The number of cases of COVID-19 in Eddy County increased over the weekend, as officials reported the City of Carlsbad had the most cases in the state.
The Carlsbad area 88220 zip code – the City of Carlsbad – led all New Mexico with the most COVID-19 cases in the State Friday and Monday, per DOH. The City the reported 38 new cases on Friday.
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An Albuquerque area zip code was second in New Mexico zip codes with 31.
“COVID-19 numbers in Eddy County remained very high over the weekend, as did COVID-19 hospitalizations. On Monday, Carlsbad Medical Center reported a 30% positivity rate from weekend testing and 12 COVID-19 related hospitalizations,” said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday, new COVID-19 cases for the the City of Carlsbad increased to 84.
The City of Artesia 36 new cases, according to DOH, and was seventh in New Mexico, for new cases.
As of Tuesday morning, Eddy County had 7,761 cases since the beginning of the epidemic, and had administered 89,375 tests. DOH cited 6,838 people had recovered from COVID-19 in Eddy County.
“The Department of Health is starting to ramp up again more testing opportunities statewide. In Carlsbad alone, there are three locations open for testing today,” said David Morgan, DOH spokesperson.
No COVID-19 deaths were reported during the weekend.
Eddy County remained behind the rest of the state for number of persons vaccinated, per DOH data.
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Statewide, 74 percent of New Mexicans had at least one vaccination and 65 percent had were completely vaccinated.
Eddy County had 50 percent of its population partially vaccinated and 42 percent were fully vaccinated, DOH indicated.
Starting Aug. 13, the Walter Gerrells Civic Center at 4012 National Parks Highway will host vaccination clinics, read a news release from Eddy County.
Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday and Friday and are scheduled through Aug. 30.
“At the end of August, numbers will be evaluated and it will be decided at that time if the Friday clinic will continue or if it will go back to Mondays only,” said Eddy County Emergency Manager, Jennifer Armendariz in the news release.
Morgan said vaccinations and testing were the two best tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among unvaccinated in New Mexico.
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“If anyone has COVID (-19) symptoms, we encourage them to get tested to be able to receive early treatment. Anyone COVID-free, regardless of whether they’ve already had COVID (-19) or not, should get vaccinated,” he said.
“Testing and vaccinating are the two tools we have to end this seemingly endless pandemic if only more people would use them.”
Janway said an increase in Eddy County’s vaccination rate could help diminish the severity among the City and County’s population.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
