SANTA FE – Having met the goal of 60 percent of eligible residents completing their COVID-19 vaccination series, the state of New Mexico on Thursday will remove the remaining pandemic occupancy restrictions on commercial and day-to-day activities, including the color-coded county-by-county system.
Sixty-two percent of eligible New Mexicans have completed their vaccination series as of Tuesday, according to Department of Health data. The agency reports almost 71 percent of eligible New Mexicans have received at least one dose.
Effective July 1, all pandemic-related occupancy restrictions on all forms of commercial activity will be lifted. All businesses across the state may once again operate at 100 percent of maximum capacity. In addition, all limitations on mass gatherings are gone; businesses, large events and organizations may operate at 100 percent of maximum capacity, whether indoor or outdoor.
Businesses and local governments may still adopt and require additional precautions for residents, employees and/or patrons, at their discretion, and are still advised to enact whatever social distancing and facemasking measures may be appropriate to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
New Mexicans, particularly unvaccinated New Mexicans, should be advised of the risks presented by the Delta variant and should seek out their vaccinations at vaccineNM.org immediately.
The state’s updated COVID-Safe Practices, a set of best practices and safety guidance for businesses, will also now follow CDC guidance and will be streamlined for businesses in general; previously, state COVID-Safe Practices had outlined industry-specific requirements.
There have been no state travel restrictions or requirements since mid-February.
Facemasks, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, have not been required in New Mexico for individuals who have completed their vaccination series since May 14.
The state will continue to follow CDC guidance with respect to face-coverings: Masks will remain required for unvaccinated individuals; regardless of state guidance, businesses, workplaces and tribes may continue to require masks for employees, customers or visitors on the premises, regardless of vaccination status, at their discretion.
Most health care facilities will continue to require masking, screening for COVID-19 symptoms, limited numbers of visitors, limited visitation times and continued COVID-19 testing for hospitalized patients and those undergoing certain procedures.
The state will continue to promote and administer COVID-19 vaccinations all across the state.
All New Mexicans age 12+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and are strongly encouraged to schedule their vaccine appointment today at vaccineNM.org or by calling 1-855-600-3453. Parents of New Mexicans age 12-15 are encouraged to register their child for the approved Pfizer vaccine at vaccineNM.org.
The state’s Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes, including four more $1 million drawings (for New Mexicans who have received at least one vaccine shot) and a $5 million grand prize (for New Mexicans who have completed their vaccination series), continues; vaccinated New Mexicans who would like a chance to win must opt in to the sweepstakes at vax2themaxNM.org.
The next $1 million drawing is scheduled for Friday, July 2; vaccinated New Mexicans must opt in to the sweepstakes by 6 p.m. Thursday, July 1, to be eligible for the July 2 drawing.
The amended public health order, issued June 30 and effective July 1.
