Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal
New Mexico reported 174 new cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths from the virus Tuesday as health officials unveiled an app that can alert users about possible exposure.
Tuesday’s new cases pushed the state’s total number of cases to 190,064.
The rolling seven-day average number of cases has fallen steadily, despite a slight bump last month, and has plateaued over the past week at around 200 a day. Meanwhile, the rolling number of deaths is on the same trajectory, but rose in the past week to about six a day.
This time last month, the averages were 325 cases and 13 deaths a day.
On Tuesday, the New Mexico Department of Health launched an app that it calls a “powerful tool” in the fight against the virus.
“In combination with vaccination, testing and continued COVID-safe practices, this app will help us contain COVID-19 and protect New Mexicans,” Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said of the NM Notify app.
Officials say the app, once downloaded, can alert those who have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. The app uses Bluetooth technology to connect multiple phones and notify users who have been around someone who has “verified” an infection within a 14-day period.
Officials say those interested in using the technology should go to NMNotify.com to learn more.
Of the 11 whose deaths were announced Tuesday, four were from Doña Ana County and five had underlying conditions. The deceased ranged in age from their 50s to their 90s and included six people in their 80s.
Bernalillo County had the most new cases, with 75. Doña Ana County had 20 and Sandoval County had 17.
The state has reported 3,903 COVID-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
The Health Department has designated 172,924 cases as having recovered.
On Tuesday, 127 people were hospitalized with the virus in New Mexico.
