Please check this page for continual updates.
CARES Relief Grant Application
The Small Business CARES Relief Grants application opens on Monday, December 7 at noon.
We want to be sure that businesses throughout New Mexico know about these grants. To help get the word out, we're providing one-page flyers with information in English and Spanish (links below).
These flyers can be printed and handed out, or posted in places where people may see them. They can also be emailed. Please use these flyers to reach your membership or businesses in your community so that anyone who is interested and in need can apply for these grants.
View a full presentation here:
What is the Small Business CARES Relief Grant Program?
The Small Business CARES Relief Grant Program was created by the State of New Mexico in the November 2020 Special Session to provide $100 million in grant funding to New Mexico small businesses, including for-profit entities and nonprofit organizations, that are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
This program is a grant program, not a loan program. This grant does not need to be paid back.
The application will be open from noon on December 7 through noon on December 18.
The application will be available at www.nmfinance.com
Public Health Order October 22, 2020
10/20/2020
The purpose of this amended Public Health Emergency Order is to amend restrictions on mass gatherings and business operations, which were implemented in response to the spread of COVID 19. Click the link below to read more.
Public Health Order 10/22/2020 ›Safe Certified Businesses
10/20/2020
The Governor will be coming out Friday, October 23, with new orders requiring all restaurants to be Safe Certified by the state or their occupancies will be reduced and/or possibly closed. In addition close contact businesses will have to keep a record of their patrons for contract tracing. Also the National Guard will be mobilized to do onsite testing at various locations. The Certification can be done online through EID.
Info About Safe Certified Businesses ›
Face Masks are Required at Hobbs Municipal Court
7/8/2020
Press Release (.pdf)
Press Release Spanish (.pdf)
Capacity Percentages and Safety Protocols from Hobbs Fire Marshal’s Office
5/21/2020
As certain restrictions of the New Mexico Public Health Order have been lifted by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to allow businesses to reopen and serve their customers, the Hobbs Fire Marshal’s Office is available to assist local businesses in defining the capacity limits for their individual locations as our community enters each new phase of reopening.
As always, businesses are not allowed to lock the doors of their business during normal operating hours. This is a violation of the International Fire Code as it puts customers and employees at risk in case of a fire or emergency. The Hobbs Fire Marshal’s Office is responsible for defining capacity limits of local businesses prior to originally opening, and they are currently accepting appointments to help calculate the new capacity limits with local business management teams. The maximum occupancy limits begin at 25% and increase in each phase of the Governor’s reopen plan. The Hobbs Fire Department is providing these occupancy numbers for informational purposes only. This messaging should not be construed as the City of Hobbs or the Hobbs Fire Department authorizing or prohibiting any business from operating.
The Hobbs Fire Department encourages everyone to exercise COVID-Safe Practices while shopping and supporting local business. The hotter season also brings hydration and health concerns into play which should never be neglected. Stay aware of your hydration levels and how your face mask may affect your breathing.
For further questions or concerns, you can contact the Hobbs Fire Marshal’s Office at (575)391-8158.
CISA Insights: COVID-19 Disinformation Insights
5/18/2020
As the nation and the world continues to fight against COVID-19, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) continues to work on products and other resources intended to help critical infrastructure stakeholders improve their resilience and reduce their exposure to COVID-19 related risks.
Today, CISA issued a new CISA Insights titled, “COVID-19 Disinformation Activity.” This CISA Insights provides guidance to deter false information and conspiracy theories related to COVID-19. It provides factual information to counteract inaccurate claims and provides simple steps the public can take to fact check information and minimize the risk of spreading false or misleading content.
As the nation’s risk advisor, we are sharing information to help you and your team reduce risks associated withCOVID-19. That includes our latest product, a CISA Insights on disinformation campaigns, often from foreign adversaries, that are seeking to take advantage of COVID-19 concerns.
We encourage you to share this publication with anyone who might be able to use it. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.
To read the latest CISA Insights, visit CISA.gov/insights. For authoritative information and resources on COVID-19 -- including situation reports, guidance, and more, visit the CDC’s website and CISA.gov/coronavirus.
State Urges Businesses to Apply For Next Round of PPP Loans SBA Funding Opens Again Monday Morning
4/29/2020
SANTA FE, N.M. - The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will resume accepting applications at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, April 27. The state is urging business owners who still need assistance to get application materials to lenders so they can file early on Monday, Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said.
