Los Alamos County

1. NM Dept. of Health Coronavirus emergency hotline: 1-855-600-3453 (Call this number before visiting a local health care center) 

• NMDOH Self-screening tool:  Should I Get Tested?
• NMDOH Test Results Portal.  Be prepared to create an account.  You need to provide your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, and DATE SAMPLE WAS COLLECTED. 

2. NM Dept. of Health hotline for everything else: 1-833-551-0518

3. Center for Disease Control (COVID-19) and the CDC COVID-19 Self-Checker website.   For the latest on the COVID-19 News from the CDC visit the CDC What's New Web Page. 

4. New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH COVID-19) (Visit the NMDOH COVID-19 website for current info on tests/positive cases of COVID 19 in New Mexico.). 

5. New Mexico Crisis and Access Line

6. LANL COVID-19 hotline: 505-606-2667

7. Customer Care Center: 505-662-8333 (Call for information on county facility closures, assistance with meals and utility bills or how to help the community at this time.)

8. Emergency Management: 505-662-8283 or 505-709-8632

Read News Releases from the LOS ALAMOS COUNTY related to the COVID-19 Pandemic - Updates may be posted daily or less frequently, as conditions warrant. (For NEW MEXICO STATE COVID-19 updates, refer to: New Mexico Department of Health News Room; New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham News Room; For FEDERAL COVID-19 updates visit the Centers for Disease and Prevention News Room)

Update February 19, 2021

County Update 74 on COVID: Vaccination Clinic Monday, Feb. 22, Appointments Only

Update February 11, 2021

County Update 73 on COVID: Information for Sunday’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Update February 10, 2021

County Update 72 on COVID: Vaccine Clinic This Sunday, Appointments Only

Update January 28, 2021

County Update 71 on COVID: Seniors COVID Vaccine Clinic Clarification

Update January 25, 2021

County Update 70 on COVID-19: Curative COVID Testing Moving From Fuller Lodge to Overlook Park in White Rock on Tuesday as a drive-through site

Update January 22, 2021

County Update 69 on COVID-19: Second COVID Vaccine Dose Scheduled For Category 1A Individuals Vaccinated on Jan. 2

County Update 68 on COVID-19: Seniors Vaccine Clinic Set for January 30 & 31 (by appt. only)

Update January 14, 2021

County Update 67 on COVID-19: Vaccination Clinic for Los Alamos individuals in level 1A and 1B phases as defined by NMDOH 

County Update 66 on COVID-19: Testing for COVID at Fuller Lodge Every Tuesday - Every Thursday Testing Begins January 28th

VIEW ALL COVID-19 UPDATES AND RELEASES

Los Alamos County is following the phased New Mexico Reopening Plan Preview which is backed by the Economic Recovery Council. The phased reopening adheres to the: ALL TOGETHER NEW MEXICO, COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers (revised Oct. 2020).

October 7, 2020: New Mexico Economic Recovery Council and COVID-Safe Practices Subcommittees issue revised booklet: ALL TOGETHER NEW MEXICO, COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers (Oct. 2020)

It includes:

• COVID Safe-Practices for all Employers (on page 10) that also identifies additional resources such as, OSHA and CDC guidelines and EPA list of Disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2. 
• How each business (restaurants, gyms, retail, grocery stores, farmers markets, youth sports and programs, intercollegiate sports, hotels, resorts & lodging, golf courses, houses of worship, etc....) can comply with the phased reopening of the New Mexico economy.

Read the State of the Response: State Actions to address the Pandemic issued by the National Safety Council.

Learn more about Pandemic Flu and Coronavirus

The best source for current information on Coronavirus or any type of seasonal flu is the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Link below: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Pandemic flu is a global outbreak of flu, no matter what kind. Learn more about pandemic flu here: www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) facts:

The 2019 novel coronavirus, also called COVID-19, is a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The novel coronavirus is a new virus and part of a large group of viruses that infect people and while normally causing a mild respiratory disease - such as the common cold - it can potentially be deadly. Signs and symptoms of this coronavirus illness include fever, cold spells, cough, difficulty breathing, chills and muscle pains. Because this time of year is also cold and flu season, testing to identify coronavirus is needed. It shares similar symptoms to cold and flu.

