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To have your news considered for posting on NMTourism.org and included in an upcoming Tourism Talk please email a  press release and photo to [email protected].

Public health advisory: Testing and travel guidelines for New Mexico

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Health are sharing the below information for the public concerning travel and COVID-19 testing.  Please share this information widely.

COVID-19 TESTING

• ​​ It is  essential that New Mexico maintains sufficient amounts of medical supplies , including personal protective equipment for health care staff and COVID-19 test kit materials.
• It is critical that all New Mexicans know that  those without symptoms of COVID-19 infection  – those symptoms being fever, cough, or shortness of breath and/or muscle cramping –  do not need testing for COVID-19 .  We are currently in allergy season, and having allergy symptoms such as sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose or throat is not an indication for testing.
• As we work to increase the state’s capacity for COVID-19 testing, the test needs to be prioritized for those with symptoms of COVID-19 infection: fever, cough or shortness of breath. Please trust New Mexico’s valued medical professionals who are working so hard to protect and treat the New Mexico public and  only get tested if you are currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms .
• ​Workplaces should not mandate that employees get tested for COVID-19 UNLESS employees are displaying symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

ENTERING MEDICAL FACILITIES

• ​It is critical that those who  DO  have symptoms of COVID-19 do  NOT  enter medical facilities without first contacting them, especially emergency departments. 
• ​There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and most cases will resolve on their own. In fact, 80% of cases are mild.  Unless you have serious, emergent symptoms, you should not enter emergency departments . Entering medical facilities unnecessarily puts others at risk, increasing the potential to both infect others in the facility who would be more susceptible and reduce the facility’s ability to care for other patients.
• ​Reasons to seek emergency attention with COVID-19 are no different than reasons for going to an emergency department for other medical conditions: if you are having trouble breathing or significant shortness of breath, please seek medical attention.

TRAVELERS: SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS

• ​In order to mitigate the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, the New Mexico Department of Health asks  all persons traveling into New Mexico from outside the state  to  self-isolate for 14 days and monitor themselves for any symptoms .  If the individual has or develops any respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) or fever, they need to call 855-600-3453 and press option 2.

Please find a PDF of the above guidelines attached to this email for ease of sharing. It can also be found  here​ .

Tourism Talk

Visit Albuquerque prohibits users from downloading images from our website.

Please note, this webpage is currently under development as a resource for Albuquerque news related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. We are working to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information as possible, including information on business closures and changes in service.

Albuquerque is Open!

All occupancy restrictions in new mexico have been lifted.

All occupancy restrictions in the state of New Mexico have been lifted, and all businesses in the state may operate at 100% capacity. 

Effective February 17, 2022, the state of New Mexico does not have a mask mandate in place. 

There are a few places where a mask mandate still stands including hospitals; assisted living facilities; adult day cares; hospice facilities; rehabilitation facilities; state correctional facilities; juvenile justice facilities; residential treatment centers; the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home; and community homes, except for eating and drinking.

Any privately-owned businesses are allowed to set their own rules regarding face coverings. 

The health and safety of our city’s residents and visitors is Visit Albuquerque’s highest priority. Travelers are encouraged to always exercise healthy travel habits and to follow guidance issued by official sources of public health information.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) at (505) 827-0006 . Please visit the New Mexico Department of Health COVID-19 website for details on indications and symptoms: http://cv.nmhealth.org/ .

For additional information and resources, call the NMDOH Coronavirus Hotline at 855-600-3453.

New Mexico Public Health & Albuquerque COVID-19 Updates

New Mexico has lifted all occupancy restrictions and is fully reopened.

• See the most recent Public Health Order here . 

While there is no state-wide mask mandate in place , there are a few places where the mask mandate still stands, health orders state.Those institutions include hospitals; assisted living facilities; adult day cares; hospice facilities; rehabilitation facilities; state correctional facilities; juvenile justice facilities; residential treatment centers; the New Mexico State Veterans’ Home; and community homes, except for eating and drinking. Any privately-owned businesses are allowed to set their own rules regarding face coverings. School districts are also announcing their own policies.

Limitations on mass gatherings are no longer in place.

Businesses, large events and organizations may operate at 100% of maximum capacity, whether indoor or outdoor. 

Businesses may continue to require masks for employees, customers or visitors on the premises, regardless of vaccination status, at their discretion. Businesses also may require additional precautions for employees or customers at their discretion.

Large special event permitting is now being approved. 

• The KiMo Theater and South Broadway Community Center and Theater are currently undergoing renovations and will open when complete.  

Interested in planning a visit to Albuquerque? Connect with us on social media , and sign up for our eNewsletters . 

Plan your next visit to Albuquerque 

Ready to experience the beauty and vibrancy of Albuquerque? Check out the helpful resources below to help you get started on planning your trip!

