COMMUNITY

What you need to know about coronavirus in Lincoln County

Pamela L. Bonner
Ruidoso News

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This article was updated on April 8.

Since the initial 14-day stay-home orders were first ordered by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the mandates were extended until April 30.

The increased number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico has created a need for more testing facilities in Ruidoso.

As of April 4, there was one confirmed case in Lincoln County.

However, the New Mexico Department of Public Health asked anyone that believes they have been exposed, or are showing any symptoms, should self-isolate and be tested.

The Public Health Office, 117 Kansas City Rd., will began testing on Monday, April 6. The Village wput up traffic control at Village Hall to prevent any confusion about where the testing is being done.

The health office is located at the end of Kansa City Rd.

For more information about being tested, call 575-258-3252.

The Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC), the Lincoln County Food Bank, and local food pantries said they are in need of volunteers.

Volunteers and supplies needed

LCMC asked  the community for help as they are in need of scrubs, adult blankets, receiving blankets, incubator covers, crib sized blankets, baby caps, and small stuffed animals

The facility opened a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center at the EMS building on El Paso Road. Those requesting a screen must have an appointment first and will be provided to those exhibiting symptoms.

Appointments may be made by calling 575-630-8350 to determine if a test is required.

Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Coronavirus

Bus route locations for student meal pick-ups

Route 1: Ruidoso 

  • White Mountain Drive and Sunny Slope Dr. (fire station) at 10:20 a.m.
  • Ski Run Road and Highway 48 (Ski Run Brewers Shell Station) at 10:36 a.m.
  • Mechem Drive in Albertsons parking lot at 10:56 a.m.
  • Circle at end of Sudderth and Upper Canyon at 11:10 a.m.
  • Wingfield Park on the east side  at 11:25 a.m.

Route 2: Ruidoso Downs 

  • Dipaolo Drive and Highway 70 at 10:25 a.m.
  • Zia Gas Company at 10:37 a.m.
  • All American Park at 10:50 a.m.
  • South Parrell and Wright Drive at 11:05 a.m.
  • Hale Cemetery on Highway 70 at 11:20 a.m.

Route 3: Highway 70/Mescalero 

  • Softball field on Gavilan at 10:25 a.m.
  • White Mountain Drive and Carrizo Trails Mescalero at 10:48 a.m.
  • Cherokee Mobile Village A-Frame at 11:10 a.m.
  • Highway 70, parking lot between Denny’s and Chef Lupe’s at 11:28 a.m.

Grab-and-go meals are served 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at White Mountain Elementary at 203 White Mountain Drive. Please note that students must be physically present to receive a meal.

For more information about schools, meals and pick-up locations, or concerns visit www.ruidososchools.org, or call 575-257-4150.

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The Ruidoso Food 4 Kids backpack program program continued to provide weekend food bags to children enrolled in the program during the school closure.

The food is distributed in Capitan, Hondo, Carrizozo and Ruidoso on Thursdays and Fridays.

MORE:New Mexico addresses child care concerns amid coronavirus public health emergency

MORE:Village officials restrict facility operations in response to COVID-19

Schools that participate will be handing out the weekend food bags in addition to the breakfast and lunch distribution currently offered.

For more information about the program and schedules, visit www.ruidosofood4kids.org.

The Lincoln County Food Bank,138 Service Road, asked the public for assistance as its need for supplies continued to grow since the spread of COVID-19.

The facility is not allowing entry to the building, but it provided food delivery to vehicles.

"We are asking for donations, and we need a lot of them. The facility is in desperate need of volunteers and supplies," said volunteer buyer for Lincoln County Food Bank Nannette Nelson.

"I was informed by one of our local vendors that they can no longer order anything in bulk for us due to food shortages. Another vendor informed me that an order that I had placed is now on back-order. This leaves us with having to get our bulk orders from Roadrunner Food Bank, who only delivers twice a month, and does not have all of our staple items for purchase."

For information and how you can help, visit www.lincolncountyfoodbank.com or call 575-257-0682. The food bank is opened Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m.

MORE:Ruidoso officials said businesses will enforce state safety mandates

Self-serve food pantries in Ruidoso remain operational. One is located in Wingfield Park, and another in front of Cornerstone Bakery.

"We are keeping our pantry stocked. We want those in need, for whatever reason that may be, to take what they need. We also are asking the community to help keep it in supply. If you have items that others can use, please feel free to leave those. We need to work together as a community to get through this," said owner of Cornerstone Bakery, Steve Gomez.

Local pantries are in need of non-perishable foods, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. 

Since the recent mandated closures of table dining at restaurants, Cornerstone Bakery offered-up a drive-thru to go carhop system, complete with music to entertain customers while waiting for orders.

Community churches will continue with weekly meals, however there will be no seating inside. Meals will be carry out only, and are subject to change.

Churches still serving meals are:

  • Holy Mount Episcopal, Route 1. For information contact the office for days and times at 575- 257-2356.
  • United Methodist, 220 Junction Rd. For more information about times and days, call 575-257-4170.
  • First Christian, 1211 Hull Rd. For more information about times and days, visit fccruidoso.com.
  • St. Eleanor Catholic, 140 Junction Rd. For more information visit steleanor.org.

Lincoln County National Forest and Tourism

The Lincoln National Forest remained open for recreational use with minor changes in response to COVID-19. 

Conditions are as follows:

  • Wood permit sales are offered via phones at 575-434-7200
  • It will remain open for hiking, biking, dispersed camping (other than a designated campsite)
  • Activities that adhere to social distancing mandates
  • Guests must collect and remove garbage (Trash may not be collected regularly)
  • All human waste must be buried no less than six-inches deep at at least 50-feet away from streams, recreation sites and trails
  • Bring extra food and water
  • Proceed with caution. High risk activities may increase a risk of injuries and search and rescue operations may be limited

Some areas closed are:

  • Three Rivers Campground
  • Cedar Creek picnic area
  • Cedar Creek pavilion
  • Sam Tobias group Campground
  • Oak Grove campground

Areas currently opened are:

  • Baca campground (restrooms are closed)
  • Schoolhouse picnic area (restrooms are closed)
  • Skyline campground (Restrooms are closed)
  • Argentine Bonito Trailhead (restrooms are closed)

Local restaurants with take out meals during the state mandated closures.

Pamela L. Bonner can be reached at 575-202-5555, 575-257-4001 ext.4102, Pbonner@Ruidosonews.com, @PamelaLBonner1 on Twitter and @Pam Bonner on Facebook.