The Issue
Biosecurity protecting humans, animals, and plants from biological threats is an essential government mission, the importance of which has been dramatically highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The government’s pandemic response has been enabled by the emerging bioeconomy, which provides core biosecurity capabilities that are essential to the success of the mission. The government’s engagement with the bioeconomy has grown in recent years, encompassing a range of agencies with a focus on laboratory and product safety and an emphasis on supporting research and development (R&D). However, the government lacks mechanisms for providing a broader strategic focus that integrates priorities, including biosecurity, in partnering with the bioeconomy. As a result, the government’s engagement with the bioeconomy remains insufficient to support the translation and integration of R&D into the delivery of biosecurity capabilities. The government is often not able to fully capital
New Mexico Allows More People In Businesses In Cold Weather –
Associated Press
New Mexico officials are amending the state s public health order on the coronavirus to allow more people inside grocery stores and other essential businesses.
The governor s office made the announcement Wednesday, citing the recent frigid temperatures as a reason for the slight increase in capacity levels.
Waiting lines have been forming outside grocery stores and other retailers since Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered capacity to be limited at establishments around the state as a way to curb the spread of COVID-19.
She has said the tough measures have helped to reduce new infections. However, deaths and hospitalizations related to the pandemic remain high.
New Mexico State University chancellor named to Biden-Harris transition team
NMSU/Andres Leighton
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico New Mexico State University Chancellor Dan Arvizu has been chosen as part of the transition team for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
Arvizu was approached to help the U.S. Department of Energy in the upcoming transition from the outgoing Trump administration to the Biden administration, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported. He is also expected to review the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“Please know this is strictly a volunteer position and not associated with my employment here at NMSU. I am doing this work on my own time,” Arvizu said in his most recent university system-wide email, Dan s Dispatch.
By Cedar Attanasio Associated Press / Report For America
Lawyers representing Native American students say New Mexico is violating a 2018 court order in a landmark education case as attempts to boost internet access and provide learning devices are falling short.
The case covers 80% of the state s students, including Native Americans and those who are low-income or disabled.
Lawyers representing the students say educational opportunities would not have been as inadequate had the state complied with the court order and ensured access to technology for all students.
In a motion filed Tuesday, they asked a court to compel the state to provide laptops and internet to students who still lack them.
New Mexico Department of Health
Top New Mexico Health Official Hopeful About Vaccine Rollout
- By Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press
The new state health chief says the arrival of vaccines in New Mexico marks a turning point and she s hopeful for a brighter day as people get vaccinated over the coming months.
Still, health Secretary Tracie Collins said Tuesday that while vaccination will prevent COVID-19 infection, there is more that needs to be learned about how effective inoculations will be in stemming transmission of the virus.
She says that means residents still need to wear masks, maintain social distancing, wash their hands often and keep up with other COVID-safe practices.