• Learn more about  things to do in ABQ
• Discover New Mexico's unique cuisine
• Check out some pre-planned itineraries 
• Get inspired by our team of locals on our ABQ365 Blog
• Find an event on our ABQ365 Events Calendar 

How to be a good guest in Albuquerque

As Albuquerque safely reopens, it's important to remember that a few things may have changed since the last time you visited. We are all eager to get back out into the world, but having an idea of what to expect when you go out can ease a lot of potential uncertainties. Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy the city while working together to keep our beloved local businesses open.

Click here , or on the image below for some helpful tips for your next visit to Albuquerque. 

Quarantine required: New Mexico travel restrictions in effect

by Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

SANTA FE, NM (KFOX14/CBS4) — The state of New Mexico is under a mandatory health advisory issued by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Anyone crossing a border into the state must follow the New Mexico public health travel restrictions until further notice.

Be aware: Businesses and law enforcement agencies are strictly enforcing the following restrictions for in and out of state travelers.

Frequently asked questions and answers:

Are the borders closed in New Mexico?

No. The surrounding borders are not closed. State roads remain open.

Will travelers with out of state plates be stopped by law enforcement or turned away at the borders?

No. Unless law enforcement has reason to believe you are breaking the law or not adhering to the health advisory, you will not be stopped or forced to leave the state.

Does everyone in New Mexico have to wear a mask?

Yes. Mask-wearing is mandatory in public for all individuals over the age of two, except when eating, drinking or exercising.

Is there a punishment if I choose not to wear a mask?

Yes. If caught without a mask in public, you are subject to a $100 fine.

What if I live in New Mexico and I want to travel out of state? Do I have to self-quarantine when I return?

The mandatory health advisory is very clear. If you cross over the borders of New Mexico, you must self-quarantine for 14 days when you return home.

Are there any exceptions to the quarantine order?

Yes. Persons who are employed or contracted by an essential business traveling into the state to conduct business activities, persons employed by airlines, those performing public safety or public health functions, military personnel, federal employees, those employed by a federal agency or national defense contractor, emergency first responders, health care workers, those arriving in the state pursuant to a court order do not have to quarantine for 14 days or for the duration of their time in the state, whichever is shorter, though all should follow COVID-safe best practices: Wear a face-covering in public and keep physical distance from others and limit travel outside of the home or place of lodging to only the essentials.

What if I take my family camping in a different state and we spend our time outdoors, away from other people, adhering to social distancing? Do we all have to self-quarantine when we return?

Yes. Even if you spend time outdoors, wearing masks and social distancing in another state, you must self-quarantine when you return to New Mexico for 14 days.

Do out of state visitors have to self-quarantine even if they own a home in New Mexico?

Yes. If visitors or part-time residents plan to stay in New Mexico longer than two weeks for any reason, you must self-quarantine for the first 14 days when coming in from another state.

If you are staying in New Mexico for fewer than two weeks, you also must self-quarantine for the duration of your stay or up to 14 days, whichever is shorter. (For example, if you plan to stay at a hotel for two nights before leaving the state, you must self-quarantine for the duration of your stay.)

Does that apply to people in RV’s as well?

Yes. Travelers must self-quarantine wherever they are staying.

What if travelers are simply passing through New Mexico to get to another destination in a different state?

This is not a time to shop for souvenirs, visit state parks or sightsee. Please recognize that if you are traveling amid a global pandemic you are bringing the risk of a highly contagious and lethal virus with you and taking it with you as you go. You must wear a face-covering if you are in public while in the state. Please limit your activities to only the essentials.

What if I’m a trucker and have to make deliveries in New Mexico?

Most trucking services fall under the logistical transporting functions incorporated in the essential businesses of the state’s operative emergency public health order and are exempt from the quarantine requirement. But all visitors in the state are still required to wear face-coverings and follow COVID-safe best practices.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 in our area and around the world, head to our coronavirus section.

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• Student Support
• StudentInfo

Student Health and Counseling

Travel health.

SHAC Travel Health services are by appointment only.  Appointments are approximately one hour and are in high demand during peak travel seasons (prior to Spring Break, Winter Break, and the Summer Session). 

Eligibility

International Travel Immunizations and Consultations are available to all UNM students, staff and faculty.  We recommend that you plan on booking your travel appointment at least 4-6 weeks prior to your planned departure.

Our comprehensive travel consultations include:

• A printed report specific to your travel destination that contains information on any travel advisories and other relevant country-specific information (e.g., high altitude preparation, disease outbreaks, civil disturbances, etc);
• Immunization record review and immunizations;
• Prescriptions for anti-malarial medication and treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea.

Travel Appointments & Information

Please call (505) 277-3136 for an appointment. A receptionist will collect information on your destination and date of departure, and a nurse will call you back to schedule your travel appointment.

For information, please call (505) 277-7925 to speak with an Allergy & Immunization/Travel Nurse.

