Based on community levels of COVID-19, which measures the overall impact of the virus in hospitalizations and healthcare systems strain, New Mexico鈥檚 map is pretty green 鈥� indicating low levels. That鈥檚 based on the latest from the CDC. But when you look at transmission levels of COVID, measuring the presence and spread of the virus, the map is very red. This latest data comes as we head into a holiday weekend and as the federal government stops supplying free COVID tests.
According to the updated message on , the website and phone number to order tests, 鈥淓ffective September 2, 2022, ordering free standard at-home COVID19 Rapid Tests has been suspended.鈥�
With school in full swing, , the federal website providing free COVID-19 tests, was suspended on Friday. blames Congress for not providing additional funding to replenish the nation鈥檚 stockpile.
But state officials have relied heavily on home testing to manage the pandemic. Acting Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase said as much at the on COVID a month ago.
"We have the tools we need," Scrase said. "We have readily accessible testing, even at home."
Meanwhile, the free at-home testing program DOH supports, is still in place as long as supplies last. It鈥檚 a joint effort from The Rockefeller Foundation, state health departments, CareEvolution, iHealth Labs, and Amazon, and distributes tests based on zip codes in eight states, including New Mexico.
In August, the CDC on testing for exposed students, citing concerns about the cost of maintaining test programs should Congress not authorize the funding. DOH are boosted and up to date on their vaccinations.
Eighteen deaths from the virus were reported on Sept. 1 and New Mexico loses . New Mexico now claims the all time, nationally. While in New Mexico since the end of July, they are still . DOH says are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Health officials recommend N95 masks should be worn indoors, in public settings, in counties with high COVID levels. Those who still need boosters can register at . 91暗网.org also has an updated list of COVID-19 resources.
Monkeypox and long COVID continue to raise concerns. There are now almost 19,000 cases of monkeypox nationally with and experience a Long COVID condition.
