Thread by @rhp997

Had a very interesting discussion this AM with the CEO of a local (SE NM) hospital:
- Last week, they tested 150 for COVID. All negative. That's 0-150.
- He indicated the SE region hit "herd immunity" in early Feb; "it's the only thing that can account for the low numbers" 1/6

- Many hospitals are in an "identity" crisis now that the COVID threat is waning; what are their new revenue streams? (yes, hospitals are businesses with strategic plans)
- The NM PHOs are tied to federal funding. Although they can be relaxed, expect them to remain in place 2/6

- Worth repeating: NM apparently receives additional federal funding so long as a public health emergency remains in place
- De-escalation is being discussed at the state level but "no one wants to be seen as relaxing"
- Pfizer vaccine inspiring optimism with US variants
3/6

- The DOH is seeking hospital input about a new reopening system; e.g. no more "Red to Green" or possibly new gating criteria (dropping positivity rate?) within the existing color scheme
- Local hospitals are ordering fewer vaccine doses b/c they are struggling to fill slots 4/6

- Exhibit A: Clovis has 700 vaccine doses that expire this week. Sounds like they need arms. However comma:
- NM DoH is tracking diversity and residency closely with vaccines. Hospitals are discouraged from providing vaccines to people living outside their area. #catch22
5/6

- Rural areas have benefited more from vaccine rollout (and most things COVID) compared to their urban peers.
- Equipment, medicines, vaccines have all been made quickly available to local hospitals
- Farmington seems to remain a COVID "warm" spot (this was news to me)
6/6