To help alleviate a dearth of COVID-19 testing availability, New Mexicans will collectively soon have access to over a million at-home tests every two weeks, for free.
The New Mexico Department of Health receives about one million tests bi-weekly, and the tests will be distributed with the help of federal agencies, KRQE reported.
The tests will go first to areas of higher social vulnerability, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) said. That includes zip codes 88001 and 88012 which are in the Las Cruces area, according to MSN. Tests will be provided to other areas as well once the supply increases.
According to KRQE, this is separate from the Biden administration's mail order program for home tests.
“I am committed to doing everything we possibly can to get the resources needed, despite national testing shortages,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement. “I have directed the Department of Health to procure 1 million rapid tests every two weeks to ensure that every New Mexican has access to this critical tool in our fight against COVID-19.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Guard are distributing home test to emergency managers, KRQE reported.