Home COVID-19 NM governor extends indoor mask requirement – again

NM governor extends indoor mask requirement – again

4 min read
0
1,159

SANTA FE – The statewide requirement that face masks be worn in all indoor public spaces, with only limited exceptions and regardless of vaccination status, will be effective through at least November 12, the Office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Friday.

The governor, acting upon the counsel and analysis of the state Medical Advisory Team and state health officials, may decide to extend or lift the mask requirement as necessary.

The state Department of Health re-implemented the mask requirement in August in an effort to stem the state’s rising tide of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

Government officials said staffed hospital beds remain in short supply, as primarily unvaccinated individuals continue to spread a more infectious variant of the virus, and hospitals are on the brink of implementing crisis standards of care.

“Many of us just assume that if we develop a serious illness, there will be an ICU bed available for us,” said Dr. David Scrase. “That has not been the case for every New Mexican over the past six weeks. It is not time to abandon basic precautions. Our hospital and health care partners remain incredibly, incredibly concerned about the serious illnesses they are dealing with, and the pressure placed upon their institutions and personnel by these continuing infections.

“Tight-fitting masks make a difference. Wearing one protects you and your family.”

The separate public health order requiring health care workers to be vaccinated and vaccinate-or-test requirements for school workers remains in place.

New Mexicans can learn more about whether they are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot at vaccinenm.org/boosters. Eligible New Mexicans may also schedule their booster shots at that site.

The Department of Health also advises all New Mexicans aged 6 months and older to get a flu shot; many providers of the COVID-19 vaccine also provide a flu shot. The department recommends getting the shot by the end of October for best protection.

Load More Related Articles
Load More By Hobbs News-Sun
Load More In COVID-19
Comments are closed.

Check Also

Supreme Court rejects appeal by former New Mexico county commissioner banned for Jan. 6 insurrection

Supreme Court rejects appeal by former New Mexico county commissioner banned for Jan. 6 in…