Judiciary announces crossing 70% mark for vaccination

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Judiciary announced Monday it had crossed the 70% mark for full vaccination of its judges and employees against the COVID-19 virus, and more than 75% have received at least one vaccination.

“A highly vaccinated workforce in our courts reinforces the Judiciary's commitment to protecting the health and safety of all New Mexicans,” said New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil. “The Judiciary was able to keep courthouses open throughout the pandemic and preserve access to justice services by making public health precautions our top priority. Our judges and employees are to be commended for reaching this very important milestone in such a short period of time.”

For the 9th District that covers Curry and Roosevelt counties, the full vaccination percentage is 67.2%.

The state court system has encouraged, but not required vaccinations for employees and judicial officers, and also incentivized the process.

The Chief Justice holds a drawing every month, with five fully vaccinated employees are selected to receive half a day off, which can be taken at their convenience during the remainder of this year. Additionally, the judiciary does not require vaccinated individuals to quarantine following out of state travel.

Fully vaccinated judicial employees and judicial officers no longer must wear masks when they are in their offices but masks and physical distancing are required when they provide customer service face-to-face, are in a courtroom with the public or are in public areas of courthouses.

The courts still require masks in courthouses, and a health screening is still in effect.