ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – During a press conference on Friday, Mayor Tim Keller and Albuquerque city officials announced there were additional cases of COVID-19 at an Albuquerque retirement home. City officials also highlighted the importance of practicing social distancing and the use of homemade face masks to prevent further spread of the virus, especially when using the city’s Open Spaces.

Updates from around Albuquerque

The New Mexico Department of Health has released new guidelines for healthcare personnel returning from work outside of New Mexico.

Starting on April 6, Albuquerque Public Schools and PBS will have televised elementary school lessons from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

MacArthur Elementary School will no longer be a meal distribution site as of April 6. Nearby schools will continue to offer meals.

Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is asking for donations to provide truck drivers who are transporting critical supplies with cookies.

The Eubank gate at Kirtland Air Force Base will be closed starting on April 6 at 5 a.m. The Gibson gate will assume 24-hour operations in its place. The Wyoming gate will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven-day schedule.

State and federal officials are issuing new guidance in regards to face coverings. The public is encouraged to wear face coverings. These can be homemade or scarves and wraps can be used. However, N95 masks are discouraged for use as they are for healthcare personnel and first responders.

COVID-19 cases at retirement communities

Mayor Keller stated that the city is increasing its vigilance toward nursing home facilities as there have been more positive cases of COVID-19 at La Vida Llena as well as a facility in Rio Rancho. COVID-19 tests are being performed at these facilities. The first case of the virus at La Vida Llena was announced on Thursday during the mayor’s daily press conference.

The Department of Health is making sure that these individuals are practicing self-isolation and that health guidelines are followed. Albuquerque Police Department is assisting outside of La Vida Llena as they determine who is able to enter the facility.

“Staff and residents throughout are being offered testing, it’s not a mandatory thing at this point. The Department of Health in conjunction with Presbyterian are intending to go through and do testing throughout. Early indications there are, as you just heard, lots of other positives now,” said Dr. Mark DiMenna.

Officials say there are 158 total facilities like La Vida Llena that are currently being contacted to assess risk and are following health guidelines. Anyone who is believed to have symptoms of the virus is to be isolated to prevent further spread.

Open Space

While residents are currently under a stay at home order, the mayor and city officials are asking the public to pick up trash they bring with them and to practice social distancing and to remain in small groups while they are visiting Open Spaces.

The public is reminded to wear layers as it does get colder in higher elevations. Make sure to also bring water with you.

Residents are asked to stay on the trails when in Open Spaces as it reduces erosion and the impact on the environment. Pack out what you bring in. While there are trash receptacles and mutt mitts available in these areas, residents are encouraged to take trash home with them to avoid overflowing trash bins in these spaces.

Pet owners are also asked to pick up after their dogs. Animal waste and trash on the trails create a negative impact to the wildlife and to the water quality.

Be prepared when visiting an area that you are not familiar with. Let someone know where you are going and bring a map with you. Maps to Open Spaces are available on the CABQ website.

Mountain bikers are urged to stay on trails and to alert people when you’re nearby and to slow down.

Solid Waste

The Solid Waste Department reports that at this time all of their services including residential and commercial collections are running as scheduled. At this time, the department reports there has been an increase in refuse and residents are asked to make sure all waste fits in their collection bins and that the lid can be completely closed.

Residents are asked not to place overflowing items into recycling bins as recycle collections are ongoing. The only service that has been scaled back is collection cart repair and replacement which is only offered two to three days a week.

If you have a business that needs to cancel or change your collection service, call 311 or the Solid Waste Department at 761-8100.

Social distancing is being practiced at convenience centers and five to six cars are allowed in the bays. This is resulting in wait times of about an hour and twenty minutes at the Eagle Rock Convenience Center. The public is encouraged to instead visit the Montessa Park Convenience Center as it has less traffic.

Spring yard waste collection is still planned and is scheduled for May 4 through May. If it is possible to hold on to your yard waste until this date, the public is encouraged to do so.

The Great American Cleanup is an annual event that encourages community members to clean up their own neighborhoods and will take place on April 25. To maintain social distancing, the event will be held through neighborhood association presidents. To register for the event, visit the CABQ website.

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