The federal government is sending four (4) free covid rapid tests to each home in the nation. No identification nor proof of residency is required.
Simply go to covidtests.gov (English) or covidtests.gov/es/ (Spanish) to place your free order.
From NMDOH - February 7, 2022:
Mail order free at-home COVID-19 tests for when you need them!
COVIDtests.gov: 4 free tests for every New Mexico household, shipped in 7-12 days.
Accesscovidtest.org: 5 free tests for New Mexico households in zip codes that may have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, shipped in 2-5 days.
Pick up a free at-home COVID-19 test in your community for when you need them!
Approximately 2 million free at-home COVID-19 tests are being distributed in New Mexico communities while supplies last. Visit FindaTestNM.org to find a location near you.
PCR laboratory testing locations for people experiencing symptoms: If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need a test now, you can also find a PCR laboratory test location near you at FindaTestNM.org.
For those without internet access, you can call the NMDOH hotline at 1-855-600-3455 to get assistance.
For more information, visit this link.
The virus behaves according to standard microbiological processes: the virus spreads through exhalations of airborne moisture from the infected to the inhalations of the non-infected. Masks mitigate this to an extent (see LINK); this has been recognized for well over 100 years (including during the Spanish flu pandemic). Incubation periods vary, and a person can be asymptomatic but very contagious, thus unwittingly endangering those with whom one comes in contact if standard precautions are not taken.
Vaccines, while not 100% effective, do appear to offer very significant protection from infection or mitigation of symptoms of the various variants, and all are encouraged to receive them. Vaccination has been highly encouraged by the Holy Father, the USCCB and Archbishop John C. Wester.
FAQs
Q: Where’s the scientific study that says that allowing only the celebrant, lector and cantor to be unmasked makes us safer? Don’t restrict our prayer and singing!
A: It’s based on volume and exposure time—the same reason you won’t get as wet in a sprinkling than you would in a downpour.
Q: If masks worked, we wouldn’t have the current situation.
A: Masks work when used, even if not 100%; otherwise, why would surgeons, nurses, and dentists utilize them in normal times? Also, one could argue that seatbelts don’t work since fatal accidents can occur. The goal is to balance benefit with reasonable risks, aided by medical experts; it’s almost impossible to eliminate all risk and still allow people to live/worship, which is essential to their mental and spiritual health.
School officials also take note of the requirements in the latest health order to ensure compliance.
Restrictions may increase/decrease according to the situation. Perhaps if all cooperate, we can minimize the duration of this surge with the fewest restrictions possible. While many feel that wearing masks and restrictions are an annoyance, annoyance is better than hospitalizations and funerals. Include in your prayers all who have already been infected and are struggling.
Effective Friday, February 18, 2022
Sr. Edna Esquibel, CSSF, has issued the following COVID-19 guidelines for those in Religious Education:
Dear Parish Catechetical Leaders:
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe will follow the amended NM Public Health Order of February 17, 2022, and those requirements listed in the Policies for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in New Mexico from the NM Department of Health and protocols from the New Mexico Environment Department. Since the pandemic has not yet come to an end, there is still unpredictability with regard to future modifications to the public health orders. Every parish should be ready to make changes in accordance with any promulgated health orders in the future. As of now and out of an abundance of caution for the unvaccinated and vulnerable among us, please abide by the following directives:
From this day forward, masks will be optional for all those participating in parish Faith Formation programs. However, the use of masks remains strongly recommended, especially for those over 65, those with medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus, those caring for persons in the previous two categories, and those who are unvaccinated.
As noted previously, please continue with the following:
Maintain social distancing 6' apart (3' is for schools that have had their airflow or purifiers checked and certified);
Provide opportunities for frequent hand washing or have hand sanitizer available;
Notify parents of close contact and possible exposure of their child to any member of your catechetical staff or any child/youth testing positive for COVID-19;
Caution – only speak of positive cases when making notifications and do not mention anyone by name;
Maintain a cleaning schedule prior to children/youth entering the facility, particularly high touch surfaces, and sanitize spaces occupied by COVID-19 infectious individuals;
Ensure safe and correct application of disinfectants and keep them out of reach of children. See CDC guidelines for cleaning facilities: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility | CDC
All catechists who will be providing in-person Faith Formation should be vaccinated against COVID-19. It is recommended that those who cannot or choose not to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus should not participate as an in-person/gathered catechist this year.
All pandemic-related policies and protocols are subject to change as the situation of COVID-19 positive cases changes. Current protocols and any changes will be posted here on the archdiocesan website.
PROTOCOLOS ADICIONALES DE COVID-19
(CUARESMA, UNCIÓN DE LOS ENFERMOS, CONFIRMACIONES, CLASES DE EDUCACIÓN RELIGIOSA
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210910 Religious Education restrictions
210519 Archbishop John C. Wester Promulgates New Liturgical Directives in Response to NM Department of Health’s Latest Public Health Order More> En Español>
210311 2021 Liturgical Directives for Holy Week & Easter Triduum More>
210112 USCCB's Committee on Divine Worship: Distribution of Ashes in Time of Pandemic More>
201203 Addendum to Archdiocese of Santa Fe Liturgical Guidelines More>
201203 Adendum a las Guías Litúrgicas En Español>
201114 Addendum to Archdiocese of Santa Fe Liturgical Guidelines More>
201114 Adendum a las Guías Litúrgicas En Español>
201029 Archbishop Wester's Response to Concerns Regarding Closure of Church Services More>
201029 Respuestas a preocupaciones expresadas sobre cierres temporales de servicios en las iglesias En Español>
201022 Archbishop John C. Wester Updates Church and School COVID-19 Pandemic /Influenza Directives More
201022 Arzobispo John C. Wester actualiza directivas para iglesias y escuelas católicas por la pandemia de COVID-19 y la temporada de la influenza (gripe) En Español>
200515 Reopening Our Churches Phase I Q&A (bilingual) This update was issued to all parishes on Friday, May 15, 2020 Click here
200514 News Release: Archbishop John C. Wester Announces Directives for the Public Celebration of the Eucharist Beginning May 16-17, 2020 More>
200514 Comunicado de Prensa: Arzobispo Wester anuncia las directivas para la celebración pública de la Eucaristía a partir del 16 y 17 de mayo de 2020 En Español>
Please find below the directives for the public celebration of the Eucharist as we cautiously begin to resume normal operations step-by-step beginning this weekend, May 16-17. It is of paramount importance to be reminded that the Church values everyone's safety and well-being. Life is sacred and we are taking every precaution to protect our people from the coronavirus. Archbishop John C. Wester
200514 Directives for the Public Celebration of the Eucharist
200514 Directrices para la celebración pública de la Eucaristía