COVID-19 TRAVELER INFORMATION
UPDATED June 1, 2020
As you are aware, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic. Overall, the risk of infection to Americans due to COVID-19 remains low, and there are no travel restrictions or advisories in the domestic United States, which includes New Mexico. Santa Fe County is in close contact with health and security authorities on any planned or anticipated measures that may impact travel. We will provide updates as we receive additional information.
The health and safety of our county residents and visitors are Santa Fe County Tourism's highest priority. Travelers are always encouraged to exercise health safety habits and to follow guidance issued by official sources of public health information.
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) at (505) 827-0006. Please visit the New Mexico Department of Health COVID-19 website for details on indications and symptoms: cv.nmhealth.org.
For additional information and resources, call the NMDOH Coronavirus Hotline at 1-855-600-3453.
We are in a profoundly troubling time as we see and experience the disruptions felt by the hospitality industry nationwide and especially here at home in Santa Fe County. We know the economic disruption folks are experiencing is severe in a time of considerable uncertainty. But the established businesses still have a solid foundation. We know our local entrepreneurs can emerge on the other side stronger than ever.
We have compiled a list of resources to assist our community's small business to navigate through this challenging time.
View the list of resources here.
#ALLTOGETHERSANTAFE RESOURCE PORTAL
In response to COVID-19, Santa Fe County and City of Santa Fe Economic Development offices have partnered to create an online resource portal for residents and small businesses. Find support and assistance for everything from expanded unemployment benefits to drive-thru food pantries to small business loans, grants, adaptation ideas, and more.
The #AllTogetherSantaFe web portal can be found at www.alltogethersantafe.org, with a Spanish-language site at www.todosjuntossantafe.org. Visit the site to access the portal's growing list of resources, or submit your own.
Amended public health order officially goes into effect
Restrictions eased for restaurants, hotels, certain business travel among other changes for tourism sector
On Thursday, May 28, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the details of the amended public health order that eased several restrictions for the tourism industry. The amended public health order officially goes into effect June 1, 2020. Below are the key changes regarding tourism businesses:
Hotels & Lodging
The amended public health order permits hotels to operate at 50% maximum occupancy. The provision that allows for health care workers staying in hotels or for people staying in hotels for self-quarantine to not be counted in determining maximum occupancy is still in effect.
The amended public health order also removes the restriction on out-of-state guests for short-term vacation rentals.
Restaurants
The amended public health order permits restaurants to offer dine-in service at 50% maximum occupancy.
Bars are not permitted to operate other than curbside service under applicable licenses.
Retail
Retail businesses must still operate to permit 25% of maximum occupancy as determined by relevant fire marshal or fire department.
The amended public health order allowed for indoor shopping malls to operate at 25% maximum occupancy as determined by relevant fire marshal or fire department. Food courts within indoor shopping malls must remain closed.
Air Travel
Individuals who travel to the state of New Mexico by air are still required to self-quarantine for 14 days or for the duration of their time in New Mexico. However, Executive Order 2020-037 which was signed alongside the amended public health order, provides several exemptions to the self-quarantine requirement that allows for certain business travel:
- airline employees on travel for work
- Individuals performing public safety or public health functions
- Emergency first responders
- Health care workers
- Military personnel
- Individuals employed by a federal agency or national defense contractor
- Individuals arriving to New Mexico pursuant to a court order
- Individuals traveling into New Mexico to conduct business activities
To review the complete executive order on out-of-state air travel, click here.
To review the complete public health order, click here.
To review the COVID-Safe Practices for hotels, motels and lodging, click here.
Hotels/Resorts and Lodging Updates in Santa Fe County:
- Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado is now accepting reservations for stays from June 4, 2020, onward. Book online now or call the Resort directly at 1 (505)946-5700 for assistance.
- The Houses of the Moon at Ten Thousand Waves will be open starting June 15. Call (505)992-5003 for reservations.
- Sunrise Springs Resort: It is a July 1st Partial re-opening. Call the Reservations Center at 877-977-8212 or book online.
- For a Full List of Lodging, please visit http://www.SantaFeNMTrue.com
SANTA FE COUNTY UPDATES, POSTPONEMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND CLOSURES
These organizations and businesses have announced the following updates, postponements, cancellations and closures. Check back often as we will continue to update on any additional closures. Please contact businesses directly before visiting should you have any questions or concerns.
- Archdioceses of Santa Fe: Houses of Worship may hold services and other functions provided that they comply with the COVID-Safe Practices for Houses of Worship section of the "All Together New Mexico: COVID-Safe Practices for Individuals and Employers". Further, "houses of worship", may not exceed 25% of the maximum occupancy of any enclosed building as determined by the relevant fire marshal or fire department.
