As new requirements get underway, Department reminds New Mexicans about testing options – and encourages at-home testing wherever possible
SANTA FE – On Friday, the New Mexico Department of Health reminded New Mexicans of options to get tested for COVID-19. The guidance is intended to support New Mexicans as case counts rise across the state – and as vaccinate-or-test requirements are implemented for state employees, teachers, and workers in congregate settings.
For New Mexicans who are able to do so, the Department encourages the use of Vault at-home tests for surveillance testing: https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/. New Mexicans can order tests to be delivered to their home at no cost. To be able to use the Vault tests, a person needs access to the internet, an email address, and a photo ID.
New Mexicans can also access COVID testing at Curative sites, which can be located through the NMDOH website: https://findatestnm.org/. The NMDOH urges New Mexicans to avoid going to health clinics, hospitals, or urgent care for surveillance testing – unless you are symptomatic and have been exposed to COVID-19.
Best practices to stem the spread of COVID remain in place, including masking, hand-washing, and physical distancing. Masks are required in public, indoor settings. In addition, DOH encourages New Mexicans to wear a mask when in public around others; if you are sick, please stay home.
The DOH would like to encourage all individuals to get tested for COVID-19 if:
- You have COVID-19 symptoms including cough, fever, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and/or loss of taste or smell.
- You don’t have symptoms but were in close contact or are a household member of someone who has tested positive and are in their infectious period. This is recommended regardless of vaccination status.
- You don’t have symptoms, but you are unvaccinated and live or work in a high-risk congregate setting such as long-term care facilities, detention centers, and correctional facilities.
- You are a patient scheduled for surgery or hospital admission, even if you’re fully vaccinated. Some medical facilities may require testing prior to surgery or admission.