AFT-NM News:

SANTA FE – Citing reduced COVID-19 risk and removing her mask, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced at a news conference this afternoon following the end of the 30-day legislative session, that the state’s mask mandate for indoor public spaces has been lifted.

American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT-NM) President Whitney Holland released the following statement about the governor rescinding the mask mandate:

“Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, in consultation with health experts and educational stakeholders, announced the rescinding of the statewide mask mandate, while still granting individual school districts the ability to maintain masking, should that be the right choice for their students, family, and community.

“Our union has always maintained the best decision making happens at the local level, and this announcement aligns with that belief.

“AFT New Mexico is communicating with our local leadership across New Mexico about this important upcoming local decision, and we encourage each of them to collaborate with their individual districts and all appropriate community stakeholders.

“We see today’s announcement as a sign of progress in our shared fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will continue our efforts to empower our members to make the decisions which are best for themselves, their students, and our communities.”