The City of Artesia has announced it will continue to conduct business as usual, with the following exceptions:
• The Artesia Public Library will be closed to the general public until further notice.
• The Artesia Senior Center will be closed to the general public until further notice, except for limited transportation services
• The Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center will be closed to the general public until further notice.
• The Artesia Aquatic Center will be closed to the general public until further notice.
• The Artesia Center will be closed to the general public until further notice.
Anyone who feels they are becoming ill and “thinks” they might have COVID-19 is urged not to go to Artesia General Hospital, the emergency room, or a personal physician. Instead, call 1-855-600-3453 to reach the New Mexico Department of Health.
The DOH will do an over-the-phone initial screening. If COVID-19 is suspected, the DOHwill direct as to what action to take. Hospitals and physicians are attempting to eliminate potential unnecessary exposure.
Meanwhile, the Artesia Police Department issued a statement today that it will continue to provide police-related services as normal as the department continues to watch the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) guidance concerning the issue.
“We have personal protective equipment available to us and anticipate minimal effect to the operations of the department,” said Cmdr. Lindell Smith. “Moreover, we ask that people consider the safety of others by complying with the guidelines released by the CDC and other government organizations.”
The Artesia Fire Department also told the Daily Press it is following recommendations from the CDC and NMDOH.
“We are working closely with the Eddy County Office of Emergency Management as well as Artesia General Hospital and have guidelines in place for dealing with COVID-19 cases, should that occur in our area,” said Fire Chief Kevin Hope. “I would ask citizens, if you think you may be sick, to utilize the hotline (1-855-600-3453) and/or guidance on the NMDOH website.
“Please recognize that our firefighters and paramedics need to be available for those life-threatening emergencies that happen in and around our community daily.”