New Mexico health officials say they're pleased by evidence that the number of new COVID-19 cases in the state is slowing.

In a recent report by KRQE, Dr. Christine Ross, state epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health, said numbers may have increased over Labor Day weekend, though she is hopeful the current plateau will lead to an eventual decline. 

“Although we certainly don’t want to celebrate too early, but I do want to say that we’re happy to see that there is a deceleration of growth in new cases. And what you can see is a semblance of a possible plateau there in this small mountain on the far right of the slide," Ross said of the numbers to KRQE.

Dr. David Scrase | New Mexico Human Services Department

Despite the apparent slow in new cases, New Mexico Human Services Secretary and Acting Department of Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase told KRQE that the number of available hospital beds remains a concern in the state. While they have not yet had to deny anyone medical treatment, Scrase said the state anticipates a hospitalization surge lasting another two weeks. Weekly deaths totals ranging between 30-40 individuals will likely be seen through the remainder of September, Scrase said. 

As of Sept. 10, KRQE reports that children accounted for more hospitalizations and new cases than previously. Pediatric cases now account for about 24% of the state's new COVID-19 cases, up from about 16% throughout the rest of the pandemic.