Santa Fe Standard

While many have remained hopeful that COVID-19 stay-at-home orders will be phased out soon, some counties are extending the isolation for longer. 

According to Los Alamos Monitor, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) has extended the state’s lockdown until May 15, hoping to further slow the spread of the coronavirus. 

Los Alamos County’s Republican Party, however, is displeased with what this decision will mean for local businesses and the economy as a whole. 

Republican Los Alamos County Council candidate David Reagor questioned the governor’s extension of the stay-at-home order.

“When is the governor going to reopen the economy? What are the criteria?” Reagor said in a letter addressed to the Los Alamos Monitor. “If she is waiting for the disease to peak, it is moving so slowly in our county that the peak could be months away. If she is waiting for a vaccination, it could be years away.”

As a whole, the County of Los Alamos has only had six cases of the virus and the number has remained for three weeks. This number is also one of the lowest rates of coronavirus in the state.

Los Alamos Optometrist Lisa Shin and Los Alamos GOP secretary, spoke with Rio Grande Foundation President Paul Gessing, and shared her concerns about the required closure of her business.

“I’m very concerned that we shut down routine, elective health care, but you know it’s all essential, it’s all-important,” Shin said. “So, my question is, 'What happens when there’s no one to provide the healthcare you need, and in saving one life, are we losing 10?'”

Gov. Grisham has said that even though the rates of the virus appear to be spreading, the state needs to continue to exercise caution until a vaccination has been approved. 

“I want to remind you that we are not out of the woods yet. Until we have a vaccine this virus lives among us, and it’s waiting for hosts,” Grisham said. “It’s waiting for you to show up at a business, or a long term care facility, at a grocery store or a neighbor’s house. This is exactly how it creates havoc and harm.” 

The Democratic Party has stood behind the governor and her approach to slowing the spread.