New Mexico is one of many areas throughout the United States currently facing a resurgence in COVID-19 cases, and in response, the New Mexico Congressional delegation called on federal agencies this week to provide a full accounting of the state’s share of stockpiled PPE.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) received a letter from U.S. Sens. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Deb Haaland (D-NM), and Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM). All called for transparency from the Strategic National Stockpile so that communities could prepare for the coming winter.
New Mexico is presently experiencing a 74 percent spike in cases, with a disproportionate number hitting its 23 tribes and Pueblos. The delegation noted that the state previously received only 25 percent of the total PPE it requested in March. Fears that this could happen again — or worse — are rising as flu season looms and the infection rate continues to hit record highs.
“While access to PPE has stabilized somewhat over the past several months, we remain concerned that these early failures of the SNS to meet New Mexico’s needs will repeat themselves as case numbers once again begin to spike,” the delegation wrote. “New Mexico is already experiencing a troubling spike in new COVID-19 infections and has set a new daily record for infections three times in the past week. Hospitalizations are up 74%, and some of our hospitals are beginning to reach capacity. The rate of new infections is now among the highest in the country and coincides with the first report of confirmed flu cases in the state on October 15, 2020.”
Cold weather is expected to force more people indoors, where COVID-19 has proven more problematic. Now, the delegation has requested FEMA and HHS inform them of the quantity of PPE allocated for New Mexico’s state and tribal governments, its plans to distribute the necessary equipment, and whether Indian Tribes or health programs have been contacted regarding PPE distribution and allocation.