New Mexico's daily count of COVID-19 cases trending down

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s daily count of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been trending down over recent days from the record highs reported earlier this month.

State health officials on Thursday reported an additional 1,708 cases, bringing the statewide total to just under 89,800 since the pandemic began. The death toll stands at 1,469, and hospitalizations remain high with 880 people being treated around the state.

New Mexico has some of the strictest public health restrictions in place, including capacity limits at grocery stores and other essential businesses. Many other businesses are closed, face masks are mandatory, gatherings of more than five people are prohibited and there's no indication when schools will be able to bring students back to the classroom.

Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to announce whether any changes will be made Monday, when the current public health order is scheduled to expire.