Legislative Preview, Navajo Nation Fights COVID, Vaccination Rollout | 1.15.21

This week on New Mexico in Focus… The Navajo Nation is one of the largest tribes in the United States, both geographically and by population.  The Navajo have been hit hard by COVID-19, with more than 25,000 positive cases and more than 800 deaths. Jonathan Nez, president of the Navajo Nation, has been fighting the pandemic with curfews and lockdowns and has aggressively ramped up vaccination efforts. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with President Nez about plans for the new year. Dr. Tracie Collins, the secretary-designate of New Mexico’s Dept. of Health, and a group of medical experts from Presbyterian, Lovelace and UNM hospitals held press conferences this week to explain the roll-out of vaccinations so far. They also talked about moving into the next phase of vaccinations for older New Mexicans and those with underlying conditions. New Mexico in Focus includes part of that discussion. Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists preview the two-month session of the New Mexico Legislature that is set to start next week. COVID protocols will dictate the process of holding a full session during this pervasive pandemic, and while finalizing and approving a balanced budget is a number one priority, there are many other bills that will be on the docket. The Line also looks at how the COVID vaccine is being delivered – and how the message of its importance is being communicated.  For their final topic, the Line panelists voice their opinions on how New Mexico’s conservative leaders have responded to violent rhetoric from President Trump. Host: Gene Grant In Focus Interviews: Fighting COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation Correspondent: Antonia Gonzales  Guest:  President Jonathan Nez, Navajo Nation Health Secretary, Medical Experts on COVID Vaccinations Guests:    Dr. Tracie Collins, New Mexico Dept. of Health secretary-designate   Dr. Denise Gonzales, medical director, Presbyterian Medical Group  Dr. Vesta Sandoval, chief medical officer, Lovelace Health System  Dr. David Pitcher, executive physician, UNM Health Sciences The Line Opinion Panel: Merritt Allen, Vox Optima   Cathryn McGill, NM Black Leadership Council    Dan McKay, capitol bureau reporter, Albuquerque Journal   Dave Mulryan, founder, Everybody Votes