Face masks required indoors, recommended outdoor for events in New Mexico schools
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14) — Officials with Las Cruces Public Schools said Tuesday that face masks will be required at all indoor events but will be recommended for outdoor events at schools in New Mexico.
There are also new face mask criteria and a provision that visitors wear a mask at all times during indoor school-sponsored events, like board meetings.
Previous guidance allowed for masks to be removed temporarily while speaking at a podium providing a safe social distance was observed.
Face masks are required indoors despite vaccination status.
According to the governor’s office, they will once again use the color-coded designation of counties to determine when mask requirements could be relaxed.
Tuesday, Doña Ana County was designated red, meaning the COVID-19 virus was at a high risk of transmission.
Updated face mask criteria include requirements that masks must cover the mouth and nose and fit snugly against the sides of the face in order to contain respiratory droplets. The types of allowable face masks include:
- Face masks made of two or more layers of cloth
- Face mask with a clear plastic window
- Surgical, procedural, N95 or KN95 face masks that are approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by staff performing medical duties or similar close contact assignments.
The following face coverings are not substitutes for face masks:
- Masks that have exhalation valves or vents
- Bandanas
- Scarves
- Neck gaiters (also known as neck fleece)
- Face shields
Visitors to any LCPS building will be expected to comply with mask guidance, and masks will be provided to anyone who does not have one.
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