More than 70% of NM judiciary fully vaccinated

More than 70% of the New Mexico Judiciary’s judges and employees are fully vaccinated to protect against the COVID-19 virus less than two months after the vaccine became widely available to all New Mexico adults.

In the 10th Judicial Circuit that includes Quay, Harding and De Baca counties, that number of judges and personnel vaccinated was 68.4% last week, according to a state spokeswoman.

“A highly vaccinated workforce in our courts reinforces the judiciary's commitment to protecting the health and safety of all New Mexicans,” New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael E. Vigil said. “The judiciary was able to keep courthouses open throughout the pandemic and preserve access to justice services by making public health precautions our top priority. Our judges and employees are to be commended for reaching this very important milestone in such a short period of time.”

As of June 4, fully vaccinated employees and judges as confirmed by their vaccination record cards reached 71%. More than 75% of employees report having received their first shot of the vaccination.

The state court system has encouraged but not required vaccinations for employees and judicial officers.

The judiciary also has offered vaccination incentives. The chief justice holds a drawing every month, and five fully vaccinated employees are selected to receive half-day off that can be taken at their convenience during the remainder of this year.

The New Mexico Supreme Court also has changed COVID-related protocols to allow fully vaccinated judicial employees to travel out-of-state for personal reasons without quarantining upon their return. Previously, a quarantine was required, and that requirement remains in effect for unvaccinated judges and judicial employees who travel outside of New Mexico for personal reasons. Fully vaccinated employees also may travel for work.

Fully vaccinated judicial employees and judicial officers no longer must wear masks when they are in their offices, but masks and physical distancing are required when they provide customer service face-to-face, are in a courtroom with the public or are in public areas of courthouses.

Health and safety protocols proven to minimize the risk of COVID-19 in all courthouses and judicial buildings remain in place.

• Masks and health screening are required for anyone entering a courthouse. Bandanas, masks with valves and gaiters are not permissible face coverings in a courthouse.

• Physical distancing of 6 feet or more is required at all times in public areas.

For the latest information about COVID-19 and the courts, including state Supreme Court orders, public screening questions and information for jurors, please visit the court’s website at http://www.nmcourts.gov/covid-19/.