ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Mayor Tim Keller and Albuquerque officials highlighted the local coronavirus response and discussed preparations needed to safely reopen the city.

General updates

Workforce Solutions has announced that starting April 26, self-employed New Mexicans can apply for unemployment benefits. Previously, self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig workers and others were not eligible for unemployment benefits.

Grant funds are now available to farmers, ranchers, and others within the agricultural system who have been impacted by market disruption. For additional information visit the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association website.

The Early Childhood Education and Care Department and CYFD are holding presentations on Zoom. Department officials say it’s mainly for parents who are at home with young children right now.

The city received a $150 million check from the federal government earlier this week however there are stipulations regarding how that money is spent.

Preparations to safely reopen the city

Mayor Keller started off the meeting by highlighting the governor’s presentation Wednesday and reminding residents that their stay-at-home efforts are paying off. Using the state’s projections, the mayor pointed out that looking at Bernalillo County, a visible curve is seen that shows resident’s progress preventing the spread of COVID-19 however, officials are looking for a downward trend in virus cases to indicate when cities can reopen.

The mayor indicated that he will be following Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s lead and orders on when it will be appropriate to open the city economically. While there is no specific date for reopening, city officials are looking to the month of May as a general indicator as to when they will start instituting policies to reopen.

The City of Albuquerque will likely institute policies around face masks and temperature checks to enter various facilities and limiting occupancy at events. While the mayor says he doesn’t forsee mandting wearing face masks for the general public, they might be mandated for certain professions.

Mayor Keller mentioned three things to keep in mind for reopening. There will likely be a staggered reopening, meaning only some businesses will open at a time, the city will have to plan for cases in workplaces that will require them to isolate, shutdown, sanitize and reopen again if COVID-19 patients to show up. Additionally, there will be rules for businesses regarding masks, taking temperatures, sanitizing etc.

Officials stated that the Freedom 4th event will be modified this year. The city is looking at making a possible drive-up version of the event that would display fireworks in different parts of the city.

The mayor didn’t say if they’ll eliminate the open grass seating at Balloon Fiesta Park however it is an option.

At this time, all Summerfest events will be canceled at least through the end of June. It is unclear what will happen later in the season.

The city is currently working on plans on how summer recreation programs will be held. Officials will make announcements on these programs soon.

Playgrounds and golf courses may reopen soon with continued restrictions. For example, this could include rules stating you may have no more than one person in a cart at a time.

At this time the Isotopes and New Mexico United have postponed their seasons. The mayor says that while they are hoping to be able to hold these games and events in the second half of the summer, they will not know if this is possible most likely until the end of May.

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