The next phase of the CARES Act has passed Congress and was signed into law by the President on Friday, April 24. It allocates an additional $310 billion into the PPP small-business assistance program. One of the big changes in the program is that a portion of those dollars are earmarked to community lenders in rural areas and credit unions.
Funds for the first round of PPP were depleted with record demand. Approximately 1.6 million businesses nationwide were approved for assistance with 8,277 businesses in New Mexico approved for $1.4 billion from PPP.
But many businesses were not able to apply by the time the applications closed.
"We know there are businesses in New Mexico that were not able to submit their applications and are still waiting for assistance,” Cabinet Secretary Keyes said. “This is another opportunity, and we urge business owners to get with a lender and file as early as possible when the SBA begins taking applications again on Monday morning."
A list of approved participating lenders can be found here. Dreamspring and the Liftfund are non-profit Community Development Financial Institutions and also are available to process PPP applications and accept new customers.
The Economic Development Department hosted a webinar on Friday, April 24 along with the SBA and New Mexico Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to discuss how to apply to the program and answer questions about accessing the funding.
The presentations were provided in English and Spanish. Go here to view the webinars:
- Noticias de las Programas Federales de Préstamos para Pequeñas Empresas
- Update on Federal Small Business Lending Programs
The SBDC has many resources, provides daily online trainings, and is able to answer technical assistance questions about the PPP and other SBA program: http://www.nmsbdc.org/
The webinar also made clear that sole proprietors as well as non-profit businesses and organizations qualify for the PPP.
For information on all the state and federal emergency economic assistance, go to the EDD website, GoNM.biz
For comprehensive statewide information on the COVID-19 health emergency, visit https://www.newmexico.gov/
Tips for Stress and Anxiety
4/9/2020
What to expect when calling 911 during the coronavirus pandemic
4/4/2020
911 is hoping to keep all first responders safe while they continue to respond to emergency calls in Lea County during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lea County Communication Authority (LCCA) offers these tips while calling 911.
- As always, only call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency. We don’t want to tie up any 911 lines for people that are having a real emergency.
- If you think you may have COVID-19, call your primary caregiver or clinic, or use one of the hotlines set up right now. Medical facilities want you to call first if you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms so they can best help you and minimize exposures.
- State information: 833-551-0518
- Nor Lea Hospital: 575-396-9090
- Symptoms: 855-600-3453
- If you do believe you have COVID-19 and need to call 911, keep in mind:
- The same rules apply, only call 911 in an emergency.
- Immediately tell the 911 dispatcher you’re speaking to that you or someone in your home may have the virus
- Be honest and forthcoming when the dispatcher asks you a series of questions related to recent travel, or flu-like symptoms. It’s important to answer accurately so the responding teams know how best to help you and how best to keep themselves safe.
- Meet the responding team outside your home if at all possible. Obviously, depending on the nature of the emergency, this may not always be possible. But if it is, please do so. This helps minimize the potential of exposure to the crews. If they do not need to enter the residence, it’s better they remain outside.
- First responders are not immune to contracting COVID-19, so please continue to exercise social distancing around the crew members and they’ll do the best they can to do the same for you. In addition, in order to continue to help minimize exposures, crew members will be taking additional precaution measures to keep everyone as safe as possible. Many people are asymptomatic and do not know they have the virus.
Doing your part to help in Lea County
Adhere to the stay-at-home orders – this will help in reducing the call volume and with a call volume reduction, comes less of a potential in exposing responding crews
Only take what you need. Items are running out because people are buying more than what they need.
Support your local businesses and order takeout or delivery.
Together we can help each other and help slow the spread.
NMDOT discourages shopping in groups
4/1/2020
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation is advising people to shop alone to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
"This is not a time for a social outing. Leave family members at home where they are safe,” Secretary Mike Sandoval said. “Please shop alone. Every time you leave your house you put your family and community at risk," adds Sandoval.
The department also advises New Mexicans follow COVID-19 precautions while shopping.
- Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from those around you.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
- If possible, wipe down your shopping cart and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before and after unloading your groceries.
As part of New Mexico’s response to limit the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a public health order to stay home and self-isolate except for outings absolutely necessary for health, safety and welfare. You can learn more about the order and find other information related to COVID-19 at NewMexico.gov
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is using electronic message boards to remind communities to follow COVID-19 precautions.
