Once COVID hotspots, San Juan Co. and McKinley Co. now in Turquoise

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- San Juan County and McKinley County are in the Turquoise level of reopening.

The counties were once hotspots for coronavirus cases in New Mexico.

"My first day in office, I had to come in at like 8:30 in the morning and I had a call from the governor congratulating me on taking over the position of mayor, and then she turned around and gave her condolences because they were sending the state police to lock down our city," said Gallup Mayor Louie Bonaguidi.

Leaders across the Four Corners said people are doing what it takes to protect everyone from COVID-10.

"Just the basics of wearing masks or washing their hands, but we’re also one of the higher counties number wise in receiving the vaccine, so I think that has something to do with it as well," said San Juan County Commission Chairman John Beckstead.

Restaurants in Turquoise counties can open indoor dining at 75% capacity.

"We’re really happy you know that finally after one year of opening and closing and all the regulations were able to see an increase in sales because people are coming in and dining in and actually sitting down and having a meal," said Isaac Flores, co-owner of The Family Restaurant.