Updated at 5:14 p.m. Nov. 18, with response from the New Mexico Environment Department.
LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Environment Department ordered three prominent Las Cruces businesses to close their doors for two weeks because of COVID-19 cases.
The Walmart on Rinconada Boulevard, the Albertsons on Lohman Avenue and Texas Roadhouse, also on Lohman, each had four or more rapid responses within the last 14 days, the state agency reported.
The Sun-News sent reporters to the locations Wednesday afternoon. Walmart was closed. Albertsons and Texas Roadhouse were still open.
There was a line out the door at Albertsons as capacity is limited to 75 patrons inside at a time. Texas Roadhouse is open for take-out only.
Managers at Albertsons and Texas Roadhouse didn't seem to be aware of the closure notices from the state.
NMED spokesperson Maddy Hayden told the Sun-News that letters informing the businesses that they were to close immediately were emailed Wednesday and were to be hand-delivered shortly after.
On Oct. 22, New Mexico amended its public health order, stating businesses that report four or more rapid responses within two weeks may have to close for two weeks in an effort to control “hotspot” COVID-19 areas.
The state initiates a rapid response when it learns of a positive COVID-19 case in a workplace.
More: Doña Ana County rapid response watchlist
NMED says establishments that have four or more rapid responses with two weeks are referred to the Department of Health, which will evaluate whether to close the place of business. A business might be allowed to stay open if it's the sole provider of goods or services within a community.
Several grocery stores statewide were included on the list of closures Wednesday. Among the others:
- Albertsons, 2402 N. Grimes St., in Hobbs
- Albertsons, 202 W. Church St., in Carlsbad
- Albertsons, 700 N. Main St., in Roswell
- Sam's Club, 400 N. Main St., in Roswell
- Smith's, 2308 Cerillos Road, in Santa Fe
- Walmart, 5701 Herrera Drive, in Santa Fe
- Walmart, 2550 Corrs Blvd. NM, in Albuquerque
The establishments will be allowed to reopen Dec. 2, according to the state.
Stampede Meat, in Sunland Park, was among the first businesses ordered closed on Nov. 3. But the business never shut its doors, arguing in federal court that its an essential business, per an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in April. The case is ongoing.
This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the evening.
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