State will soon require workers wear masks

SANTA FE — Employees at all large grocery and retail stores and all restaurants in New Mexico will be required to wear face coverings at work, beginning Wednesday.

In addition, beginning Monday, all essential businesses of any size currently operating under the public health order must also comply with the face-covering requirement.

That's according to Department of Health Secretary Kathyleen Kunkel, who has amended the state public health emergency order clarifying some of the steps businesses must take in order to operate.

"All employers are strongly encouraged to acquire the face coverings for all employees over the next week, in preparation for a potential Phase One reopening in mid-May," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham stated in a news release Tuesday. "Otherwise they may not be able to operate in compliance with state requirements."

The news release said retailers will not be required to provide face coverings for customers but are encouraged to post signage strongly encouraging customers to wear their own masks. Retailers at their own discretion may require customers to wear masks.

The governor last week extended her stay-at home order to May 15, with modifications allowing some limited, additional retail and recreational opportunities. "Further reopening will depend on businesses and individuals doing their part to keep their neighbors safe in order to meet gating criteria," the news release stated.

“If New Mexicans don’t behave safely, we won’t be able to reopen more than we have. Every single one of us has to do their part,” Lujan Grisham said in the release.