ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico officials say the state has qualified for a federal disaster loan assistance program aimed at helping small businesses affected by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Tuesday the Small Business Administration's loan program is one of several tools that can help businesses, many of which have seen rapid declines in customer traffic and sales. Employees at businesses that close temporarily can access unemployment benefits without having to search for a new position. New Mexico has reported 23 positive tests for COVID-19. The latest cases include a man in Taos County in his 50s and a Santa Fe County man in his 40s.

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