Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the COVID-19 executive order extended March 2023 is final. In a press release, Lujan Grisham encouraged all New Mexicans to take safety precautions.
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“I urge all New Mexicans, and particularly those who are older or who have compromised immune systems, to get vaccinated or get their booster shots if they have not done so already,” Lujan Grisham said. “While we’re still seeing COVID cases, our preparedness and collaborative work have helped turn a once-in-a-century public health emergency into a manageable situation. We are working diligently across state agencies to make sure New Mexicans continue to be supported as federal COVID programs wind down.”
This decision comes after President Joe Biden made the announcement January 2023 to end the country’s COVID-19 emergency order May 11, 2023.
“I definitely am on the fence. I may not get sick, but when I get sick, it’s a little harder to actually bounce back into being the regular me. We like having company and people coming to see us, but at the same time, if you’re sick, don’t come over,” Morada Quintessence Senior Living Community resident, Sandy Rhodes, said.
“If I die, I die, you know? I’m 91. I’ve had my share. So, fear death, but I don’t wish COVID on anyone else either. It’s bad stuff,” Morada Quintessence Senior Living Community resident, Darrell Dykes, said.
In a statement released by UNM Health News:
“The Lovelace Health System, Presbyterian Healthcare Services the UNM Health System and Christus St. Vincent will update COVID-related policy on the mandated use of face masks in clinical settings, in accordance with guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and other public health experts. While New Mexico’s public health order expires on March 31, the four health systems are implementing the masking update on April 16 to ensure that there is additional time to protect team members, patients and their families during the current respiratory illness season.”Play Video
For Patients/Visitors:
- Face masks will be optional in all settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and patient lobby areas, with some exceptions:
- If a patient or visitor has respiratory symptoms, that individual will be asked to use a face mask.
- Face mask requirements may be re-instituted if community transmission rates for COVID-19, RSV, flu, measles or other contagious viruses significantly increase.
For Health Care Workers:
- Staff who want additional protection are supported and encouraged to continue masking.
- Additionally, units with particularly vulnerable populations should continue universal masking.
