Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
New Mexico residents now may order free, at-home and self-administered COVID-19 saliva tests that will have accurate laboratory-confirmed results returned within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is received.
The tests are available to New Mexicans regardless of their exposure risk.
Any resident with access to the online video-conferencing Zoom platform can receive a test at home, self-administer the test with a virtual testing supervisor through a secure video link and mail it back for laboratory processing, all free of charge.
The new option in testing came as a result of a public-private partnership between the state and Vault Health. To order a test, and for more information, go to learn.vaulthealth.com/nm/.
“We need more New Mexicans to get tested,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “And right now, testing is one of the best ways to get New Mexico from ‘red’ to ‘green.’ We can drive down county positivity rates, help more businesses and workers get safely back on their feet, and keep more New Mexicans healthy.”
“Testing is an absolutely essential tool in our fight against the virus,” said Health Secretary-designate Dr. Tracie C. Collins. “When we know who’s positive, we can isolate the virus and cut down on transmission.”
Only a photo identification, email address and an internet connection are required to request the at-home test.
Those requesting a test will be required to share basic identifying information, such as a date of birth, phone number and name. They will be asked for insurance information, but the testing will come with no cost. The test will be sent free of charge even if a requester does not have insurance.
The test will be sent via expedited shipping. Once the test is received, the individual must log onto the Vault virtual waiting room via Zoom to connect with a testing supervisor while self-administering the saliva sample.
The test then will be sent for laboratory verification via a prepaid UPS package. Within 24 to 48 hours after arriving at the lab, results will be available.
New Mexico Human Services Secretary David Scrase said with the new saliva test, he hoped to raise the average number of tests to 20,000 a day in the next three weeks. Current levels are about 14,000 a day.
Free, in-person testing also remains available at dozens of sites across the state each day. To find a testing location, go to togethernm.org.