All students in New Mexico will be allowed to return to in-person learning by April 5, said the state's Public Education Department Secretary Ryan Stewart.
At a news conference this afternoon, Stewart said in addition, all school staff will be vaccinated within the next three weeks.
The Public Education Department said in an informational sheet to New Mexico residents that they've "spent months developing and implementing the protocols to make our schools safe. Viral transmission and case numbers are down. About 15,000 New Mexico educators — approximately a third of our public-school workforce — have already received at least one shot of the vaccine. We’re offering all educators a first shot by the end of March. And the federal government is doing all it can to help us reopen quickly and safely. It’s time to go back to school!"
"All schools are required to maintain adequate supplies and implement daily cleaning protocols. While we now know that surface transmission is rare and that airborne respiratory droplets drive the spread of COVID-19, students and staff will continue washing hands frequently, and facilities will be thoroughly and regularly cleaned."
The department added that schools must strictly enforce the Covid-safe practices which include, but are not limited to, mask-wearing, handwashing and social distancing.
The New Mexico Department of Health reported at least 126 additional cases of Covid-19 and three deaths on Monday.