Seven-day average of new cases drops again

NM hospitalizations at lowest level in two months; 22 more deaths reported

The seven-day average of new COVID-19 infections dropped to 1,069 Sunday, the lowest it has been since Nov. 7, according to a Journal analysis.

And hospitalizations dropped to 612, the lowest they have been since Nov. 15.

The news comes as New Mexico continues its effort to vaccinate the most vulnerable people in the state.

“We’re making excellent progress rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine statewide,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tweeted.

Still, state officials reported 22 additional deaths from COVID-19 Sunday as New Mexico edges closer to 3,000 virus-related deaths and the U.S. closes in on 400,000 deaths since the pandemic began in March. The 22 new deaths bring New Mexico’s total to 2,932.

Those whose deaths were reported Sunday include eight people from Bernalillo County, four from San Juan County and three from Doña Ana County. Nora Meyers Sackett, a spokeswoman for the Governor’s Office, said in a news release that 12 of the deceased had been hospitalized and that eight had underlying conditions. Five lived in nursing homes.

The deceased ranged in age from their 40s (two women from San Juan and Bernalillo counties) to their 90s (two women from Lea and Doña Ana counties).

State officials reported 751 new infections, bringing the total to 163,637. Bernalillo County had the most, with 173, followed by Doña Ana, with 106, and San Juan, with 66.