COVID-19 testing available for New Mexico utility workers

by Mescalero Apache Tribe | June 15, 2020 9:32 am

Testing slots available from 8 to 11 a.m. every Monday at Dept. 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 nameAddressCityZIP codeScheduling phone number
Midtown PHO2400 Wellesley Dr. NEAlbuquerque87107505-841-4106
505-841-4681
Sandoval Co. PHO1500 Idalia Rd.Bernalillo87004505-867-2291
McKinley Co.410 Bataan Veterans Rd.Gallup87301505-722-4391
San Juan PHO355 S. Miller RdFarmington87401505-327-4461 X9
Valencia Co. PHO617 Becker Ave.Belen87002505-864-7743
Santa Fe PHO605 Letrado St.Santa Fe87505505-476-2600
Espanola PHO2010 Industrial Pk Rd.Española87532505-753-2794
Los Alamos PHO1183 Diamond Dr, Ste DLos Alamos87544505-662-4038
Taos PHO1400 Weimer Rd.Taos87571575-758-4719
Las Vegas PHO18 Gallegos Rd.Las Vegas87701505-425-9368
Santa Rosa PHO117 Camino de VidaSanta Rosa88435575-472-3211
Raton PHO226 E. 4th StreetRaton87740575-445-3601
Artesia PHO1001 Memorial Dr.Artesia88210575-746-9819
Carlsbad PHO1306 W. StevensCarlsbad88220575-885-4191
Clovis PHO1216 Cameo St.Clovis88101575-763-5583
Ft. Sumner PHO514 Ave. CFt. Sumner88119575-355-3262
Hobbs PHO1923 N. Dal PasoHobbs88240575-397-2463
Lovington PHO302 N. 5th St.Lovington88260575-396-2853
Portales PHO1513 W. FirPortales88130575-356-4453
Roswell PHO200 E. ChisumRoswell88201575-624-6050
Ruidoso PHO111 Kansas City Rd.Ruidoso88345575-258-3252
Tucumcari PHO310 S. 2nd St.Tucumcari88401575-461-2610
Las Cruces PHO1170 N. SolanoLas Cruces88001575-528-5063
Anthony PHO865 N. Anthony DriveAnthony88021575-882-5858 X4
Sunland Park3807 McNutt Rd.Sunland Park88063575-589-2543 X4
Grant Co PHO2610 N. SilverSilver City88061575-538-5318 X4
Otero Co PHO1207 8th St.Alamogordo88310575-437-9340 X4
Socorro Co PHO214 Neel Ave. NWSocorro87801575-835-0971 X3

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