FARMINGTON – San Juan County was knocked down to the Yellow Level this week, according to a map that tracks average daily COVID-19 cases by county across New Mexico.

Two weeks after San Juan County reached the Turquoise Level, which requires a county to have had no more than eight cases per 100,000 residents and a positivity rate of less than or equal to 5% for four weeks, the county regressed to the Yellow Level. In the latest reporting period, the positivity rate was recorded at 3.16%, but there were 9.3 cases per 100,000 residents.

Because San Juan County regressed to Yellow Level, some restrictions are back in place.

Essential retail, which was operating at 75% capacity, must now operate at no more than 33% capacity. Restaurants, which had been operating at 75% indoor and outdoor dining, must now limit capacity to 33% indoors and 75% outdoors. And restaurants serving alcohol must now close at 10 p.m.

Bars and clubs, which have been open for the last four weeks, are now prohibited from operating. Mass gatherings have dropped from 150 people to 10. Churches were allowed 75% capacity but now can operate at only 33%.

The state updates the county maps every two weeks. The next update comes out April 21. To move to the Green Level, the county must have both a positivity rate of 5% or less and no more than eight cases per 100,000 residents.

mmitchell@durangoherald.com