COVID-19 cases in Eddy County increased during 11-day period

The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reported nearly 800 new COVID-19 cases in Eddy County in 11 days.

In a press release, DOH cited 721 new cases from Aug. 12 through Aug. 23 as the county dealt with increased spikes since July.

On Monday, Aug. 23, DOH noted 179 new cases in Eddy County from Saturday to Monday, the press release stated. The previous Monday, Eddy County recorded 163 cases for the weekend and that Monday.

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Other days during the reporting period, Eddy County’s new COVID-19 numbers were well under 100, DOH data indicated.

Seven deaths were reported in the county in the same 11-day time frame. Two elderly men who died Aug. 12 were both were hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

Two men died the next day. The first male was in 50s and the second was in his 80s and had underlying medical conditions, per DOH.

A man in his 70s died Aug. 20. He was hospitalized with underlying medical conditions and during the Aug. 23 reporting period two women in their 70s died. One had underlying medical conditions, DOH said.

As of the afternoon of Aug. 23,156 people died of COVID-19 in Eddy County since the first deaths were reported last year by DOH. Nearly 8,500 new cases were reported and 6,945 have recovered and 93,965 were tested.

More:DOH: Eddy County records 152 COVID-19 deaths

Data from Artesia General Hospital on Aug. 20 shows 5,266 total cases in Carlsbad and 2,599 in Artesia.

According to DOH’s demographic breakdown, Eddy County’s younger population had the highest amount of COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday morning.

The 20-29 age group had 1,491 total cases. Numbers rose to 1,541 for those ages 30-39, DOH data cited.

The number of new cases lowered to 86 for those 90 and older.

Eddy County remained behind the State of New Mexico in vaccination percentages. Statewide, DOH said 76 percent had at least one COVID-19 dose and 67 percent had both vaccinations.

Eddy County had 53 percent of the population with at least one dose and 43 percent had both vaccinations, per DOH data.

“Every New Mexican must work together to stem the spread of COVID-19. Wear a mask when in public and around others. If you are sick, stay home as much as possible,” a DOH press released stated on Monday.