From the office of governor
SANTA FE – The nationwide requirement that face masks be worn in all indoor public spaces, with limited exceptions and regardless of vaccination status, will be expanded, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office said on Friday.
The state health department reintroduced the mask requirement in August to help stem the rising tide of COVID-19 infections and hospital stays in the state.
Personalized hospital beds are still dangerously scarce as unvaccinated people in particular continue to spread a more contagious variant of the virus and hospitals are on the verge of implementing crisis care standards.
“Many of us just assume that if we have a serious illness, an intensive care bed will be available for us,” said Dr. Scrase. “That has not been the case with every New Mexican in the past six weeks. It is not time to give up basic precautions. Our hospital and healthcare partners remain incredibly concerned about the serious illnesses they are struggling with and the pressures placed on their facilities and staff by these persistent infections.
“Tight-fitting masks make the difference. Wearing one protects you and your family. ”
Health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, continue to recommend wearing tight-fitting face masks indoors as these are effective in limiting the spread of the more easily transmitted Delta variant.
The state reported 20 new COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, October 14. A total of 879 new cases were reported as of October 14, and more than 4,900 new Mexicans have been killed by the virus to date.
The extended mask requirement now applies at least until November 12th. The governor, based on advice and analysis from the state medical advisory team and state health authorities, may decide to extend or remove the mask requirement as needed.
The separate public health ordinance mandating vaccination for health workers and compulsory vaccination or testing for school staff remains in force.
The Emergency Public Health Ordinance issued by Acting Health Secretary David R. Scrase, MD is attached to this news release.
Vaccinations are still the most effective way to fight COVID-19. Get vaccinated to protect yourself, your family, and your co-workers. visit VaccineNM.org to find locations and register for an appointment today.
New Mexicans can learn more about whether they are eligible for a. to have COVID-19 booster vaccination at impfstoff.org/boosters. Eligible new Mexicans can also schedule their booster vaccinations at this point.
The Department of Health also advises all New Mexicans 6 months of age and older got a flu shot; many providers of the COVID-19 vaccine also offer flu shots. The department recommends receiving the syringe by the end of October for the best protection.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT CV.NMHEALTH.ORG.
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