NM's virus hospitalizations fall
May 14—SANTA FE — COVID-19 hospitalizations have fallen 23% over the last two weeks in New Mexico, dipping to just 112 patients on Friday, according to state reports.
The drop comes as vaccination rates climb.
The share of New Mexico adults fully vaccinated against the disease inched up to 52% on Friday, according to state figures. At least 63% of people 16 and older have received at least one dose.
The state's target is to reach 60% for full vaccinations by the end of June, a threshold state health officials say would trigger the lifting of capacity restrictions on businesses.
As vaccinations have taken hold, the number of COVID-19 patients in New Mexico hospitals has generally fallen.
The hospitalization figure routinely reached into the 140s for much of this month, with sharp declines closer to 110 the last few days.
New Mexico health officials on Friday reported one more virus-related fatality — a woman in her 70s from San Juan County — pushing the statewide death toll to 4,113.
The state also reported 223 new cases of COVID-19, a bit above the state's daily goal of 210 cases or fewer.
