New Mexico records 319 new virus cases, 3 more deaths

SANTA FE — New Mexico reported 319 new coronavirus cases Friday, pushing the state’s daily average to a record high, according to a Journal analysis.

The state has averaged about 273 new cases of COVID-19 a day over the last week, the largest total since the pandemic arrived in New Mexico in March. The daily average has shot up 48% since July 1 alone and more than doubled since a month ago.

State health officials also said Friday that COVID-19 had contributed to three more deaths — for a statewide death toll of 565 residents.

The average number of deaths has generally been falling, even as case growth remains strong — a disconnect state officials may be due to younger people making up an increasing share of the infections. It’s also possible that deaths will grow as the disease progresses in people who have only just contracted it, officials say.

Read more: https://www.abqjournal.com/1476983/nm-records-319-new-virus-cases-3-more-deaths.html