Retailers object to new restrictions in New Mexico

The National Retail Federation has asked New Mexico to release information related to new restrictions placed on retailers and eateries as the state experiences a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The new protocols state that businesses that incur four rapid responses from government officials over a two-week period will be required to close for 14 days. New Mexico initiates a rapid response effort when it is made aware of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace. (To date, New Mexico has reported a total of 54,881 COVID-19 cases.)

The NRF said it has filed a request under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, which requires state and local agencies to respond to a records request within three days of receipt. These actions serve to provide clarification of how government officials are making determinations that impact retail workers and store operations in communities across the state of New Mexico, according to the NRF.

“Retailers across the state need and deserve a transparent process for re-opening and maintaining business operations,” said NRF chief administrative officer and general counsel Stephanie Martz. “Furthermore, the state’s new measures burden rural communities by decreasing access to essential items if local businesses are ordered closed.”

The NRF noted that retailers are committed to following all federal, state and local public health guidance and recommendations and have made significant investments to ensure the safety of their business environments. 

“It is important that government officials communicate a clear and thorough process for which decisions are made that affect the bottom line for thousands of retailers,” the NRF stated.