“That’s where we’re really focusing on testing and intervention,” said David Scrase, head of the state’s Human Services Department.
Another concern is that nearly 16% of cases in New Mexico involve people under the age of 20. That’s higher than the rest of the country, Scrase said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Scrase on Thursday also discussed the potential for lasting health problems that might result from an infection — from high blood pressure to heart issues and shortness of breath.
He and the governor urged people to continue wearing face coverings, washing their hands and staying home when possible.
“It’s a marathon,” Lujan Grisham said. “And I don’t want folks to feel like because we’re doing as well as we are that we can give it up, that we can slow up. We have to keep going. We have to keep running no matter how exhausted — and we’re all COVID tired. It is a real thing — the entire globe is COVID fatigued.”
The governor also vowed that the state will continue to move slowly and prudently with any reopening of public schools after the Labor Day holiday. She said the next two weeks offer an opportunity to see what happens in other school districts around the country.