SHOP ALONE
LIMIT EXPOSURE
STOP THE SPREAD
30 Days to Slow the Spread
Click to view larger version
Hobbs Receives First Positive COVID-19 Case
3/30/2020
A female in her 40s’s admitted to Lea Regional Medical Center Sunday evening, March 22nd, tested positive for COVID-19. Domestic, out-of-state travel may have played a part in her becoming infected. The State Department of Health will conduct "contact tracing" to communicate with those who the patient came in contact with to conduct further evaluations.
She is self-quarantined and was educated by healthcare professionals on what "self-quarantined" means and requires. Self-quarantining is required of individuals who show mild and not severe symptoms; this method leaves availability for space in our community's hospitals so as not to overload them and allow room for those who do show severe symptoms.
The City of Hobbs pleas all members of the public to stay home and exercise responsibility and concern for our fellow neighbors when considering leaving your residence. We completely understand that some positions and duties are considered essential; we have those within our own organization. We plea that citizens avoid all nonessential outings.
New Mexico State Police is Not Making Traffic Stops to Verify the Public or Their Travel is Essential
3/30/2020
Statewide, NM – The New Mexico State Police has been made aware of rumors going around the state that law enforcement is making traffic stops to determine if a person is an essential worker or if their travel is essential.
This is FALSE. The New Mexico State Police is not making traffic stops to ensure the public or their travel is considered essential. New Mexicans can leave their house while following the guidelines of the Emergency Public Health Order. The order prohibits mass gatherings and says that groups can be no larger than five (5) people and you must maintain a six (6) foot distance between others.
"Our goal as a law enforcement agency is to protect those communities and the state in which we live. We are in this together and keeping everyone healthy is all our responsibility." Said Tim Johnson, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. "I have mandated from the very beginning that my officers first educate the public about the importance of us all following the health order before taking any enforcement action. We will continue to perform this difficult task with professionalism, compassion and diligence.""
For non-health-related questions or concerns you may call 833-551-0518 or visit https://www.newmexico.gov/ which is being updated as a one-stop source for information.
Governor’s Public Health Order to Close Non-Essential Businesses and Non-Profits to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
3/24/2020
The Governor’s Public Health Emergency Order released March 23rd and in effect until April 10th detailed several new directs to protect the safety, health, and welfare of New Mexicans. Effective Tuesday, March 24th, the City of Hobbs implements several changes to staffing, facilities, and services. Several of these facilities that were previously closed to the public with Staff continuing work will no longer have Staff present in order to establish the highest levels of social distancing in City facilities.
To limit person-to-person contact and expedite service, we encourage all customers to complete transactions online at www.hobbsnm.org, www.COREhobbs.com, or over the phone at (575)397-9200. Due to the closure of certain offices and facilities, services will be affected. To ease the inconvenience and challenges our community is currently experiencing, utilities late fees (water and sewage) will be waved until further notice. You can still pay your bill online at www.hobbsnm.org.
The City of Hobbs will remain vigilant as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and will continue to communicate with the public and our staff any and all updates.
Affected City Services
- Community Services Department
All permit applications are to be done online at www.hobbsnm.org. For specific questions, contact (575)391-8158 - Hobbs Express will be suspending all fixed route bus service until further notice. We will continue to provide demand response service for essential services, only allowing four passengers per bus. To schedule a ride or for more information, please call 397-9290. Rides will be limited depending on scheduling availability.
- CORE (Center of Recreational Excellence) is closed to the public.
- Hobbs Public Library is closed to the public.
- Hobbs Teen Center is closed to the public.
- Rockwind Community Links golf course and Rockwind Grill are closed to the public.
- Hobbs Senior Center is closed to the public.
Meals on Wheels and the meal pickup site will continue operating.
If you or a senior citizen you know are in need of meal assistance, you may contact (575)397-9301. - Hobbs MVD is conducting transactions by appointment only. You may call 575)397-9213.
Cancelled Board Meetings
- Library Board Meeting previously scheduled for March 24th
- Cemetery Board Meeting previously scheduled for March 25th
Lea Regional Medical Center Offers Virtual Visits for COVID-19 Pre-Screening
3/20/2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Hobbs, NM (March 20, 2020) – Lea Regional is offering an easy-to-use screening option specific to COVID-19. Individuals with concerns or mild to moderate symptoms specific to COVID-19 can use our VirtualHealthConnect app to speak with an experienced healthcare provider using a smartphone or computer. Because virtual visits can take place from home, they can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
COVID-19 cannot be diagnosed through a virtual visit, but doctors can evaluate symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, discuss known risk factors, and answer questions. If testing is indicated, a referral can be provided to the right location for an in-person visit. Virtual visits are $40 and not covered by insurance.
