New Mexico updates public health order following CDC changes

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico’s emergency public well being order was streamlined Friday, with state well being officers saying the modifications have been so as given the evolution of the virus, the altering nature of the pandemic and new suggestions adopted by the federal authorities.

The transfer comes after the nation’s high public well being company relaxed its COVID-19 tips and dropped the advice that People quarantine themselves if they arrive into shut contact with an contaminated individual. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention additionally stated individuals not want to remain a minimum of 6 ft away from others.

Well being and Human Providers Secretary Dr. David Scrase stated it’s clear by the CDC’s adoption of much less restrictive measures that the U.S. — New Mexico included — is in a distinct place than two years in the past.

“Over the previous eight months, we have now excelled in implementing the instruments to reduce the unfold of COVID-19 resembling vaccines, boosters, dwelling testing and oral therapies which have helped scale back hospitalizations and deaths,” Scrase stated in a press release.

Among the many modifications for New Mexico, state officers say the Well being Division will not require weekly testing for healthcare employees whose vaccine standing just isn’t updated.

Workers and volunteers working in state correctional services nonetheless shall be required to be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19, until they qualify for an exemption. Hospitals, nursing properties and different services additionally have been suggested to guage CDC neighborhood transmission ranges of their areas and undertake extra stringent precautions, if wanted.

New Mexico’s order shall be in impact till Aug. 26.