New Mexico governor issues modified stay-at-home order, allows most retail to reopen May 16


On May 14, 2020, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) announced during a news conference that the state’s stay-at-home order would be extended through May 31 but most retailers and places of worship would be allowed to reopen on May 16.

That day, smaller retailers, offices, and call centers can reopen at 25 percent capacity, big box stores and larger retailers may open at 20 percent capacity, and places of worship can reopen at 10 percent capacity. Under the order, everyone in the state is required to wear face masks in public spaces.

Since May 1, the state has been in the preparation phase of the state’s reopening plan.

The new order does not apply to the northwest corner of the state where community spread is still high. Movie theaters, concert halls, in-restaurant dining, indoor malls, salons, and gyms remain closed under the order.

As of May 14, stay-at-home orders have ended in 18 states. Governors ended stay-at-home orders in 17 states—13 Republican governors and five Democratic governors. Wisconsin’s state Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Tony Evers’ (D) administration overstepped its authority in extending that state’s stay-at-home order. Of the 25 states with stay-at-home orders in place, six have Republican governors and 19 have Democratic governors.

Although the names of the orders—shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, stay home, stay safe—vary from state to state, they include at least two common elements: the closure of nonessential businesses and requesting all residents to stay home except for essential trips.