The State of New Mexico on Aug. 17 issued a public health order requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption for the New Mexico State Fair that is set to begin on Sept. 9, according to a press release from the Governor's Office.

The State Fair policy was announced not long after the state announced the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for specific medical and high-risk settings like hospitals and nursing homes, the press release reports.

"All persons who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the grounds of the state fair," the press release said. "The policy is intended to ensure the safety of fair-goers, including and particularly children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, as the 'Delta' variant of the virus spreads rapidly among unvaccinated New Mexicans and contributes to spiking COVID-19 hospitalizations."

Some other vaccine exemptions in terms of the state fair are medical, disability or religious reasons, and after proving a legitimate exemption those individuals must also provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours prior to entering the fair, according to the release.

Those who are eligible for exemptions to the new policies and mandate set by the governor can be found here.