NEW MEXICO REINSTATES INDOOR MASK MANDATE
On Aug. 17, 2021, the state of New Mexico issued a new public health order that requires individuals to wear face masks in indoor public spaces, except while eating or drinking. The requirement is designed to combat rising rates of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations in the state and across the nation, according to Acting Department of Health Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D.
The indoor mask requirement will go into effect on Friday, Aug. 20, and applies to all individuals who are aged 2 and older, regardless of their vaccination status. Previously, only unvaccinated individuals were required to wear face masks in indoor public spaces.
The mask mandate will remain in effect until at least Sept. 15.
In addition, a separate public health order also issued on Aug. 17 requires all workers in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons and other high-risk settings to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with limited medical and religious exemptions. The order also requires workers in public, private or charter schools to either become vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 tests.
In a news release announcing the requirements, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham linked masks and vaccines to the state’s economic recovery. “Mask up indoors to stop the spread. And vaccinate if you haven’t vaccinated,” she said. “These two simple steps will protect our health care resources and ensure our economy can continue to rebound.”
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