COVID-19 cases on the rise this week in Eddy County

Eddy County saw another surge in COVID-19 cases this week, according to the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH).

DOH figures confirmed 45 new cases on Wednesday rising above the 39 tallied on Tuesday and the 34 noted Monday.

More:Carlsbad, Artesia top New Mexico's list for most COVID-19 cases

As of Wednesday afternoon, 5,302 total cases were recorded across Eddy County, per DOH.

“The surge is an important reminder that everyone can take action to reduce the spread of coronavirus,” said Melissa Suggs, spokesperson for Carlsbad Medical Center.

“Practice social distancing, wear a face mask covering your nose and mouth when you're in public, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.”

Last week DOH data noted 57 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. The number increased to 72 on Saturday and to 97 on Sunday, placing Eddy County atop the State's list of counties with the most infections.

DOH said 39,585 Eddy County residents had been tested for COVID-19 as of Wednesday afternoon and 2,581 people had recovered.

More:Eddy County COVID-19 deaths now at 81

“Carlsbad Medical Center, like hospitals across the state, is seeing an increase in the number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 which parallels the escalating numbers of cases in our county,” Suggs said.

Across New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon, 1,151 new cases were reported upping the overall total to 159,119, DOH released.

Artesia came in at No. 4 in the Top-10 New Mexico zip codes with the most COVID-19 cases on Wednesday at 33, DOH indicated. Three Albuquerque area zip codes made up the top three.

Eddy County’s COVID-19 death toll rose to 83 on Wednesday, per DOH. A man in his 50s was hospitalized.

More:Death of three senior citizens on Tuesday linked to COVID-19

Thirteen COVID-19 deaths were recorded across New Mexico on Wednesday and the total number stands at 2,807, DOH noted.

As of Wednesday, there were 702 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. This number may include individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 out of state but are currently hospitalized in New Mexico. This number does not include New Mexicans who tested positive for COVID-19 and may have been transferred to a hospital out of state.

More:Artesia's Mondragon family battles fatigue, headaches throughout COVID-19 illness

Also, as of Wednesday, there were 81,603 COVID-19 cases designated as having recovered by the DOH.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.