Lincoln County Achieves Turquoise Level the lowest-risk designation on the state’s coronavirus color-tiered reopening scale

Ruidoso, New Mexico - April 7, 2021 - The New Mexico Department of Health updated the Covid-19 county map today with Lincoln County moving from green to turquoise level restrictions, the lowest risk level in the NMDOH reopening framework. For Ruidoso area businesses, a turquoise designation means fewer restrictions on commercial and day-to-day activities.

Turquoise Level Restrictions

Counties at the Turquoise Level have both a new COVID-19 case incidence rate of no greater than 8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent four-week period, and an average percent of positive COVID-19 test results over the most recent four-week period less than or equal to 5%.

• Face coverings are required in public.

• Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions

• Essential retail spaces: 75% of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor)

• Food and drink establishments (if NM Safe Certified): 75% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor dining

• Close-contact businesses: 75% of maximum capacity; no restrictions on outdoor spaces

• Large entertainment venues: 33% of maximum capacity for any indoor/enclosed space on-premises; 75% of any outdoor space on-premises

• Recreational facilities: 50% of the maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on the premises; 75% of any outdoor space on-premises

• Bars and clubs: 33% of the maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on-premises; 75% of any outdoor space on-premises, where applicable
  **All other businesses: 75% of maximum capacity indoors; no restrictions on outdoor spaces

• Houses of worship: May hold religious services, indoors or outdoors, or provide services through audiovisual means, but may not exceed 75% of the maximum capacity of any enclosed space on the premises

• Places of lodging: No maximum occupancy restrictions for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 50% of maximum occupancy for all others; 15 guests maximum for vacation rentals

• Mass gatherings limit: 150 persons, or 200 vehicles