Dear Editor;
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham,
I write to request that your administration consider a modification of your public health order to allow New Mexico businesses to open their doors and safely serve their customers.
The recent closures of several Albertsons and Wal-Mart stores in the Second Congressional District are unnecessary and harmful to the local communities. In fact, by forcing New Mexicans to stand in long lines or to shop for essentials in locations which have a higher rate of infection, like El Paso, the closures threaten to actually increase the spread of the virus. As Democratic State Senator Joseph Cervantes said about this situation, "Santa Fe needs more common sense."
Your order requiring any business that sees 4 positive tests over a two week period close down for two weeks goes against common sense. Obviously, 4 positive tests among a workforce of hundreds of employees is very different from 4 positive tests among a workforce of 5. Yet your order treats both situations exactly the same.
Further, your administration's use of the term "essential" to determine which businesses are allowed to remain open is inaccurate, and destructive to the economic wellbeing of tens of thousands of New Mexicans. For the small business owners and employees whose livelihoods depend on being open, being arbitrarily labeled "non-essential" and forced to close down is a financial disaster.
We all agree that New Mexico should take measures to contain the virus. But picking winners and losers in the business community isn't working. New Mexicans deserve a different and fairer path forward. I agree with Lea County Commission Chair Rebecca Long who suggested that any business that follows COVID-19 safety guidelines be permitted to open their doors and serve their customers. This is a fair and reasonable solution that will help slow the spread of the virus while allowing New Mexicans to make a living.
Sincerely,
Yvette Herrell
Representative-Elect
New Mexico's Second Congressional District