NM announces 4 more virus deaths, 47 new cases

Number of new infections is lowest since April

SANTA FE — New Mexico health officials reported four more coronavirus deaths Tuesday and just 47 new cases of the disease — the lowest daily total since April.

The number of new cases announced each day has fluctuated widely this week.

The highest one-day case total of the pandemic came Friday, when about 330 cases surfaced, driven partly by an outbreak at the Otero County prison.

The 47 cases announced Tuesday are the lowest since April 19, when 47 cases were also announced. The last day with fewer cases was April 2, when there were 40.

Nonetheless, the death toll keeps climbing — now up to 404 statewide.

The four new deaths announced Tuesday were adults ranging in age from their 30s to their 80s, all with underlying medical conditions. They were from Bernalillo, Cibola, McKinley and San Juan counties.

State officials say 193 virus patients are now hospitalized in New Mexico, an increase of 10 since Monday. The state Department of Health has designated 3,699 people as having recovered, although the actual number is likely higher. Some patients don’t report their recovery to the state.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico is now 9,105, all since March 11.

The state has been gradually reopening more of its economy since May 1. State officials still urge people to stay home if possible and wear a cloth mask when they leave the house, except for exercise, eating and drinking.