoke with NMSU’s Chancellor last week and had what we felt to be a productive meeting. We are meeting with New Mexico’s Department of Higher Education on Monday. Rep. Cathrynn Brown has developed a draft bill for introduction in the upcoming legislative session. She has also informed us that legislators aren’t exactly certain what they can expect from this session in terms of the schedule and how much of the session will be in person vs. virtual.
Craig Stephens and John Heaton have been doing an incredible job with this effort as chair and co-chair. We especially want to thank the members of NMSU-C’s faculty and staff for communicating with the members of our task force while continuing to work professionally at their jobs. We are developing a FAQ where we will post answers to the various questions we’ve received and continue to appreciate all of the support and feedback.
This year, Goodlife Senior Living Carlsbad held its first annual “Trim the Tree” decorating event. Encompass Hospice, Lakeview Hospice, Golden Services and TLC participated in decorating live Christmas trees. Thank you to Connie Caldwell and everyone involved, and congratulations to TLC for winning the competition with a “Home for the Holidays” tree. It was an honor to be asked to serve as a judge for the event, along with Chamber of Commerce CEO Chad Ingram.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway