Updated public health order in effect; New Mexico adopts CDC no-mask guidance and no social distancing for fully vaccinated individuals
The New Mexico Department of Health on Friday announced the state’s adoption of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance on face masks for those who are fully vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors, nor are they required social distancing. An updated Department of Health public health order, effective Friday, May 14, is attached to this news release.
Per CDC guidance, masks continue to be required to be worn by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, in the following settings:
- Health care settings, including but not limited to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and doctors’ offices
- Correctional facilities
- Homeless shelters
- Public transportation, including but not limited to buses, trains, and planes and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations
As the majority of students remain unvaccinated, the CDC’s guidance for school settings currently remains unchanged. Pending additional guidance from the CDC, masks continue to be required in schools for all students and school staff regardless of vaccination status.
All individuals who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated are still required, per the public health order and CDC guidance, to wear a mask in public settings. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Individuals who do not meet those requirements must continue to wear a mask in public settings. This is an honor system. People will not be required to show proof of vaccination.
New Mexicans are encouraged to continue adhering to COVID-safe practices. All individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated, should continue to wear well-fitted masks where required by localities, tribal entities, and individual businesses. The state fully supports businesses and workplaces that may continue to require masks for employees and/or customers on the premises, regardless of vaccination status.
Mass gathering limits and the statewide framework remain in place. As previously announced by the governor and state officials, New Mexico will graduate from the color-coded county risk system and remove most pandemic-related restrictions on commercial activities when 60% of eligible New Mexicans have been fully vaccinated. As of May 13, 51% of eligible New Mexicans have been fully vaccinated.
Click here For Current Public Health Order The UNMASK orders are under Baseline Directives and can be read on page 13 of the new PHO.
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