NOTICE

New Mexico has re-enacted certain public health restrictions affect indoor dining at restaurants, out-of-state visitors to state parks and face coverings while exercising indoors/outdoors. Scroll down to the UPDATES section for details.

FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VISITORS AND RESIDENTS IN NEW MEXICO. The only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction. Violators are subject to a $100 fine.

COVID-19 Resource Guide

As you know, limitations and restrictions designed to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to impact travel, attractions, and businesses throughout the city, state, and country. The information below is designed to provide information about what restrictions are in place and what resources are available for travelers.

Visit Las Cruces is continually monitoring the rapidly changing situation and will be updating this page as the situations changes or new information becomes available. The Visit Las Cruces offices are currently closed until futher notice. For more general information, please contact: cvb@lascrucescvb.org

To help ensure the health and safety of travelers and community members, travelers are encouraged to always exercise healthy travel habits and follow guidance issued by official sources of public health information.

If you feel ill, please refrain from traveling and stay home. If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) at (505) 827-0006. For additional information and resources, call the NMDOH Coronavirus Hotline at 1-855-600-3453 or visit: http://cv.nmhealth.org/

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UPDATES

Re-enactment of certain public health restrictions now in effect for New Mexico

Emergency public health restrictions on high-contact indoor environments where face-coverings are not worn in order to slow the rising spread of COVID-19 across the state are now in effect (as of Monday, July 13).

New Mexico’s statewide cases of COVID-19 and rolling average of cases have risen and continue to rise. In the past two weeks, the state has seen 3,049 new positive cases of COVID-19, representing 20.2% of the total positive cases statewide over the course of the pandemic. These trends are similar to frightening upticks creating health care and hospital resource shortages in neighboring states and across the country.

The new public health order prohibits indoor dining at restaurants, which had been permitted at a limited capacity in the state since June 1. Also restricted is indoor seating at breweries, which had been permitted at a limited capacity since June 15.

Both restaurants and breweries may operate outdoor seating at 50 percent of the maximum occupancy as determined by fire code. Restaurants may continue to operate carry out, pickup and delivery services. Breweries may continue to operate curbside pickup services.

Additionally, gyms and other close contact businesses like tattoo shops and salons are now limited to 25 percent of the maximum occupancy as determined by the fire code.

The public health order has also been amended to restrict out-of-state visitors at New Mexico state parks. Visitors to state parks must demonstrate proof of residency or will not be permitted entry. According to New Mexico State Parks, visitors must show one of the following to demonstrate residency: a valid New Mexico license plate, New Mexico driver’s license or ID card, New Mexico vehicle registration, federal document attesting to residency, or military identification. In order to ensure compliance with the new public health order, State Parks will further modify days and hours of operation for a handful of parks due to continued visitation from out of state residents and the additional staff time needed to enforce the public health order. Visitors can check the list of state parks currently operating here.

The state’s mandate that all individuals must wear face-coverings in public – in effect since May 16 – has been strengthened to additionally require individuals to wear face-coverings while exercising. This requirement includes those exercising at indoor gyms and fitness centers. Operators of those establishments, like operators of other essential businesses, must require customers to wear face-coverings; violators will be subject to a fine.

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NEW MEXICO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

FAQ

The state of New Mexico is under a mandatory health advisory issued by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone crossing a border into the state must adhere to the New Mexico public health travel restrictions as outlined in Executive Order 2020-054, seen here, until further notice.

Be aware: Businesses and law enforcement agencies are strictly enforcing the following restrictions for in and out of state travelers.

CLICK HERE for frequently asked questions and answers.

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7/1 NM issues 14-day quarantine, mandatory face coverings

Updates from the Governor’s office

Hotels & Lodging
Restaurants
Retail
Salons, Barber Shops and Spas
Gyms
Travel

Hotels & Lodging

At this time, hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments are operating at 50% maximum occupancy with extra safety measures in place. Masks required when entering/exiting, exercising and moving about the hotel, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.

