With the ongoing investigation by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and Las Cruces Public Schools of a "secret prom" among students, the Department of Health would like to remind Doña Ana County residents about the importance of COVID-19 testing, with several testing options available.
Asymptomatic spread still occurs. Large gatherings of people increase that risk. Getting tested, even if you don't have symptoms, helps communities monitor for where the virus is, and it allows those who test positive the ability to take protective steps to prevent others from getting sick. COVID-19 positivity rate is still one of the metrics used to measure the spread of the virus and to determine a county's risk/color level -- and this is one way communities have propelled themselves to the Green and Turquoise Levels, by routinely testing.
Those interested in testing are strongly encouraged to pre-register online at https://cvtestreg.nmhealth.org where days, times, and locations are provided.
Also available in the Las Cruces area is Curative testing; those being tested self-swab the inside of their mouths under the supervision of a healthcare worker to ensure the sample is collected correctly. Days, times and locations to make an appointment for Curative testing are available online at https://curative.com/.
In addition, at-home saliva test kits are also available from Vault Medical Services and the State of New Mexico at https://learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/.
All testing is still FREE OF CHARGE to anyone getting the test, and anyone can get tested, whether they have insurance or not. Those with insurance are asked to provide their insurance information.
New Mexico residents can also register for vaccine at vaccineNM.org.