‘COVID-19 Memorial Day’ recognized in Santa Fe – KOAT New Mexico

For residents and officials in Santa Fe, the message is clear: The COVID-19 pandemic is still here, yet the global event has already taken so much.On March 6, the city recognized “COVID-19 Memorial Day.” The event was held to remember all who have passed away, fallen ill, or who continue to suffer from the impact of COVID-19.”Our bodies may be better, but our spirits need nurturing right now. I think that’s the work we’re all working on together,” Mayor Alan Webber, with the city of Santa Fe, said. In February 2021, the leaders unanimously adopted a resolution designating the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Memorial Day. It’s been a tradition ever since.Along with a moment of silence, those in attendance participated in cheers and applause to honor essential workers and first responders.”Certainly just a reflection of everything our agency and the city has been through the last couple of years, in dealing with the pandemic and how we’ve all had to cope and work through it,” Chief Paul Joye, with the Santa Fe Police Department, said. Joye noted the importance of working together with other agencies, like the Santa Fe Fire Department. Firefighters and fire trucks were also seen at the memorial in recognition of their hard work. “We know that they have our backs. I think that’s what we need to continue to say, is the community has our support,” Chief Brian Moya, with the Santa Fe Fire Department, said.The city is just one of many throughout the state seeing a big change since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Especially with the number of reportable cases.On March 1, 2021, the New Mexico Department of Health reported 2,336 new COVID-19 illnesses over the past seven days.On March 3, 2023, 225 new cases were reported.”We’ve actually seen a decrease in the number of COVID-19 . We still see COVID-19-positive patients, the numbers are far fewer than we were seeing during the height of the pandemic. Now we’re managing other health conditions, which is nice,” Lillian Montoya, president and CEO of Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, said.Public schools and universities are also noticing a drop in COVID-19 illnesses. The University of New Mexico officials are currently considering a lift towards their vaccine mandate. The policy was implemented in August 2021 for all students and staff.Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is now taking action. Last Friday, the leader announced a final extension of New Mexico’s COVID-19 public health emergency. The order will remain in effect until March 31, 2023, and then will be allowed to expire.The state declared a public health emergency at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since then, officials have aligned its emergency orders with the federal government to ensure every available resource was utilized in the state’s pandemic response. ” is not gone, but the sense of emergency for the moment has passed,” Webber said.Despite the upcoming expiration date, operations will stay the same.According to NMDOH, residents will still have access to vaccines and testing kits, as long as supplies last. However, officials did warn about the importance of checking Medicaid benefits. Over the past three years, the aid was automatically renewed for those who qualified.With the expired health order, New Mexicans will have to renew the assistance themselves. Just another step in a fight with a long battle ahead.”That’s not to say we’re not keeping vigilant, but I think we’re all leading lives that are a little bit more back to usual,” Webber said. “It’s appropriate to recognize that and stay vigilant. Stay on watch and take care of people when they get sick. It’s not over in that sense.”Santa Fe is just one of several other cities throughout the country that are observing “COVID-19 Memorial Day.”