As the mask debate continues, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis brings up New Mexico and points out its rise in COVID-19 numbers, supporting his belief that masks are of no help and, therefore, he won't be requiring masks any sooner.
"Colorado has the highest COVID cases nationally, but even their Democrat governor won't do a mask mandate since he admits it's not working in New Mexico. Lujan, are you listening?" Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandi Park) wrote in a tweet.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham commented that she was disappointed in Polis for highlighting New Mexico in such a way, KRQE reported, since the state has been leading efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and masks are necessary since children under age 5 are not eligible for vaccination.
Lujan Grisham also said that masks are needed in the state because New Mexico welcomes a lot of tourists and has a higher population of elderly. Hospitals in New Mexico have begun implementing crisis standards of care due to the rise of cases in the state, with Presbyterian saying they have treated nearly 1,500 people since August. Lujan Grisham also commented on the issue of vaccination, stating, "We were earlier than Colorado at getting people vaccinated, and in fact, Colorado sought New Mexico's help — and I'm glad that they didn because this is a partnership to protect Americans."
According to the Denver Post, some metro public health agencies have already urged Polis to implement the mask mandates owing to a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. The Metro Denver Partnership for Health even sent a letter to the governor. "Implementing these mitigation strategies is urgently needed, in conjunction with expansion of access to no-cost monoclonal antibody treatments and other actions that relieve the health system, to protect Colorado's already-compromised hospital capacity," the letter stated.