SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials reported five new coronavirus deaths Monday and 132 more cases of the disease, including 29 infections among state inmates in Otero County.
The numbers also continued a positive trend in hospitalizations – with just 161 virus patients now in the hospital, a 12% decrease from a week ago.
The statewide death toll, however, now stands at 440 people.
Health officials on Monday reported the deaths of five adults ranging in age from their 60s to their 90s. Four had underlying medical conditions of some kind – a risk factor for complications from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Three of the deaths were adults from McKinley County, one was from San Juan County and another was from Roosevelt County.
A recent outbreak has hit the Otero County prison, where 29 more state inmates tested positive. Officials now report 295 virus cases among state inmates at the facility and 275 more among federal inmates there.
Hidalgo County, meanwhile, reported a spike in cases Monday – 17 new infections, for a total of 20 overall. It’s in the southwestern part of the state, sharing a border with Arizona.
State health officials continue to urge people to stay home except for necessary outings and to wear cloth face coverings when in public, with exceptions for eating, drinking and exercise.
“It’s critical that all New Mexicans continue to take precautions to protect themselves & their communities,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a tweet Monday. “Please, wear a face covering when in public – it has an incredible impact in preventing the spread of this terrible virus.”
