The New Mexico Department of Health has announced revised testing criteria for COVID-19 announced by Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel.
Because of increased statewide testing capacity, these people may now be considered for testing:
Asymptomatic people who are close contacts or household members of New Mexico residents who have already tested positive for the coronavirus.Asymptomatic residents in nursing homes.Asymptomatic people in congregant settings such as homeless shelters, group homes and detention centers.Symptomatic people displaying the COVID-19 symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath.Previous testing criteria consisted of those symptomatic or a recent out-of-state or -country travel history.
“Studies are suggesting that asymptomatic people may be driving the spread of COVID-19, making it more difficult for containment,” Kunkel said. “If we can keep more asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients at home and not out in public, the more effective we will be at flattening the curve.”
For health-related questions, call (855) 600-3453. For non-health-related questions, call (833) 551-0518 or visit www.newmexico.gov.
