New Mexico

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday a statewide stay-at-home order aimed at fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus.

She said all “non-essential businesses” are ordered to close effective 8 a.m. Tuesday and “100 percent” of the state's non-essential workforce are required to work from home. The order is in effect until April 10.

The announcement came as state officials said New Mexico now had 18 new coronavirus cases bringing the state's total to 83.

The new restrictions ask residents "to remain in their homes or places of residence except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare." The order also limits gatherings to five people or less.

The action follows a series of prior emergency public health orders that had closed down the state's indoor shopping malls, gyms, and movie theaters.

The governor said this new order was necessary due to "the need for social isolation and the imperative to avoid gatherings and face-to-face contact to the greatest extent possible in the wake of the virus outbreak."

“The only way for us to stop the spread of this virus is for New Mexicans to stop interacting with each other,” said Lujan Grisham. “New Mexicans must be crystal-clear on this point: Right now, every time you leave your house, you are putting yourself, your family and your community at risk. Only by distancing from one another, by remaining home except for essential or emergency travel, can we limit the spread of this virus to the point that it does not overwhelm New Mexico."

Businesses deemed essential by the state order that can remain open are: