New Mexico Encouraging Individuals to Get Tested for COVID-19

COVID-19 testing is free to everyone regardless of insurance status

SANTA FE- The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) would like to encourage all individuals to get tested for COVID-19 if:

• You haveCOVID-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. 

“The rapid emergence of the delta variant in New Mexico, going from 25% to 80% in four weeks, means that many more New Mexicans may be infected in the coming weeks. Testing is that important first step that allows us to identify and isolate cases before the virus can spread to friends, family and others. PLEASE be tested if you meet any of the testing guidelines,” urges Secretary David R. Scrase, MD.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately or schedule a test at one of our facilities around the state. 

Unvaccinated New Mexicans are now more vulnerable than ever as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads. DOH encourages New Mexicans to register and self-schedule their vaccinations at vaccineNM.org to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. 

New Mexicans who are at least 18 years old and who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination may opt in to the state’s Vax 2 the Max sweepstakes atvax2themaxNM.org. To be eligible for the $5 million grand prize, New Mexicans must have completed their vaccination series. The rules and regulations of the sweepstakes are available here.

Between August 2 and August 31, all New Mexicans are also eligible for a $100 incentive for getting vaccinated. New Mexicans must register at vaccineNM.org, though they do not have to schedule their appointments through that system; they can receive their shot at any provider throughout the state.

NMDOH

Matt Bieber, Communications Director | Matt.Bieber@state.nm.us | (505) 470-2290

The Department of Health works to promote health and wellness, improve health outcomes, and deliver services to all New Mexicans. As New Mexico’s largest state agency, DOH offers public health services in all 33 counties and collaborates with 23 Native American tribes, Pueblos and nations.