Governor extends indoor mask mandate

Governor extends indoor mask mandate

Gov. Lujan Grisham officially extended New Mexico’s indoor mask mandate on Wednesday, continuing it through at least Oct. 15.

The order requires that face coverings be worn in all indoor public spaces statewide, regardless of vaccination status.

“If not for the health of yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your colleagues, then for the continued economic recovery of our state and nation: I urge New Mexicans to get vaccinated, mask up and continue to social distance,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “This virus is a true test of what it means to come together as Americans, and I know that we have the capacity to continue to take on a minor personal sacrifice for one another toward a greater good.” 

The majority of New Mexico’s Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are among those who have not been vaccinated, state health officials said during a Wednesday update.

The state’s seven-day average Covid-19 test positivity rate was 9 percent on Aug. 16, and decreased to 6.5 percent as of Sept. 14. However, total statewide hospitalizations have remained steady, and hospital beds remain in short supply.

While New Mexico remains one of the nation’s leaders in vaccination rates, around 30 percent of eligible New Mexicans are not yet fully vaccinated, according to the governor’s office.


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