- Bandelier National Monument: As of Sunday, March 22, 2020, Frijoles Canyon, including the Visitor Center, WNPA Book Store, Sirphey at Bandelier Restaurant, Tsankawi, Juniper and Ponderosa Campgrounds are closed until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, the Bandelier backcountry will remain open for day use. It can be accessed by the Burnt Mesa Trail, Ponderosa Trail, Apache Springs Trail, Cerro Grande Trail, Ski Trails, and Alamo Boundary Trail.
- Pecos National Historical Park:Beginning June 1, Pecos National Historical Park will offer a staffed outdoor information table in front of the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center to provide orientation information and answer questions. This service will be available between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Summer fishing permits for the Pecos River within the park boundaries will be available for the summer season (June 11 – August 3). Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A $15 per day fee must be paid online during the online reservation process. Please note that anglers are required to check in and acquire a special use permit at the park visitor center prior to fishing. For more information related to fishing, visit the park website https://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm.
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
- The E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center and WNPA Bookstore
- The Forked Lightning Ranch House
- Access to the kivas along the main unit trail
The park grounds are open 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the park in general, contact Pecos NHP at (505) 757-7241 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/peco. You will also find our listings on the New Mexico True website (newmexico.org) and Tourism Santa Fe (
- Buffalo Thunder Casino:Buffalo Thunder Casino will be closed starting Monday, March 16.
- The Buffalo Thunder Resort has temporarily suspended operations.
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks:Closed until further notice.
- New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs:All state run museums and historic sites are temporarily closed. All events are cancelled until further notice.
New Mexico Rail Runner: Beginning March 16, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express will temporarily suspend service.
New Mexico State Capitol: Closed to the public until further notice. All legislative agencies will continue to operate on a regular schedule.
New Mexico State Forests: National Forests in New Mexico will close developed recreation sites. Visitors are still welcome. The five national forests in New Mexico, including the Santa Fe National Forest, will begin closing the developed recreation sites beginning Monday, March 23. Campgrounds, day-use sites, restrooms, and other developed recreation facilities in the New Mexico State Forests are likely to be closed. However, a vast majority of the forests will still be available to visitors who want to spend time outdoors. At this time, recreation opportunities include hiking and biking on trails, dispersed camping, and other activities that support social distancing and small groups. Campfire Restrictions are in effect.
For updates regarding the Santa Fe National Forest visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/santafe/home.
New Mexico State Parks and Campgrounds: Effective May 1, New Mexico State Parks and Campgrounds may reopen on a modified day-use-only basis, as staff is available - camping and visitor centers are still closed.
RTD Blue Bus Routes Temporarily Suspended or Modified: Beginning Wednesday, March 25, the North Central Regional Transit District has identified eight of its 29 routes that will be temporarily suspended or modified. Suspended Routes are 290 Edgewood, 305 Taos Express, 400 Los Alamos. Modified Routes are 800 Angel Fire, 260 La Cienega, 270 Turquoise Trail, 280 Eldorado, and 350 UNM Taos. Visit www.ncrtd.org for the latest information.
Santa Fe Botanical Garden: The Santa Fe Botanical Garden is open during their regular, seasonal operating hours. However, events and education programs are being modified, postponed, or cancelled.
Santa Fe Children's Museum: Closed until further notice.
Santa Fe Community Convention Center: The SFCCC is closed. All events, conferences, and meetings have been cancelled or postponed until further notice.
Ski Santa Fe: Effective Monday, March 16, Ski Santa Fe will close for the season.
Ten Thousand Waves: The Spa at Ten Thousand Waves is closed until further notice.
Tesuque Casino: Closed until further notice.
Santa Fe Visitor Information Centers: All Visitor Information Centers (Santa Fe Community Convention Center, Plaza, and Railyard) are closed.
Nambe´ Falls Recreation Area is closed.
For a list of additional closures, please visit the Santa Fe New Mexican: Santa Fe Postponements, Cancellations, and Closures.
EVENTS AND LARGE GATHERINGS IN SANTA FE COUNTY
As per the March 23,2020, updated Public Health Order issued from the New Mexico Department of Health will take effect. The rule mandates the following:
All mass gathering are prohibited. All mass gatherings greater than five people are not permitted.
- Spanish Market has been cancelled
- International Folk Art Market is cancelled.
- SWAIA Indian Market has been postponed until 2021.
- The Burning of Zozobra is cancelled.
- The Fiesta de Santa Fe has been cancelled.
MORE RESOURCES
Santa Fe County is also closely monitoring updates and advice from local, state, federal, and international organizations that are actively tracking COVID-19 (Coronavirus) including:
The New Mexico Department of Health
The New Mexico Tourism Department