About Coronavirus COVID-19:

• Person-to-person spreads mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread
• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure
• Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been approved for use.  See "Vaccines for COVID-19" further down on the page.  
• Recovery for average healthy adult is 7-14 days
• Greatest risk is to elderly, especially those who have complicated medical problems or immune deficiencies

Stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.  If you must go out, stop the spread, and wear a mask in public.

However, Dr. David Scrase, secretary of the Human Services Department reminds everyone, “As we move forward in reopening our economy in a COVID-positive New Mexico, it’s critically important that everyone in our state keeps up the good work we’ve been doing by adopting COVID-19 Safe Practices as a new normal way of life. You know the drill: wear a mask in public, wash your hands often, keep a 6-foot distance from others, and STAY HOME if you are sick or have risk factors.” (emphasis added)

Do you need a mask?

You can request one from the NM Dept of Health at: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/97frS9fahq292waAbVbl0B

The Customer Care Center also has a limited number of masks. If you need one contact them at at 505.662.8333 or CustomerCare@lacnm.us.

Hygiene Counts!

One of the best defenses against flu epidemics of any kind is basic hygiene.

• Wear a mask.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze. Throw it away afterwards. Flu is spread through 'respiratory droplets.
• Wash your hands often, or at least use hand sanitizing gels often.
• Teach your children this respiratory etiquette and insist on it for yourself and others.
• STAY HOME from work when you are ill.
• Keep your children home and their friends away when they are ill, period.
• Enact a 6 ft. rule when in public places

If you think that you might have been exposed to COVID-19 and you develop a fever and other symptoms such as a cough or difficulty breathing -

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: What to Do if You Are Sick?

New Mexico Department of Health

Call NM Dept. of Health (NMDOH) Coronavirus emergency hotline at 855-600-3453; Visit the NMDOH website: COVID-19 Screening & Testing for health screen questions and testing sites.

NMDOH hotline for everything else: 1-833-551-0518.

Physician

Call your doctor.

Free Testing in Los Alamos: 

LOS ALAMOS PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICE:

Register first:  You will need this code to schedule an appointment at the Los Alamos Public Health Office.
Visit: https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org/ or call the Public Health Office Monday – Friday 8AM-5PM at 505-753-2794 if you need help registering.

Call the local Los Alamos Public Health Office at 
505-662-4038 to schedule an appointment (you will need your confirmation code)

Dates & Times: Mon., Wed., and Fri. from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Address & Phone: Los Alamos Public Health Office, 1183 Diamond Dr., Los Alamos | phone: 505-662-4038

Test Results: If you were tested, get your results on the NMDOH online COVID-19 test results portal (approx. 72 hours)


LOS ALAMOS CURATIVE ORAL SWAB TESTING AT OVERLOOK PARK IN WHITE ROCK

(NOTE:  Beginning Jan 26th CURATIVE testing is moving from Fuller Lodge to Overlook Park in White Rock)

Register first: Visit the Curative website at https://curative.com to schedule a date and time.  

Dates & Times:  Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM - 2 PM 

Address & Phone: Location has changed to Overlook Park in White Rock | This is now a drive-through site (no need to leave your car) | phone: 505.662.8333

Test Results: Results will be sent via text or email (approx. 24 - 72 hours)

Press Release regarding change in location (issued Jan. 25, 2021)

Testing locations throughout New Mexico:

Sites for COVID-19 Screening &Testing (Swab/Specimen Collection)

Stay-at-Home COVID-19 Test Free from Dept. of Health:

Who can request a Stay-at-Home COVID-19 test? Any New Mexican with access to online video-conferencing through Zoom

Order:  Place an order or a COVID test online at https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm

Receipt of the test: The test will be sent via expedited shipping. Once received the individual must log onto the Vault virtual waiting room, via Zoom, to connect with a testing supervisor while self-administering the saliva sample.

Sending the test to the lab:  Individuals can then send the saliva sample to the laboratory for verification via a prepaid UPS package.

Test Results: Within 24 to 48 hours of arrival at the lab, results will be available to the patient.

Press Release on Stay-at-Home COVID testing. (Dec. 22, 2020)

Pre-register with Dept. of Health

Visit the Dept. of Health website to pre-register for the vaccine:  https://cvvaccine.nmhealth.org/

NM Dept of Health will be the point of contact for all vaccination information and will notify Los Alamos County's public health officials as soon as they know when shipments of the vaccine will be made available for the community. At that point, the County will begin advertising vaccination clinics for Los Alamos via press releases, the County Line newsletter, this COVID webpage and its associated ALERT banner pop up on the home webpage, and ads in the LA Daily Post (if appropriate).

