First confirmed virus case at Capitol since Feb. 1 - Albuquerque Journal

First confirmed virus case at Capitol since Feb. 1

Em012221b
Legislative staffers wait in line for COVID-19 testing in the Capitol rotunda on Jan. 22. Staffers and media members who work in the Roundhouse are required to undergo weekly testing, which is also recommended for legislators. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)

SANTA FE — Regular COVID-19 testing at the Roundhouse revealed a single positive test result this week — the first confirmed case at the state Capitol in a month.

A top legislative official declined Tuesday to provide information about the individual, including the person’s job description, but said two other people were in quarantine due to contact tracing protocols.

Deep cleaning was also done in the infected individual’s job area, Legislative Council Services Director Raul Burciaga said Tuesday.

The state Capitol had been a largely virus-free zone over the last month. Nearly 1,400 tests done on lawmakers, staffers and media members since Feb. 1 had all comeback negative before this week’s single positive test result, according to Department of Health data released by the Legislative Council Service.

In contrast, five positive test results were recorded at the Roundhouse in January, including three cases — one legislator and two staffers — that were detected during testing conducted after the legislative session’s Jan. 19 opening day.

Two State Police officers also tested positive at the Roundhouse before the session began and were immediately quarantined.

This year’s 60-day legislative session is being conducted largely remotely due to the pandemic, with members of the public and lobbyists barred from the state Capitol in an attempt to avoid a mass outbreak.

Legislative staffers and media members allowed in the Roundhouse are required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, while lawmakers have been requested — but not required — to undergo similar nasal swab testing.

New Mexico’s overall COVID-19 outlook has improved in recent weeks, with test positivity rates declining around the state and more than 600,000 vaccine doses administered to roughly 386,000 state residents as of Tuesday, according to DOH data.

But legislative officials said they do not plan to halt the Roundhouse testing or ease testing requirements for most people working in the building.

“We are going to continue testing throughout the session,” Burciaga told the Journal, adding an additional day or two of testing may be added after the session’s March 20 adjournment date for people who are still working in the Capitol or want to be tested one more time.

Home » News » New Mexico News » First confirmed virus case at Capitol since Feb. 1

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
Blake's still serving up the food that makes it ...
ABQnews Seeker
The late Blake Chanslor launched his ... The late Blake Chanslor launched his eponymous restaurant way back in 1952.
2
Filmed in ABQ, 'Flamin' Hot' tells the story of ...
ABQnews Seeker
"Flamin' Hot" begins streaming Friday, June ... "Flamin' Hot" begins streaming Friday, June 9, on Hulu and Disney+.
3
Local actress lands part in New Mexico-filmed Cheetos movie
ABQnews Seeker
On June 9, "Flamin' Hot," starring ... On June 9, "Flamin' Hot," starring New Mexico native Lora Martinez-Cunningham, is set to stream on both Hulu and Disney+.
4
Country duo LOCASH making stop at Isleta with Kane ...
ABQnews Seeker
LOCASH recently released the single, "Three ... LOCASH recently released the single, "Three Favorite Colors" which has already become a hit at its concerts.
5
Pitino is high on UNM newcomers as Lobos start ...
ABQnews Seeker
A wide variety of updates on ... A wide variety of updates on Lobo hoops as UNM players start summer workouts, including Pitino's thoughts on rivalry scheduling and much more.
6
APS Superintendent Scott Elder to step down at the ...
ABQnews Seeker
The Albuquerque Public Schools board is ... The Albuquerque Public Schools board is parting ways with Superintendent Scott Elder. He was officially given the full position just over two years ago. ...
7
Local golf: Lobo Herron has memorable run -- and ...
ABQnews Seeker
For Carson Herron, golf's longest day ... For Carson Herron, golf's longest day started when the alarms went off around 5:45 a.m ...
8
Lobo football adds transfer receiver from Mississippi State
ABQnews Seeker
Mississippi State transfer wide receiver Kaydin ... Mississippi State transfer wide receiver Kaydin Pope, listed at 6-feet, 175 pounds, announced his intention to transfer to New Mexico on Wednesday via social ...
9
Details emerge in Albuquerque triple homicide: Police say shooters ...
ABQnews Seeker
Late Wednesday, police detailed what they ... Late Wednesday, police detailed what they believe happened at the Northeast Albuquerque home just before midnight Saturday.