McKinley County eases more restrictions in Level Turquoise

GALLUP, N.M.— McKinley County was once a COVID hotspot in our state, but things are now starting to look more normal.

Gallup Mayor Louie Bonaguidi said the county has made a complete 180.

“I think at some point we’re going to become the leader of the state. I mean, we were the first ones to get in trouble now and hopefully we’ll be the first ones to get out of trouble,” said Mayor Bonaguidi.

More than one year later, McKinley County is and has stayed in Level Turquoise— the least restrictive tier.

Slowly but surely things are opening up more, including the aquatic center, which has been closed since last year.

“We’re just going to be allowing lap swim. We’re going to be allowing swimmers to come in, but they have to make a reservation. The lap swim will be for 45 minutes, and we will spend 15 minutes cleaning before the next swimmers come in,"said Jon DeYoung, assistant city manager.

The aquatic center will open at 25% capacity and require patrons wear masks when they’re not in the water.

“Our community has worked extremely hard to get where we are, and we are extremely thankful to be at the highest level that we can be," DeYoung said.

While the pandemic is not over, Gallup officials are excited to get back on track to a bit of normalcy.