The following instructions on registering for the vaccine and scheduling an appointment are from the NM Aging & Long-Term Services Department (Feb. 18, 2021): COVID VACCINE REGISTRATION STEP-BY-STEP CHECKLIST

Be sure to read :  WHAT TO KNOW: PREPARING FOR THE COVID VACCINE

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Vaccination Clinic

Vaccine Clinics in Los Alamos (Hosted by Nambe Drugs, Los Alamos County, NMDOH) - APPOINTMENTS ONLY

DATES and LOCATIONS

Fri., Feb. 26 @  Los Alamos High School Gym, 1300 Diamond Drive, Los Alamos, NM

Sat., Feb. 27 @ Drive-through at Betty Ehart Senior Center, 1101 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos, NM  (Booster Shots)

Sun. Feb. 28 @ Drive-through at White Rock Senior Center, 137 Longview Dr., White Rock, NM (Booster Shots)


NOTIFICATION

Notification will come from the NM Dept. of Health via text message or email on how to register for an appointment.  DOH prioritizes individuals based on need and the amount of vaccine doses available  

Did you receive a code from NM DOH to schedule an appointment, but are having trouble scheduling it?  Call NM DOH at 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support. 

WHAT IS NEEDED UPON CHECK IN

Upon appointment check-in, Nambe Drugs will require NMDOH confirmation code, insurance and Medicare cards (if applicable).

Questions should be directed to the NM Dept. of Health website that pertains to COVID-19.

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Vaccines

The following links are for additional information on:

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

 

Individuals and Families:

Information is available on the CDC website advising you how to prepare:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/index.html

If it's not Coronavirus...
Seasonal Flu

For current NM flu information, visit https://nmhealth.org/publication/view/general/5333/ or call toll-free the NM Influenza hotline at 1-800-432-6866. Frequently asked questions and answers are also available on the DOH website. Or visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website www.cdc.gov/flu

Stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel.  If you must go out, stop the spread, and wear a mask in public

As of May 28, 2020 the NM Governor announced that some restrictions are being lifted. 

However, Dr. David Scrase, secretary of the Human Services Department reminds everyone, “As we move forward in reopening our economy in a COVID-positive New Mexico, it’s critically important that everyone in our state keeps up the good work we’ve been doing by adopting COVID-19 Safe Practices as a new normal way of life. You know the drill: wear a mask in public, wash your hands often, keep a 6-foot distance from others, and STAY HOME if you are sick or have risk factors.” (emphasis added)

Do you need a mask?

You can request one from the New Mexico Dept of Health at: https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/97frS9fahq292waAbVbl0B

The Customer Care Center also has a limited number of masks. You can pick them up at the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos or contact CCC at 505.662.8333 or CustomerCare@lacnm.us.

County Trails 

While Los Alamos citizens are doing their best to stay at home and practice social distancing, many of the Los Alamos trails are still open.  Get out and get some fresh air while keeping your distance from others.  Download the County Trail Network Information.  

Forest Service Recreation Sites

April 10, 2020 Press Release from the USDA Santa Fe National Forest Service: Forest Service takes steps to protect communities from spread of COVID-19.  

In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) has added additional developed recreation sites to the region-wide closure order on occupancy and use restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Read the full press release. 

Meal Assistance Information

• The following is a list of meal sites for children: 
  https://www.newmexico.gov/education/meal-sites-for-children/
  
  
• For Seniors and Disabled Adults call the NM Dept of Aging and Long-Term Services Food Access Hotline: 1-800-432-2080 (leave a message with your name, telephone number and city where you live.)  

Child Care or Loss of Income

• Resources to find CHILD CARE near you (search by county/zip, within a radius from your home, by school district) - view the brochure with active links prepared by New Mexico Regional Education Cooperatives Association working with NM Public Education Department and the NM Early Childhood Education & Care Department.  
• Child Care Resources and Referral Support Line:  1-800-691-9067.
• For assistance to pay for Child Care and other programs such as Home Visiting, Pre-Kindergarten, Summer Food, Boys & Girls Club, Head Start, and Family Infant Toddler (FIT), visit: Am I Eligible?  A website for Family Services Programs in New Mexico. 
• For other help with child care or loss of income call the 1-833-551-0518
• Visit the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce website for info on Childcare Status and Summer Programs

Benefits for Unemployment

Workers affected by COVID-19, there is assistance available to those who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits.  Information and FAQs on how to apply for the different types of benefits available and additional resources can be found on the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions website.  Find tutorial and more on the NMDWS YouTube channel. 

