Government leaders waiting for more info on new COVID-19 positive tests in Eddy County

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Local government officials are trying to get more information on two new positive COVID-19 coronavirus tests reported earlier this week in Eddy County by the State of New Mexico.

As of Friday afternoon, six total positive tests were reported in Eddy County by the New Mexico Department of Health, including one death.

“The County is staying in contact with the State and waiting for more information on the two new cases. We will update the public as that comes in," said Jerry Strong, Eddy County spokesperson.

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said tests are conducted at Carlsbad Medical Center, Artesia General Hospital and the Eddy County Public Health Offices in Carlsbad and Artesia.

“The County is being watchful and continues to communicate with other local, State and Federal agencies on a daily basis. The County’s numbers remain low, compared to other areas of the State,” Strong said.

Ward 2 Carlsbad City Councilor Jason Shirley expressed concerns for those that have tested positive.

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“The two new cases that were announced this week does not change my level of concern. We are doing a good job minimizing risk and taking care of each other. That will continue,” he said.

Eddy County appears to be in the middle of positive tests for COVID-19 in southeastern New Mexico, per New Mexico Department of Health numbers.

Chaves County had 18 positive tests and Lea County had one, the numbers read as of early Friday afternoon.

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“It’s hard to say where we compare county to county,” Shirley said.  “Everyone is doing their best to keep people safe.”

“The numbers are definitely important. The recovery number is particularly important to me. We are seeing a good amount of people recover and I expect number to continue to rise rapidly.”

Strong said social distancing measures enacted at various Eddy County facilities nearly a month ago are still in place.

“The social distancing procedures implemented at the County administration building are helping and we would like to thank County staff and the citizens of Eddy County for their cooperation and patience as we all work through this together,” she said.

State Rep. James Townsend would to like see Eddy County’s numbers remain low for the rest of April.

He said economic activity needs to return to Eddy County and the State of New Mexico.

“We desperately need to get our society back to work as we possibly can,” he said.

Shirley admits the road to economic recovery will be tough.

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“But we will land on our feet. We always do. We are a very resilient community,” he said.

“I urge our community, our business owners, our families, to use this time as a spiritual, emotional and physical reset. If the dust settles and we are the same we have lost the battle.

“But, if we learn, grow and adapt during this time and grow closer in our faith, our family and our community, we can hold our head high knowing that COVID-19 didn’t defeat us.”

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.