Restaurants

Restaurants and breweries can offer outdoor dining service at 50% maximum occupancy. Indoor dining is strictly prohibited. Restaurants may continue to operate carry out, pickup and delivery services. Breweries may continue to operate curbside pickup services. When you enter/exit the restaurant and are away from your table, a face covering is required. The only exceptions are when eating, drinking or under written medical instruction.

Retail

All retailers and indoor malls may operate at 25% maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Masks are required, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

Salons, Barber Shops and Spas

Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, massage services and related services may operate at 25% maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Masks required, the only exceptions are when under written medical instruction.
Photo by Thgusstavo Santana from Pexels

Gyms

Gyms may operate at 25% of maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Masks are required when exercising, entering/exiting the gym and moving about the gym, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Travel

New Mexico is enforcing mandatory self-quarantine for all out-of-state travelers to New Mexico, whether by air or vehicle. The mandatory self-quarantine is to last 14 days or the length of stay in New Mexico, whichever is shorter. The June 1 exemptions to the travel quarantine are still in effect. Masks required in New Mexico, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

Hotels & Lodging: Hotels & Lodging

At this time, hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments are operating at 50% maximum occupancy with extra safety measures in place. Masks required when entering/exiting, exercising and moving about the hotel, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.
Restaurants: Restaurants

Restaurants and breweries can offer outdoor dining service at 50% maximum occupancy. Indoor dining is strictly prohibited. Restaurants may continue to operate carry out, pickup and delivery services. Breweries may continue to operate curbside pickup services. When you enter/exit the restaurant and are away from your table, a face covering is required. The only exceptions are when eating, drinking or under written medical instruction.
Retail: Retail

All retailers and indoor malls may operate at 25% maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Masks are required, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
Salons, Barber Shops and Spas: Salons, Barber Shops and Spas

Hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, massage services and related services may operate at 25% maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Masks required, the only exceptions are when under written medical instruction.
Photo by Thgusstavo Santana from Pexels
Gyms: Gyms

Gyms may operate at 25% of maximum occupancy in accordance with COVID-Safe Practices. Masks are required when exercising, entering/exiting the gym and moving about the gym, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
Travel: Travel

New Mexico is enforcing mandatory self-quarantine for all out-of-state travelers to New Mexico, whether by air or vehicle. The mandatory self-quarantine is to last 14 days or the length of stay in New Mexico, whichever is shorter. The June 1 exemptions to the travel quarantine are still in effect. Masks required in New Mexico, the only exceptions are when drinking, eating or under written medical instruction.

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

Details on Safety Guidelines

Public Health, Executive Orders

NM DOH Newsroom, updates

PLAYING IT SAFE

Wear a mask whenever in public places at all times. Except when eating, drinking or for medical requirements. Please be sure to follow CDC guidelines for correctly using a cloth face covering.
Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid close contact with others. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people whenever possible.
Plan ahead. Although most rest areas in the state are closed, gas stations in Las Cruces remain open. For a real-time map of road closures in New Mexico visit NMRoads.com. Please contact any businesses or attractions you plan to visit ahead of time.
Keep in mind that all gatherings of more than five people are prohibited.
Understand that New Mexico is in the early stages of reopening. Please be aware that the state of New Mexico is currently is in the early stages of reopening so many events, businesses and attractions have been impacted by the state restrictions listed above in the Statewide Travel Information Section.

ARE NEW MEXICO'S NATIONAL PARKS OPEN?

YES.

White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are open with limited access. Before planning your visit, check with each park for restrictions and hours.

WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK | CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK

ARE NEW MEXICO'S STATE PARKS OPEN?

NOT ALL PARKS ARE OPEN.

Not all state parks in New Mexico are open. Before you visit, check for closures, restrictions and hours. As of Monday, July 13, out-of-state visitors will NOT be allowed at New Mexico state parks. Visitors to state parks must demonstrate proof of residency or will not be permitted entry.

LIST OF STATE PARKS THAT ARE OPEN | FAQ