Per a NM Dept. of Workforce Solutions press release issued on June 26, 2020, New Mexico will begin offering the Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1) program for those who have exhausted their previous unemployment benefits. 

Utility Bill Assistance

• The Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities Payment Options and Financial Assistance page has information on the Utility Assistance Program (application form: UAP Application & Statement of Declaration)

•  Other Financial Assistance programs to assist with utility bill payments:

  LA Cares
  505.661.8015

  Self-help Inc. (Includes Salvation Army)
  505.662-4666

• Call the Customer Care Center at 505-662-8333 for more information. 

 

Housing Assistance

Individuals concerned that they may lose their housing as Public Health Orders are lifted the following information was compiled by the Federal Interagency Recovery Committee to serve as a starting point for addressing these home leasing concerns.

This is general purpose information compiled from publicly available sources. For specific information related to the programs and benefits described, please consult directly with the provider of the resource through the contacts listed on the websites below:

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published a webpage on COVID-19 related resources for homeowners and renters in collaboration with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The collaborative webpage provides information regarding mortgage relief options, protection for renters, and avoiding scams. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/#renters

• CARES Act: HUD/CPD – Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Formula Grants (HOPWA-CV) - The supplemental funds provided under the CARES Act are to be used by HOPWA grantees as additional funding to maintain operations and for rental assistance, supportive services, and other necessary actions, in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. It may provide short-term rent, mortgage, and utility (STRMU) assistance payments to prevent homelessness of a tenant or mortgagor of a dwelling for a period of up to 24 months. https://www.hudexchange.info/news/cares-act-supplemental-award-information-for-hopwa-grantees/
  
  
• HUD COVID-19 Resources and Fact Sheets provides information on various HUD rental assistance programs and other housing related resources. https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance

 

 

Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce

Visit the Chamber website for information on Business Support, Status Childcare, and Summer Programs

New Mexico Finance Authority

The Small Business Recovery Loan Fund for New Mexico small businesses opened on August 5, making $400 million in loan funds available for small businesses. The online application is available at www.nmfinance.com.  Read the press release.

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act, prepared by the US Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, is designed to guide businesses through the programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was passed by Congress to assist business owners.  The document includes FAQs for each program. 

1. SBDC New Mexico - Help for Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Health Emergency
   
   
2. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL):    This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
      
3. Paycheck Protections Program (PPP): This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program..
   
   
4. SBA Express Bridge Loans: Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
   
   
5. SBA Debt Relief: The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
         
   
6. Find a Counselor: Get free business counseling. 

APPLY:  Online through the Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance  OR contact the New Mexico Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) (an SBA resource partner) at one of the 19 offices set up across New Mexico. They are offering instruction and guidance on how to apply.

New Mexico Economic Development Department

Visit the New Mexico Economic Development Department or call them on the hotline: 1-800-659-2955 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-877-8339).  They have resources and tools on the COVID-19 Health Emergency including loan programs and recorded webinars.

New Mexico loan programs, approved by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to assist businesses during the COVID-19, have no time limit. 

CONSIDER registering your businesses to be a part of the “BUY TODAY FOR TOMORROW” campaign at: www.buynmlocal.com

Community members buy vouchers from local companies to use later when the company is back open.

State Assistance: EDD Financial Programs

• NMEDD COVID-19 Business Loan Guarantee Loan program
  • NMEDD can guarantee a loan up to 80% of principal or a maximum of $50,000.
  • See if your lender is participating in the program or find a participating lender HERE.
  • Lender applies to the program on your behalf.  More on that process HERE.
  • Contact Johanna.nelson@state.nm.us

• LEDA 0% Interest Loans through NMEDD
  • Company must be a qualified entity (manufacturer, non-retail service business with more than 50% of revenue generated out of state)
  • Limited to expenditures for land, building and infrastructure; can be used for lease abatement or mortgage assistance
  • All loans will be required to provide security equal to the amount of the loan
  • Contact your NMEDD Regional Rep.

Additional State Assistance Programs

The NM Small Business Investment Council has identified several partners offering loan programs.

If you are a larger organization which employs more than 40 employees, you may be eligible for the New Mexico Recovery Fund.

Grant Opportunities

• The Grant Plant Inc. COVID-19 Emergency Grants
• All Together NM Fund
• NM Grant Makers Association
• GrantStation Searchable Database of COVID-19 Related Grant Opportunities

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

NM Taxation and Revenue Dept. has extended income and payroll tax deadline to July 15, 2020.

What is the County Doing?

The County Office of Emergency Management is working closely with LA Medical Center, LANL, other local entities, and State health officials to prepare for Coronavirus to emerge here in Los Alamos.

On March 18, 2020, County Council Chair Scott declares a Local State of Emergency

Press Releases:
Los Alamos County COVID-19 Updates and News Releases

Messages from Council Chair Sara Scott:

Dec 03, 2020 Scott: Updates on COVID-19 and the new Public Health Order
Aug 06, 2020 Scott: Community update on COVID-19 and topics of current interest
Jun 25, 2020 Scott: Community update on COVID-19 and current county projects
Jun 03, 2020 Scott: Changes in June for Los Alamos and New Mexico
May 21, 2020 Scott: Update on Los Alamos housing and commercial projects
May 14, 2020 Scott: This Saturday we enter Phase 1 of the reopening of the New Mexico economy
May 07, 2020  Scott: Phased reopening plan
Apr 30, 2020   Scott: Latest developments on the public health emergency
Apr 14, 2020   Scott: Community update during this public health emergency
Apr 04, 2020   Scott: Los Alamos Has It's First Confirmed COVID-19 Case
Mar 23, 2020  Scott: Los Alamos County and Stay at Home Instructions
Mar 18, 2020  Scott: Emergency Declaration
Mar 13, 2020  Scott comments on canceling March 17 work session

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What is the State Doing?

New Mexico Department of Health

Visit the New Mexico Department of Health website to stay informed. New Mexico DOH has a dedicated Coronavirus webpage that is being updated in real time.

All NMDOH Public Health Orders

Frequently Asked Questions for Law Enforcement regarding the COVID-19 Public Health Order. (To report a violation of this order: send an email to NMSP.COVID19@state.nm.us)

All NMDOH Press Releases 

Office of the New Mexico Governor

NM Governor's Economic Recovery Council

PRESS RELEASES
All New Mexico Governor Press Releases:

EXECUTIVE ORDERS
All NM Governor's Executive Orders

New Mexico Economic Development

Help for businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19

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What is the Federal Government Doing?

On March 13, 3030 the President declared the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic an emergency declaration for all states, tribes, territories, and the District of Columbia pursuant to section 501 (b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”). State, Territorial, Tribal, local government entities and certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations are eligible to apply for Public Assistance.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA COVID-19 Emergency Declaration 

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance

Press Releases;
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to New Mexico Small Businesses Economically Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

SBA Ofrece Asistencia de Desastres a los Pequeños Negocios de New Mexico Impactados Económicamente por Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Here's what you can do to help during this pandemic:

• New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps seeks volunteers in the medical field who would be interested in supporting vaccination efforts, or any other medical event, please register here.

• Donate Blood
  
  
• Volunteer:  Call the State's general information hotline 1-833-551-0518 and Press 8
  
  
• Volunteer to help the elderly.  Assist the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department in providing food and services to New Mexico seniors:  Email ALTSD-Volunteers@state.nm.us. Identify the city/town you reside and your phone number. The New Mexico agency will respond with more information.   

• Volunteers are encouraged to log their hours.  Whether you make face masks for the community and county employees or help in some other way, please log your hours here.
  
  
• Donate to a Homeless Shelter
  
  
• Donate non-perishable food to a Food Bank.

• Monetary donation to the Red Cross 

• For local community assistance, consider a monetary donation to Self Help, Inc or send a check payable to Self Help, Inc. to 2390 North Road, in Los Alamos. All donations are tax deductible.

• Consider a monetary donation to the Utility Assistance Program. This is a program maintained by the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities.  Donations from DPU's customers are used to help other customers who are experiencing trouble paying utility bills. To make a donation, visit our Paymentus bill payment portal, where you can now click on a Utilities Assistance Program button.  You do not have to be a current LAC DPU customer to donate.  Thank you for helping our community.

• MANY of you are sewing masks to donate to others, delivering food to neighbors ... THANK YOU.  Help us keep track of those hours. Click on the link below.   

LOG YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS HERE