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 September 3, 2020:

County Update 52 on COVID-19, Library to Begin Taking Reservations for Internet Computers Beginning September 8th

Update July 6, 2020:

County Update 51 on COVID-19, Los Alamos County Clerk’s Office to Limit In-Person Services, as the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Continues

Update July 1, 2020

County Update 50 on COVID-19, County Fair and Rodeo Canceled Due to COVID-19

VIEW ALL COVID-19 UPDATES AND RELEASES

Los Alamos County will follow the phased April 30, 2020 New Mexico Reopening Plan Preview which is backed by the Economic Recovery Council.  The phased reopening will adhere to the: ALL TOGETHER NEW MEXICO, COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers

May 28, 2020: NM Governor announces limited reopening for dine-in restaurants, indoor malls, gyms, salons and more

May 27, 2020: NM Governor announces soft reopening for outdoor or patio services at dine-in restaurants

May 16, 2020: Los Alamos County enters PHASE 1 of the reopening of the New Mexico economy per Council Chair Scott's 05/14/2020 message.  Phase 1 includes the following: 

• Face-coverings in most public settings are mandated per a Public Health Order;
• Stay at home guidance remains in place, telework should continue wherever possible.
• Further opening of non-essential businesses: retailers at 25% of fire code capacity, office spaces at 25% of pre-crisis staffing levels,
• Modified and limited youth summer and sports programs, and
• Houses of worship at 10% capacity. 

May 15, 2020: New Mexico Economic Recovery Council and COVID-Safe Practices Subcommittees issue booklet: ALL TOGETHER NEW MEXICO, COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers. 

It includes:

• COVID Safe-Practices for all Employers (on page 10) that also identifies additional resources such as, CDC guidelines and the New Mexico COVID-19 Emergency Supply Sourcing & Manufacturing: vendors selling equipment masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies. 
• How each business (restaurants, gyms, retail stores, grocery stores, farmers markets, etc...) can comply with the phased reopening of the New Mexico economy. 
• What is required for summer youth programs (page 17).

May 01, 2020: Los Alamos County entered the PREPARATION  PHASE that began on Friday, May 1 per Council Chair Scott's 05/07/2020 message. The preparation phase includes the following:

• Extending stay-at-home orders until May 15
• Reopening of curbside and delivery operations for non-essential retailers
• Opening outdoor recreational opportunities, such as golf courses and day use at some state parks
• Permitting firearm sales by appointment, and
• Allowing veterinary and pet services

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
• No vaccine or treatment 
• 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.

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 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.

• 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 -  

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

2. 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.

State of New Mexico and Major Health Systems Outline Options for COVID-19 Testing (press release issued 08/05/2020)
 
NMDOH hotline for everything else: 1-833-551-0518.

3. If you were tested get your results on the NMDOH online COVID-19 test results portal.

4. Call your doctor

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

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:

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

July 30, 2020: Public Health Emergency Order Clarifying that Current Guidance Documents, Advisories, and Emergency Public Health Orders Remain in Effect; and Amending the March 23, 2020, April 6, 2020, April 11, 2020, April 30, 2020, May 5, 2020, May 15, 2020, May 27, 2020, June 1, 2020, June 12, 2020, June 15, 2020, June 30, 2020, July 13, 2020 Public Health Emergency Orders Closing All Businesses and Non-Profit Entities Except for those Deemed Essential and Providing Additional Restrictions on Mass Gatherings Due to COVID-19

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
May 26, 2020: State announces soft reopening for outdoor or patio services at dine-in restaurants
May 15, 2020: ALL TOGETHER NEW MEXICO; COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers

PRESS RELEASES
All New Mexico Governor Press Releases:

August  06, 2020: State quarantine requirements amended to accommodate medical, family needs 
March 11, 2020: New Mexico Governor Declares a State of Emergency

EXECUTIVE ORDERS
All NM Governor's Executive Orders

August 06, 2020: Executive Order 2020-056 (amending order directing individuals traveling to New Mexico to self-isolate)
July 30, 2020: Executive Order 2020-055 (renewing and extending until August 28, 2020 EO 2020-004)
March 11,2020: Executive Order 2020-004

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

Press Releases
March 13, 2020: President Donald J. Trump Directs FEMA Support under Emergency Declaration for COVID-19

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)

Press release March 17, 2020 from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham:  Here's how you can help during COVID-19 

• 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