SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court is temporarily suspending consumer debt collection — such as garnishing wages or seizing assets — in response to the coronavirus pandemic and related economic downturn.

The court ordered the temporary suspension Friday in a new effort to alleviate economic hardship amid a surge in unemployment and uncertainties. The suspension takes effect Monday and does not pertain to business debts.

The decision took place as a COVID-19 outbreak raced through privately run prison facilities for state and federal inmates in Otero County, infecting 583 prison...