Earlier this year, we spoke about wanting to honor some of the men and women who really stepped forward to support this community throughout 2020.
Start thinking about some individuals – we are in the process of selecting a “Humanitarian of the Year” and a “Citizen of the Year.” We expect to have our nomination process in place by next week and hope to receive numerous suggestions. We will also be honoring a “Humanitarian of the Year” and “Citizen of the Year” graduating senior from South Eddy County and presenting a couple lifetime awards for extensive support for this community over many decades. We’re meeting with members of our selection committee later this week and will have more details soon. The honors will be announced in May.
COVID-19 numbers have continued to show incredible decline in Eddy County throughout the week. Carlsbad Medical Center recently reported a positivity rate of 8%, which is very close to where we need to be to meet that gating criteria. There were 12 positive cases announced for Eddy County on Tuesday and 15 on Monday, which is a lot closer to where we need to be as well.
Just as importantly, hospitalizations are also down. As of Tuesday, Carlsbad Medical Center reported having only two remaining COVID inpatients. The hospital has recently celebrated the release of several patients who have been battling this disease for weeks and who have now recovered. The videos of all the hospital employees lining up to wish their patients well when they are released are truly inspiring. We really feel like we may finally be moving past COVID-19, if we can continue to be careful and do everything we can to reduce the spread.
Last week, we sent a letter to our congressional delegation expressing our serious concerns over executive orders related to a prohibition on permits for oil and gas drilling on public lands. The letter has since been mentioned by numerous media outlets, which shows the pivotal role our community plays to meeting the nation’s energy needs. We have also had a great discussion with Rep. Herrell about her similar concerns and her efforts to protect New Mexico jobs. We certainly hope to have a conversation with our two U.S. Senators about what is being done to protect New Mexico jobs and our state’s economy.
Don’t forget that this week is part of Rotary Club of Carlsbad’s “Pancake Day” celebration. Thank you to Rotary members Jessica Onsurez, Aaron Irving and Mike Antiporda for contacting us last week. You can participate in Pancake Day activities by visiting https://fb.me/e/1yLKdq1S7 through Feb. 8.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway