SANTA FE – New Mexico mayors, in coordination with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, have recorded video messages urging residents to wear simple cloth face masks in public to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Mayors Dan Barrone of Taos, Sam Cobb of Hobbs, Lynn Crawford of Ruidoso, Tim Keller of Albuquerque, Michael Morris of Clovis and Alan Webber of Santa Fe recorded the messages to support the governor’s May 15 order requiring everyone to wear face masks in public unless eating, drinking or exercising or unless someone has a medical exemption.

“I’m grateful for the leadership of mayors from New Mexico communities large and small, rural and urban, north and south in supporting this simple but effective way to minimize the spread of COVID-19 as we gradually and safely reopen the economy,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said.

Each mayor spoke in his video from the perspective of his town’s history and culture.

“In Clovis, we understand our responsibility to help and protect each other. Wearing a face mask is the right thing to do, and that’s enough for me,” Morris said.

“We all want to get back to work. To do that, we have to corral this virus. And this simple, cloth face covering can help us do that,” Cobb said.

“Here in the Duke City, we stand up for each other especially through tough times. It’s part of who we are,” Keller said.

The videos are appearing on the governor’s and mayors’ social media accounts and may also be viewed here:

Mayor Barrone of Taos

Mayor Cobb of Hobbs

Mayor Crawford of Ruidoso

Mayor Keller of Albuquerque

Mayor Morris of Clovis

Mayor Webber of Santa Fe