CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. – February has seen the end of Cibola’s Omicron COVID-19 surge. The month of February ended with 721 active cases, with COVID killing 11 residents of Cibola this month.
February saw a very small increase in COVID-19 vaccinations as the worst of the disease’s rampage – so far – through Cibola came to an end. The Omicron surge of COVID-19 shattered all previous records the disease had previously set in the county; and while it was on the decline in Cibola, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham – in a move applauded by some, and questioned by others – removed the state’s mask mandate.
COVID-19 testing has proven difficult for some families in Cibola to acquire or gain access to. Partnerships established between Amazon.Com Inc. and the Rockefeller Institute; and the federal government may help to alleviate some of these testing issues.
COVID’s decline in Cibola
The Cibola Citizen acquires COVID-19 data from the State of New Mexico, World Health Organization, and John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health every Monday.
On February 7 Cibola County had 1,841 active cases of COVID-19. This was the highest amount of active cases at a single time all month.
On February 14 Cibola County had 1,555 active cases of COVID-19. The trend would continue.
On February 21 Cibola County had 1,175 active cases.
Finally, on Feb. 28, the last day of the month, Cibola had 721 active cases of COVID-19.
The disease saw a massive decline in the county through the month. Once again, the primary spreaders of COVID-19 were school aged children.
COVID by age in February
Since Omicron began spreading in Cibola County, the primary spreaders have been school aged children between 0 and 19 years old. Through February, the top three spreading age groups in Cibola were 10–19-year-old demographic, 30–39-year-old demographic, and the 0–9-year-old demographic.
0-9
Through the month of February, the 0-9-year-old age group added 51 new cases of COVID-19.
10-19
The 10-19-age-group added 55 new cases through the month of February.
20-29
Through the month of February, the 20-29-yearold age group added 50 new COVID-19 cases.
30-39
The 30-39-age-group added 52 new cases through February.
40-49
From the 40-49-agegroup on, there are less and less new cases added through the month. This age demographic added 34 new cases.
50-59
The 50-59-age-group added 38 new cases through February.
60-69
The 60-69-age-group added 23 new cases through the month of February.
70-79
Adding the third least amount of new COVID cases, the 70-79 age group added 14 cases through February.
80-89
Adding the second lowest number of new cases, the 80-89 age group added 11 cases through February.
90+
Adding the least amount of new COVID-19 cases, the 90+ age group added only two cases through February.
Vaccine progress stumbles
Cibola did not see much progress in vaccinations through the month of February.
In February, only 74 residents became fully vaccinated. In the month, 68 residents received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Mask mandate rescinded
Asserting her decision was not based on politics, Governor Lujan Grisham removed the New Mexico State mask mandate on February 17.
“I want to express my gratitude to every New Mexican who has steadfastly worn a mask, gotten vaccinated, and done everything in their power to protect their neighbors, as well as the heroic health care and frontline workers who have courageously supported our communities during this uncertain time,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “Given the continued drop in hospitalizations and the lessening of the burden on our hospitals, it’s time to end the mask mandate. With vaccines, boosters and effective treatment options widely available, we have the tools we need to protect ourselves and keep our fellow New Mexicans safe.”
New Mexico Secretary of Health Dr. David Scrase explained that masks are still effective tools at preventing COVID-19 spread.
The mandate being lifted is not a prohibition on masking. If private businesses require masks, patrons are expected to respect the wishes of the business in question.
COVID Testing
Many residents of Cibola have struggled to obtain a COVID-19 test. They are not always abundant in store fronts, and waiting in line to get a test through the NM Department of Health can take a significant amount of time.
Project Access COVID Test is the product of a partnership between Amazon and the Rockefeller Foundation. Using a $7.45 million investment, the partnership is opening up free COVID-19 tests to every New Mexican. To receive free COVID-19 rapid tests from Project Access COVID Test, all any resident of Cibola needs to do is visit https://www.access-covid-tests.org/ put in your zip code and fill in all the relevant information.
The Federal Government understands the need for rapid COVID-19 tests. Through https://special.usps.com/testkits all any resident of Cibola needs to do is fill in their postal information and order the free tests. They will be delivered in just a handful of days.
To register for an NMDOH test, visit https://cvtestreg.nmhealth .org/ and fill out the prompts.