Visit LeaRegionalMedical.com for information about how to download and use the VirtualHealthConnect app. Frequently asked questions are also provided.
A virtual visit or call to your physician’s office is the first step for those concerned about COVID-19 exposure. Most people with COVID-19 will not heed hospital care and should follow instructions for appropriate testing locations, as needed. However, if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, a severe headache of other life-threatening conditions, call 911.
Follow Lea Regional Medical Center on Facebook and Instagram.
Lea Regional Medical Center opened its doors in 1974 and has been providing quality care to the residents of Lea County for over 40 years. LRMC is licensed for more than 100 beds and offers: cardiac care, general and outpatient surgery, laboratory services, radiological services, emergency department services, a skilled nursing facility, behavioral health unit, and women’s services (labor & delivery as well as gynecological care). In 2014 LRMC earned the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care Accreditation for Chest Pain Center; one of only eight hospitals in the State of New Mexico. In 2015 LRMC became the first and only hospital in the State of New Mexico to earn an accreditation in Heart Failure. LRMC became a certified Stroke Center in 2015 and was re-certified in 2017.
Stop the Spread of Germs
Click to view larger version
Governor Lujan Grisham Releases Amended Public Health Order to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
3/19/2020
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico has reached 28 as of March 18th. As a preventative measure and in line with the Governor’s Public Health Emergency Order released March 18th at noon via the New Mexico Department of Health, the City of Hobbs will be closing several facilities to the public and limiting the number of staff at the others. These changes go into effect Thursday, March 19th. To limit person-to-person contact and expedite service, we encourage all customers to complete transactions online at www.hobbsnm.org or over the phone at (575)397-9200 when they can.
The City of Hobbs will remain vigilant as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses and will continue to communicate with the public and our staff any and all updates.
See the below facilities that will be closed, effective March 19th.
Amended Public Health Order Directs
Governor Lujan Grisham issued an additional Public Health Order at a press conference at noon on March 18th, to include the following regulations:
- All mass gatherings are prohibited.
- All restaurants, bars, breweries, eateries, and other food establishments are limited to providing takeout and delivery service only.
- Indoor shopping malls, recreational facilities, health clubs, resort spas, athletic facilities, theaters including movie theaters, and flea markets are directed to close.
- Restaurants situated in shopping malls with exterior entrances may provide take-out or delivery services.
- Typical business environments that are not engaged in the provision of an essential service should limit operations to the greatest extent possible and minimize employee contact.
- All casinos and horse racing facilities, and attendant restaurant or bar operations shall close, excluding those on tribal lands.
- Hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities shall not operate at more than 50% of maximum occupancy. This restriction does not apply to operations providing lodging to health care workers who are not engaged in the provision of care to New Mexico residents or those businesses providing temporary housing to individuals employed and working in New Mexico.
- The NM Department of Public Safety, the NM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Department of Environment, Regulation and Licensing Department, and all other State departments and agencies are authorized to take all appropriate steps to ensure compliance with this Order.
- All public and private employers are required to comply with this Order and any instructions provided by State departments or agencies regarding COVID-19.
- In order to minimize the shortage of health care supplies and other necessary goods, grocery stores, and other retailers are hereby directed to limit the sale of over-the-counter medications, durable medical equipment, baby formula, diapers, sanitary care products, and hygiene products to three packaged items per individual. This provision is not intended to limit the provision of prescription medications by pharmacies.
City Facilities Closed to the Public
- CORE (Center of Recreational Excellence)
- Hobbs Public Library
- Hobbs Teen Center
- Rockwind Community Links golf course and Rockwind Grill
- Hobbs Senior Center (Meals on Wheels and the meal pickup site will continue as are)
- Hobbs Animal Adoption Center
Amended Hours and Staffing
- MVD will complete transactions by appointment only. Call (575)397-9213 to schedule.
- City Hall will maintain regular hours with minimum staffing.
Cancellations
- The USSSA Slowpitch Softball League has cancelled the Spring season which was set to begin on Monday, March 16.
- Practices at Mackey Fields
Precautions and Prevention
You play a vital role in the safety of yourself, your family, and your community. Prevention is the most important part.
