Balloon Fiesta is less than two weeks away, and Albuquerque city officials say they are more than ready to protect visitors and staff from COVID-19. “We are coordinated, we are on board and we take off,” said Mayor Tim Keller (D) of Albuquerque. Officials said final preparations for the 49th annual celebration are in full swing. While the event was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Keller says this year’s affair is still ongoing. It is estimated that over 100,000 people from around the world will attend the 2021 event. “We know there are still a lot of problems with COVID, but we” “We’re seeing the numbers plateau and subside a bit, and I think that’s encouraging,” Mayor Keller said. Balloon Fiesta staff say they are ready to deal with large crowds using COVID-19 security measures. “All of our tables and chairs are cleaned between sessions,” said Sam Parks, operations manager at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “We have toilet facilities at all of our rest areas and throughout the park.” Public Health Ordinance from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are following the latest guidelines. “This is the best we can do right now until we get the new Public Health Ordinance and we can analyze it and determine what The best course of action at this point is, “Albuquerque Fire Rescue interim chief Gene Gallegos said officials say COVID-19 vaccines may be necessary but a final decision has not yet been made.” We are watching what happens at the State Fair and which ones Requirements occurred there, “said Lawrence Ra el, Chief Operations Officer for the City of Albuquerque. Still, officials say they will do everything possible to ensure the safety of visitors. “The most important thing is that we all have to do our part, right?” AFR interim chief Gallegos said. “So we’re all going to be out there asking people to keep abiding by the rules.” Officials add that COVID-19 safety protocols may change during the Balloon Fiesta.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM –
Balloon Fiesta is less than two weeks away, and Albuquerque city officials say they are more than ready to protect visitors and staff from COVID-19.
“We are coordinated, we are on board and we take off,” said Mayor Tim Keller (D) of Albuquerque.
Officials said final preparations for the 49th annual celebration are in full swing.
While the event was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Keller says this year’s affair is still ongoing.
It is estimated that over 100,000 people from around the world will attend the 2021 event.
“We know there are still many problems with COVID, but we are seeing a plateau and a slight decrease in the numbers and I think that is encouraging,” said Mayor Keller.
Balloon Fiesta staff say they are ready to deal with large crowds using COVID-19 security measures.
“All of our tables and chairs are cleaned between meetings,” said Sam Parks, operations manager at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. “We have sanitary stations at all of our rest areas and throughout the park.”
Face masks and social distancing will also be required, guidelines in line with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Public Health Ordinance and the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“This is the best we can do right now until we can get the new public health regulation and analyze it and determine what is the best course of action at that point,” said Albuquerque Fire Rescue’s interim chief Gene Gallegos.
City officials say COVID-19 vaccines may be required, but a final decision has not yet been made.
“We watch what im [New Mexico] State Fair, and what requirements were encountered there, “said Lawrence Rael, chief operations officer for the City of Albuquerque.
Still, officials say they will do everything possible to ensure the safety of visitors.
“The most important thing is that we all have to do our part, right?” AFR interim chief Gallegos said. “So we’re all going to be out there asking people to keep sticking to the rules.”
Officials add that COVID-19 security protocols may change during the Balloon Fiesta.
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