Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Six years ago today, New Mexicans entered the first COVID-19 lockdown as state leaders reacted to the virus reaching New Mexico and early cases tied to travel into Bernalillo County and beyond. By March 24th, officials imposed strict limits on businesses and gatherings to reduce close contact, warning that continued spread could threaten hospital resources and frontline workers. In Albuquerque, the impact was immediate: schools shut down, city facilities closed, and restaurants pivoted to takeout. The lockdown was introduced as a preventative measure to slow the virus before widespread community transmission took hold.
