Effective Saturday, Aug. 29, the following changes, among others, will be implemented:

• Food and drink establishments (including restaurants, breweries, wineries, distillers, cafes, coffee shops or other similar establishments) may provide indoor dining service at 25% maximum occupancy, in accordance with COVID-safe practices. 
• Food and drink establishments may continue to provide outdoor dining options, carryout and delivery services, in accordance with COVID-safe practices. Tables – inside or outside – must be spaced at least six feet apart, and no more than six patrons are permitted at a single table.
• Houses of worship may operate at 40% maximum occupancy of any enclosed building – an increase from 25 percent – in accordance with COVID-safe practices. Houses of worship may, as before, conduct services outdoors or provide services through audiovisual means.

The new emergency public health order will be effective through at least mid-September.

The governor and state health officials will discuss the amendments listed above, as well as other amendments, at 3 p.m. Thursday. They are also expected to discuss preparations for the fall semester of public schooling in the state.

KOB 4 will air the press conference and KOB.com will stream it live. 

Gov. Lujan Grisham released the following statement: 

“I know New Mexicans are ecstatic about our recent progress against COVID-19. But, given what we know about this virus, we must sound a note of caution: Our progress is only as good as our willingness to stay the course. This virus is still looking for opportunities to spread. We’ve got to adhere to COVID-safe practices in our day-to-day lives to minimize and eliminate those opportunities. I am so grateful to the New Mexicans who have made sacrifices and changed their behaviors to help get us to this point. Now we must – we absolutely must – sustain it. Tomorrow we’ll talk more about how far we’ve come and what we’ve still got to do, but I’m happy to announce these changes today and hope that New Mexicans feel that our hard work has begun to pay off.”