Town council extends curfew
The town of Taos council voted unanimously at a Tuesday (May 12) meeting to extend the existing emergency health order and curfew as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Following data from the state of New Mexico regarding the number of COVID-19 cases and after another positive case of the disease was reported in Taos County, the town has decided to maintain the current 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and the existing civil emergency declaration to help minimize the spread of the virus.
“We are going toward the second wave, all the data shows that,” councilor Nathaniel Evans said during the meeting. “The second wave is beginning and I think we have done a great job of minimizing cases.”
The health and civil emergency order was first approved by the council April 2, giving the mayor and town manager authority to put restrictions in place as they deem necessary to protect the public, town staff and first responders. The order prohibits events and meetings on town property among other restrictions.
A total of 21 people have tested positive in Taos County for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. New reported cases in New Mexico have not been on a consecutive downward trend, and must show a steady decline in order for the state to reopen fully for business. As of Tuesday (May 13), 5,212 people had tested positive in New Mexico and 219 people have died from complications related to COVID-19.
According to town manager Rick Bellis, warm weather has been bringing more members of the community outdoors. In order to minimize the possible spread of the virus and keep the Taos Police force from being overwhelmed, the council voted to continue both the emergency order and curfew.
The emergency restrictions will be reviewed at the town council’s next regular meeting in two weeks unless a special meeting is called.
The council also approved a resolution giving the green light to the Taos Farmers Market, which will open Saturday (May 16) on the Taos Plaza.
The council expressed some concerns over the opening of the market but also acknowledged that it is a venue for community members to get groceries.
“I understand it’s an essential business but sometimes people just don’t want to self-quarantine or police themselves,” said Taos Mayor Dan Barrone.
The council approved the farmers market resolution with the exception that vendors must wear masks during the market. The market will also have one-way traffic and live music will not be allowed for the time being.
The resolution is effective for the next two weeks. The town council will discuss further measures in a future meeting after the experience of the first two Saturday markets.
Taos High School students were also on the agenda at Tuesday’s meeting as the council passed a proclamation – declaring May as “Celebrating our Seniors” month.
High school seniors had their final year of school cut short by the coronavirus with a number of events, such as graduation, postponed.
The declaration was passed unanimously by the council.