Thursday marks one year since four coronavirus cases were confirmed in New Mexico, a discovery that turned our lives upside down.
Over the past 12 months, COVID-19 has forced us to social distance, to wear masks and even work and learn from home. It’s left many unemployed and struggling. It’s robbed us of holidays and birthdays with our extended families and forced many of us to delay or rethink milestones like graduations and weddings.
The virus has stalked us, infecting more than 186,000 of our neighbors, friends and family members. It has taken the lives of more than 3,700 New Mexicans — more than the number of people killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, more than the combined populations of Lordsburg, Placitas and Chama.
And it’s forced us to grieve those painful losses at a distance from friends and family.
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the pandemic reaching our state, the Journal is exploring the impact this once-in-a-century event has had on us. We’re taking stock of the people and things that we’ve lost; how this pandemic has changed us, physically, emotionally and spiritually; and how New Mexicans have endured, meeting the challenge head on.
Stay healthy and safe, and thank you for reading.
A year in the life: New Mexicans share their experiences during the pandemic
A lingering legacy: They survived the virus, but the suffering continues
Children’s age, home life will determine severity of pandemic’s impact
Federal funds prompt improvements to tribal infrastructure during pandemic
A world reshaped: Effects of pandemic likely to reverberate for years
Column: Covering the coronavirus pandemic that has drastically changed life and work
Business leaders reflect on long-term industry impacts of virus
