SANTA FE – New Mexico health officials on Thursday reported an additional 678 confirmed COVID-19 infections, bringing the statewide total since the pandemic began to nearly 172,000 cases.

The latest figures include 20 inmates at three of the state’s prisons.

Overall, confirmed cases and related deaths have been trending downward along with hospitalizations.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a social media post Thursday that the state’s public health measures are making a difference and that spread of the virus slows every time people stay home and avoid gatherings.

Meanwhile, vaccinations are underway for the oldest New Mexicans as well as younger residents who have pre-existing conditions that put them at higher risk. State officials have said the pace of vaccinations is limited by supplies.

More than 86% of the 276,850 doses that have been shipped to New Mexico have been administered.

State data shows more than 530,000 residents have registered online to receive the vaccine.