COVID-19 Testing Available For New Mexico Utility Workers

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NMED NEWS

Testing slots available from 8 to 11 a.m. every Monday at Department of Health field offices

New Mexico’s utility workers have been hard at work throughout the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring critical infrastructure continues to provide reliable drinking water, electricity and wastewater services throughout the state. As part of an effort to keep this essential workforce safe and healthy, as well as to assist the state in identifying, isolating and tracing new cases, the Department of Health has designated special statewide COVID-19 testing hours for all utility workers.

“We are grateful for our utility workers, who continue their hard and important work throughout this pandemic,” said New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “It is imperative they are able to safely and responsibly do their jobs. To that end, I urge all service providers of electricity, natural gas, drinking water, and wastewater to encourage their employees to get tested for COVID-19. An outbreak at such a utility could have devastating consequences for these critical workforces and impact communities throughout New Mexico.”

“Broadscale testing will ultimately result in more lives saved,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “Even as we reopen, COVID-19 is still out there, and we must continue to be vigilant.”

“I am thankful for our employees who have been working tirelessly to provide reliable electricity to the homes, businesses and first responders who need it the most,” said Pat Vincent-Collawn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of PNM. “With the help of the State of New Mexico, PNM proactively organized several testing centers for our critical employees. Broad testing helps keep our employees safe, and with the added benefit of contact tracing, helps slow the spread of this vicious disease.”

“We wish to thank the Water Authority employees whose dedication and hard work have ensured the continued delivery of safe drinking water and reliable sewer service in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County throughout the pandemic,” said Klarissa Peña, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority Board Chairperson. “In the interest of their health and safety, and that of the public, we are encouraging all our employees to get tested for COVID-19, and very much appreciate efforts by the State of New Mexico to help make that possible.”

“The data provided by testing increases safety in the workplace,” said John Foster, Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Generation. “We are grateful to the State of New Mexico for their leadership on this important initiative.”

Many people who are infected with coronavirus may not experience any symptoms while still having the potential to pass the virus onto others, making largescale testing incredibly important in preventing its spread – and keeping New Mexico on a path toward reopening the economy.

If proactive testing identifies a positive case, the New Mexico Environment Department and Department of Health will contact the employer about the appropriate next steps to take to prevent the spread of the virus, including disinfection and follow-up testing. Proactive testing can minimize disruption to operations.

Testing will be available from 8 to 11 a.m. every Monday, beginning June 15, at the locations listed. Testing is free, but those who have insurance should bring their card with them. Appointments are required and must be scheduled by noon the preceding Friday by calling a local public health office.

Office name Address City ZIP code Scheduling phone number
Midtown PHO 2400 Wellesley Dr. NE Albuquerque 87107 505-841-4106
505-841-4681
Sandoval Co. PHO 1500 Idalia Rd. Bernalillo 87004 505-867-2291
McKinley Co. 410 Bataan Veterans Rd. Gallup 87301 505-722-4391
San Juan PHO 355 S. Miller Rd Farmington 87401 505-327-4461 X9
Valencia Co. PHO 617 Becker Ave. Belen 87002 505-864-7743
Santa Fe PHO 605 Letrado St. Santa Fe 87505 505-476-2600
Espanola PHO 2010 Industrial Pk Rd. Española 87532 505-753-2794
Los Alamos PHO 1183 Diamond Dr, Ste D Los Alamos 87544 505-662-4038
Taos PHO 1400 Weimer Rd. Taos 87571 575-758-4719
Las Vegas PHO 18 Gallegos Rd. Las Vegas 87701 505-425-9368
Santa Rosa PHO 117 Camino de Vida Santa Rosa 88435 575-472-3211
Raton PHO 226 E. 4th Street Raton 87740 575-445-3601
Artesia PHO 1001 Memorial Dr. Artesia 88210 575-746-9819
Carlsbad PHO 1306 W. Stevens Carlsbad 88220 575-885-4191
Clovis PHO 1216 Cameo St. Clovis 88101 575-763-5583
Ft. Sumner PHO 514 Ave. C Ft. Sumner 88119 575-355-3262
Hobbs PHO 1923 N. Dal Paso Hobbs 88240 575-397-2463
Lovington PHO 302 N. 5th St. Lovington 88260 575-396-2853
Portales PHO 1513 W. Fir Portales 88130 575-356-4453
Roswell PHO 200 E. Chisum Roswell 88201 575-624-6050
Ruidoso PHO 111 Kansas City Rd. Ruidoso 88345 575-258-3252
Tucumcari PHO 310 S. 2nd St. Tucumcari 88401 575-461-2610
Las Cruces PHO 1170 N. Solano Las Cruces 88001 575-528-5063
Anthony PHO 865 N. Anthony Drive Anthony 88021 575-882-5858 X4
Sunland Park 3807 McNutt Rd. Sunland Park 88063 575-589-2543 X4
Grant Co PHO 2610 N. Silver Silver City 88061 575-538-5318 X4
Otero Co PHO 1207 8th St. Alamogordo 88310 575-437-9340 X4
Socorro Co PHO 214 Neel Ave. NW Socorro 87801 575-835-0971 X3