Positivity is a critical metric in determining virus response - Albuquerque Journal

Positivity is a critical metric in determining virus response

Copyright © 2020 Albuquerque Journal

The state relies on data from COVID-19 tests to make reopening decisions.

In late August, New Mexico had such a relatively low number of positive test results, a rate of 2.1%, that pandemic restrictions were being relaxed.

By the end of last week, the state’s positivity rate had exceeded 9%. And only 10 of the state’s 33 counties met Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s target of under 5% positivity.

New Mexico, according to the Department of Health website, has been consistently ranked as one of the top five states in the nation for per capita testing.

But last week, New Mexico was one of 26 states with positivity rates above the 5% target deemed necessary to mitigate the spread of the virus. South Dakota had one of the worst rates, with a 40% positivity rate, according to The New York Times.

“The percent positive is a critical measure, because it gives us an indication how widespread infection is in the area where the testing is occurring – and whether levels of testing are keeping up with the levels of disease transmission,” Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 website says.

Increased testing could account for only a portion of the additional hundreds of new cases reported daily in recent weeks, Scrase said.

High positivity rates in New Mexico counties have forced schools to conduct class remotely, and as of last week, only two dozen of the state’s long-term care facilities allowed expanded visitation of residents.

Earlier in October, the positivity rate in Bernalillo County was too high for the University of New Mexico Lobo football team to continue practices and other activities.

Under an agreement with the state, the positivity rate has to be under 5% for 14 days before a game. Another requirement is that athletes be tested no fewer than three times a week and must test negative 24 hours with a polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test, not a rapid test, before a game or scrimmage.

A planned matchup with San Jose State’s football team was moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. The positivity rate in that state was about 3.2% last week.

Home » ABQnews Seeker » Positivity is a critical metric in determining virus response

Insert Question Legislature form in Legis only stories




Albuquerque Journal and its reporters are committed to telling the stories of our community.

• Do you have a question you want someone to try to answer for you? Do you have a bright spot you want to share?
   We want to hear from you. Please email yourstory@abqjournal.com

taboola desktop

ABQjournal can get you answers in all pages

 

Questions about the Legislature?
Albuquerque Journal can get you answers
Email addresses are used solely for verification and to speed the verification process for repeat questioners.
1
Mourners outside Juárez facility reject claim blaze was started ...
ABQnews Seeker
People who had migrated to Juárez ... People who had migrated to Juárez and who had been in the shelter said it was impossible for migrants to start the fire because ...
2
Application for camp site for Albuquerque homeless withdrawn; supporters ...
ABQnews Seeker
The organization that sought to house ... The organization that sought to house homeless victims of sex trafficking in tents near the Big I has withdrawn its safe outdoor space application.
3
Video shows guards walking away during fire that killed ...
ABQnews Seeker
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) -- After ... CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) -- After migrants in northern Mexico placed mattresses against the bars of their detention cell and set them on fire, ...
4
New Mexico court weighs fight over coal-fired power plant
ABQnews Seeker
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico's ... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico's largest electric provider wants the state's highest court to overturn a 2021 decision by regulators who rejected a ...
5
‘Plant the seed’: High schoolers explore trades at career ...
ABQnews Seeker
High schoolers explored career paths they ... High schoolers explored career paths they may not have considered before at an inaugural fair hosted by APS on Tuesday.
6
Details emerge in stolen car crash that critically injured ...
ABQnews Seeker
Albuquerque police say a state employee ... Albuquerque police say a state employee left their work vehicle unlocked and running at the fairgrounds Monday morning before it was stolen by a ...
7
Four years after vetoing NM elected officials pay raise, ...
ABQnews Seeker
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not ... Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not yet acted on a bill that would boost the salary levels for all New Mexico statewide elected officials ...
8
Kyerewaa Abban-Thompson joins Lovelace
ABQnews Seeker
BRIEFCASE: She has worked as a ... BRIEFCASE: She has worked as a nurse for 18 years.
9
Sweet smell of success: State law now declares an ...
ABQnews Seeker
New Mexico now has an official ... New Mexico now has an official state aroma. But a song will have to wait