Travel Consultation Visit Fee

• UNM Faculty / Staff = $50 -- regardless of travel purpose (UNM-sponsored trip or not). Payment will be due at the time of service. SHAC cannot file for insurance for non-students for the Travel Consultation Visit Fee OR for immunization costs. Non-students can submit a receipt to their insurance carrier for reimbursement.
• UNM Students: Travel appointments are $15. Insurance pays for most vaccines, but not all. For those without insurance; or insurance we don’t take; or vaccines not covered by your insurance; a self-pay rate will apply.

Immunization Costs

• Costs vary and are not included in the consultation fee.  Costs for UNM students are dependent upon their medical and prescription insurance. For information, call the Allergy & Immunization/ Travel Clinic at (505) 277-7925.

Please note: Appointments for travel-related illness or travel physicals should be made with your primary care or SHAC provider. The Travel Clinic sees patients specifically to discuss pre-travel topics such as immunizations, prophylactic medications, and other health-related concerns related to the planned trip. No physicals are provided at the visit.

Immunization Clinic Appointment Hours

• "SHAC Health Portal"  (to access Pre-Travel Questionnaire)
• SHAC Pre-Travel Questionnaire for Faculty/Staff Without a UNM Net ID
• UNM Global Education Office
• Centers for Disease Control - Travel Health

TRAVEL NEWS  

Measles - cdc advisory video.

Since measles is still common in many countries, unvaccinated travelers bring measles to the U.S. and it can spread. Protect yourself, your family, and your community with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, especially before traveling internationally. For more information, watch the YouTube Video below:

Additional Travel News

• Travel Health Notices 
• COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination
• Health Information for Travelers to Brazil
• Zika Risk Areas and Travel Information
• Zika and Pregnancy

Travel Orientations/Discussions

SHAC health staff can provide a general travel orientation and discussion for your UNM class or group. Contact SHAC at [email protected] to schedule an orientation.

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• Health and International Travel

It is recommended that faculty and staff preparing to travel abroad make an appointment at the Campus Health Center to seek medical advice pertaining to the traveler’s destination. Some vaccinations are a part of a series which require completion for full immunity. A six week travel lead time is recommended.  Visit the  Campus Health Center’s web page about international travel preparation  for more details.

It is recommended that travelers visit the  Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health website  to learn more about the country you are traveling to.  If there is a notice, please provide this information at the time of submitting your international travel authorization to the Office of International and Border Programs.

Health Insurance Required of all International Travelers –  visit this page for more details.

International Travel

• Supplemental International Travel Insurance
• Export Compliance Guide

Public health advisory: Testing and travel guidelines for New Mexico

Mar 18, 2020 | Press Room

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Department of Health are sharing the below information for the public concerning travel and COVID-19 testing. Please share this information widely.

COVID-19 TESTING

• ​​ It is essential that New Mexico maintains sufficient amounts of medical supplies , including personal protective equipment for health care staff and COVID-19 test kit materials.
• It is critical that all New Mexicans know that those without symptoms of COVID-19 infection – those symptoms being fever, cough, or shortness of breath and/or muscle cramping – do not need testing for COVID-19 . We are currently in allergy season, and having allergy symptoms such as sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose or throat is not an indication for testing.
• As we work to increase the state’s capacity for COVID-19 testing, the test needs to be prioritized for those with symptoms of COVID-19 infection: fever, cough or shortness of breath. Please trust New Mexico’s valued medical professionals who are working so hard to protect and treat the New Mexico public and only get tested if you are currently exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms .
• Workplaces should not mandate that employees get tested for COVID-19 UNLESS employees are displaying symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

ENTERING MEDICAL FACILITIES

• ​It is critical that those who DO have symptoms of COVID-19 do NOT enter medical facilities without first contacting them, especially emergency departments.
• There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and most cases will resolve on their own. In fact, 80% of cases are mild. Unless you have serious, emergent symptoms, you should not enter emergency departments. Entering medical facilities unnecessarily puts others at risk, increasing the potential to both infect others in the facility who would be more susceptible and reduce the facility’s ability to care for other patients.
• ​Reasons to seek emergency attention with COVID-19 are no different than reasons for going to an emergency department for other medical conditions: if you are having trouble breathing or significant shortness of breath, please seek medical attention.

TRAVELERS: SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS

• ​In order to mitigate the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, the New Mexico Department of Health asks all persons traveling into New Mexico from outside the state to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor themselves for any symptoms. If the individual has or develops any respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) or fever, they need to call 855-600-3453 and press option 2.

Please find a PDF of the above guidelines attached to this email for ease of sharing. It can also be found here ​.

Recent Posts

• Department of Health to phase out daily COVID-19 Epidemiology Report
• NM Notify, New Mexico’s COVID Exposure Alert system, to shut down on May 11
• Additional COVID-19 booster available for high-risk people
• Department of Health moves into new phase of COVID-19 response
• New Mexico COVID-19 public health order ends March 31