Those who are elderly or with severe underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are at a higher risk of becoming infected and experiencing more serious symptoms. We want to ensure citizens have up-to-date information and are mindful of the precautions they should take to prevent the coronavirus:
The CDC recommends that if individuals feel sick or that they are becoming sick, they are encouraged to stay home and contact their medical provider immediately, which is a practice recommended during any flu season. If someone is sick at all, even if it is not COVID-19, they should stay home as they will have a weakened immune system and contact may weaken the immune systems of those they contact.
If you are ill or showing symptoms of being ill, we encourage individuals to stay home. City Staff will work with all individuals to ensure the highest quality of service and safety are guaranteed.
All City facilities and programs will comply with State and Federal-issued Orders.
The New Mexico Department of Health COVID-19 hotline number: (855)600-3453
The NM Department of Health number during this time for questions related to meals, transportation, products, childcare, schools business loans, etc.: (833)551-0518
Nor-Lea Hospital District testing number: (575)396-9090
Lea Regional Medical Center testing number: (575)392-1973
Additionally, you may monitor the following websites:
City of Hobbs Update Regarding COVID-19 Spread Prevention
3/17/2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues fluidity, the City of Hobbs has updated our preventative measures to maintain high quality customer service and safety.
Affected Hours
CORE (Center of Recreational excellence):
Hours of operation will be reduced, effective Tuesday, March 17:
Monday through Friday 5:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
COREkids hours:
Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
*All Private Rentals are cancelled. (Private Rentals typically occur in smaller, confined spaces and this will promote social distancing.)
All CORE programming is cancelled to include: youth and adult leagues, fitness classes, lifeguard classes, Tsunami Swim & Dive Teams, Dive-in Movie, Challenge Nights, Turf Titans, Homeschool PE, Ninja Warrior Wednesdays, Tournaments and New Mexico Junior College aquatics cla
All participation at the CORE will be governed by any current or future Public Health Orders issued by the New Mexico Department of Health. The previous procedures related to limiting CORE participants entering the facility to 100 are still in effect as is the time limit (60 minutes) once that limit is reached.
Hobbs Senior Center:
Closed effective Tuesday, March 17 to include Thursday night meetings and Friday Dances.
*Home delivered meals will continue.
Congregate meals participants may receive a meal via a "drive through" process at 12:00 – 12:30pm daily, Monday through Friday
*The suggested donation for congregate meals is being waived at this time
*Senior Center non-members wishing to receive a meal via the “drive through” process can complete a Senior Center membership application to become a Senior Center member
Hobbs Public Library:
Hours remain the same, however, all programs through April 6th are cancelled, to include Story Time, Virtual Reality Tours, and ¡Explora!
Cancellations
USSSA Slowpitch Softball
The Spring season set to begin on Monday, March 16, has been postponed by local USSSA officials until Monday, April 6, at this time.
Coffee with Cops scheduled for March 18th is cancelled.
Normal Operating Hours/Activities at City Facilities
- City Hall
- Parks and Recreation Office
- Municipal Court will maintain regular operating hours with a 15-person (defendants) capacity inside the courtroom, with consideration of the Order from the Supreme Court of New Mexico and the size of their courtroom.
- Hobbs Teen Center
- Rockwind Pro Shop – Rockwind Grill will comply with the NM Public Health Order related to bars and restaurants.
- *Staff are eliminating high touch surfaces on golf carts to include sand bottles and coolers.
- Practices at Mackey Fields
Precautions and Prevention
You play a vital role in the safety of yourself, your family, and your community. Prevention is the most important part.
Those who are elderly or with severe underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are at a higher risk of becoming infected and experiencing more serious symptoms. We want to ensure citizens have up-to-date information and are mindful of the precautions they should take to prevent the coronavirus:
The CDC recommends that if individuals feel sick or that they are becoming sick, they are encouraged to stay home and contact their medical provider immediately, which is a practice recommended during any flu season. If someone is sick at all, even if it is not COVID-19, they should stay home as they will have a weakened immune system and contact may weaken the immune systems of those they contact.
If you are ill or showing symptoms of being ill, we encourage individuals to stay home. City Staff will work with all individuals to ensure the highest quality of service and safety are guaranteed.
We recommend residents to reference our website at www.hobbsnm.org/update for the most up-todate local information regarding cancelled events, public notices, and more.
All City facilities and programs will comply with State and Federal-issued Orders.
The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a hotline number: (855)600-3453. Additionally, you may monitor the following websites:
Notes from President's Press Conference
We will overcome the threat of coronavirus.
