New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has authorized locking down Gallup, a city in which she said the spread of the coronavirus is “frightful” and “physical distancing has not occurred.”
The lockdown comes at the request of Mayor Jackie McKinney, who told the governor that Gallup was “in the throes of an unprecedented health crisis” and medical resources were “stretched thin.”
The governor used the Riot Control Act for the lockdown, which she said is a “drastic measure” that should be used “sparingly,” but in this case is “warranted.”
The order requires businesses to close from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., excluding medical centers and hotels that are are sheltering people.
Residents should stay home unless absolutely necessary. No more than two people can be in any car, and people who don’t live or work in Gallup are not allowed to drive through, excluding journalists.
The order goes into effect immediately and lasts until noon on Monday.
