Five COVID-19 infections at a Carlsbad bank prompted its closure in early March by the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH).
In a letter to Western Commerce Bank from DOH, closure was ordered at the downtown location at 127 South Canyon Street on March 5 as part of a Public Heath Order issued on February 24.
The letter, written by DOH Deputy Cabinet Secretary Billy Jimenez, said four or more rapid responses within a rolling 14-day period for certain businesses means automatic closure.
Jimenez in the letter noted five COVID-19 infections during four rapid responses from Feb. 22 to March 2.
Single COVID-19 infections were cited on February 22, February 23 and March 1. Two COVID-19 infections were recorded on March 2, the letter read.