Many public-private partnerships announced in the President’s press conference:
- Companies offering sites and services to assist the federal government in the fight against COVID-19 and will be working with: the Administration, CDC, DHS, TASK FORCE:
- Google – building a website to assist with quick testing and updates
- Walgreen’s – portion of parking lots at chosen locations to be used for testing sites
- Walmart – portion of parking lots at chosen locations to be used for testing sites
- Target – portion of parking lots at chosen locations to be used for testing sites
- CVS – portion of parking lots at chosen locations to be used for testing sites
- Healthcare companies and labs called upon:
- *Qwest Diagnostics – American clinical laboratory, Fortune 500 company, agreements with various hospitals and clinics across the globe
- Roshe Diagnostics – testing, clinics, research, labs; currently have a test for COVID-19 being pushed
- Signify Health – complex care management services, mobile clinician network, health evaluation, health risk evals
- *LabCorp – 500 company; one of the largest clinical laboratory networks in the world; 36 primary labs in U.S.
- *Qwest and LabCorp will be producing the nasal swabs and machines to labs to test specimens.
- Other Points:
- Interest held by federal government on student loans waived until further notice.
- Large amounts of crude oil to be purchased and stored, added to the SPR.
- European travel band in effect tonight at midnight.
- All travelers from foreign countries will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
- COVID-19 currently in 46 U.S. states.
- Regulations are temporarily waived at nursing homes to create flexibilities to providers on the front lines.
- No visitors who are non-essential allowed to protect the vulnerable elderly.
- Working to dramatically increase availability of tests.
- Labs across states have been authorized to perform testing.
- Test is hoped to be sped up to present results within 24 hours.
- Items such as hand sanitizer, paper towels, etc. to be placed on shelves immediately (no date/timeline).
- Drive-through tests to be made available in critical locations.
Any normal day, we are competitors. Today we are against one competitor.
City of Hobbs Update Regarding Coronavirus COVID-19
3/12/2020
As the World Health Organization has officially declared global spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic and the New Mexico Secretary of Health has issued a proclamation ordering the cancellation of all events with a congregation of over 100 to be cancelled, the City of Hobbs has updated our preventative measures. City officials have been in contact with our local medical institutions and government agencies, and we assure the community that they are prepared and organized for the unlikely event that COVID-19 arrives here. Considering that the seasonal influenza (flu) virus is also widespread, we are taking precautions to address a number of business concerns while continuing operations.
At this time, there is no vaccine or treatment against this virus, and it is unknown how severe this outbreak may become. The City of Hobbs recommends residents to reference our website at www.hobbsnm.org/update for the most up-to-date local information regarding cancelled events, public notices, and more. Local community partners are encouraged to have their websites reference ours as well. The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a hotline number: (855)600-3453.
Cancelled Events
- Census and the Arts, March 12 at Western Heritage Museum
- Lea County Women’s Network “Irish Hoopla”, March 13
- USSSA Tryout and Tournament, March 13-15 at Veterans Memorial Complex
- Pi Day, March 14
- Hobbs Youth soccer games at MLK SoccerPlex, March 14
- Hobbs Adult soccer games at Washington Heights Soccer Fields, March 15
- Women United Awards, March 14
- Dazzling Deceptions Magic Show, March 18
- Distinguished Lecture Series with Rosie Rios postponed until Spring 2021
- Southwest Symphony’s remaining concerts for this season
Affected Hours/Services at City Facilities
- Hobbs Senior Center
- No congregate meals will be served on Friday, March 13.
- Beginning Monday, March 16 at noon, meals usually served in-person may be picked up at the Senior Center and taken home until further notice.
- The Monthly Senior Trip to Ruidoso scheduled for Saturday, March 14 has been cancelled.
- Meals on Wheels (home-delivered meals) will be delivered without interruption at this time.
- Friday Night Dances will continue at this time.
- CORE (effective Friday, March 13)
- Attendance will be limited to 100 participants at any given time during operating hours. CORE staff will be stationed at the entrance to monitor the situation and answer questions.
- After one hour, participants will be asked to exit the facility to allow other participants to enter, and this process will repeat.
- All private parties will be held as scheduled with reduced capacity in effect for the entire facility.
- The CORE will close at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13th for a previously scheduled private party and remain closed the rest of the evening.
- The CORE will close at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14th for a previously scheduled private party and remain closed the rest of the day.
- The CORE will be closed all day Sunday, March 15th for a previously scheduled private party.
These regulations will be in effect until further notice. Please check the CORE’s website www.COREhobbs.com for an update to their hours.
Normal Operating Hours/Activities at City Recreation Facilities
- Parks and Recreation Office
- Hobbs Teen Center
- Rockwind Pro Shop
- Practices at Mackey Field
Precautions and Prevention
You play a vital role in the safety of yourself, your family, and your community. Prevention is the most important part.
Those who are elderly or with severe underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are at a higher risk of becoming infected and experiencing more serious symptoms. We want to ensure citizens have up-to-date information and are mindful of the precautions they should take to prevent the coronavirus:
The CDC recommends that if individuals feel sick or that they are becoming sick, they are encouraged to stay home and contact their medical provider immediately, which is a practice recommended during any flu season. If someone is sick at all, even if it is not COVID-19, they should stay home as they will have a weakened immune system and contact may weaken the immune systems of those they contact.
This is an emerging, evolving situation for which we will provide information as it becomes available. The City of Hobbs recommends residents to reference our website at www.hobbsnm.org/update for the most up-to-date local information regarding cancelled events, public notices, and more. The New Mexico Department of Health has issued a hotline number: (855)600-3453.
City of Hobbs Preventions for Coronavirus COVID-19
3/11/2020
The City of Hobbs has received questions regarding our plans to prepare for the unlikeliness that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) enters our community. The City of Hobbs wishes to assure all residents and visitors that while this virus is new and unfamiliar, City Staff are taking extra precautions and monitoring the progression of this situation to protect the health and well-being of all who we serve. The City has been in contact with our local medical institutions and government agencies, including the State of New Mexico Department of Health and following recommendations from the CDC (Center for Disease Control). According to the CDC’s website, “Global efforts at this time are focused concurrently on lessening the spread and impact of this virus.” At the time of this release, there have been no reports of COVID-19 in our state.
Daily Precautions and Prevention
Those who are elderly or with severe underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are at a higher risk of becoming infected and experiencing more serious symptoms. We want to ensure citizens have up-to-date information and are mindful of the precautions they should take to prevent the coronavirus.
What Can I Do?
Just like with many other respiratory illnesses, the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, to cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, and avoid contact with people who are coughing or sneezing. Also stay home from work or school when you are sick.
Coronavirus Hotline:
1-855-600-3453
These precautions are similar to those of other respiratory diseases and symptoms, including washing hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, avoiding touching your face or mouth, covering your mouth with your arm when you need to cough or sneeze, and regularly disinfecting surfaces.
Additionally, it is advised to take the appropriate daily vitamins for your own or your family’s needs, drink plenty of water throughout the day, get plenty of sleep, have medicine on-hand in case a household member does become sick, and to seek the advice of your doctor if you become sick or are showing symptoms. The CDC recommends that if individuals feel sick or that they are becoming sick, they are encouraged to stay home and contact their medical provider immediately, which is a practice recommended during any flu season. If someone is sick at all, even if it is not COVID-19, they should stay home as they will have a weakened immune system and contact may weaken the immune systems of those they contact
City Precautions and Prevention
Every effort will be made to place hand sanitizing stations at every entrance, on counters, and staff will be frequently sanitizing surfaces. This is an emerging, evolving situation for which we will provide information as it becomes available.
You play a vital role in the safety of yourself, your family, and your community. Prevention is the most important part. For the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus, monitor the following websites:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering
Coronavirus Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals have been using the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic in an attempt to profit from those worried or interested in the disease. There is currently one scheme that uses an interactive dashboard created by Johns Hopkins University to show the spread of the disease on a global map. Criminals have used this legitimate information to trick people into visiting their illegitimate sites and attempt to infect users. If you are interested in a map showing the spread of COVID-19 please be wary of which site you visit. The official Johns Hopkins site is coronavirus.jhu.edu
Also be wary of unsolicited emails and email attachments related to COVID-19 as there has been an increase in phishing scams using this topic to trick users into opening infected attachments or links to malicious sites.
Lastly be wary of requests for donations to organizations claiming to be charities for sufferers of the Coronavirus, verify that the charity you wish to donate to is authentic.
More Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Lea Regional Medical Center
NM Department of Health
Hotline to Department of Health:
1-855-600-3453
Hobbs Fire Department Stay Healthy PSA
Tips on Keeping Yourself Healthy