New Mexico says its doing away COVID-19 PCR test sites, but community health advocates are pushing state to keep them


A Curative COVID-19 Testing trailer sits unused in the parking lot of Doña Ana County Community College on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

This story was first published by Source New Mexico.

New Mexico is preparing to no longer provide easily available, community-wide, free diagnostic testing for COVID, worrying community health advocates that it could affect New Mexicans’ ability to get treatment.

KUNM reports Curative PCR test sites around the state and the country will close by the end of December, ending reliable access to fast and accurate test results and treatment options.

Six days later, state officials announced on Thursday “the state will only provide free, at-home testing going forward,” and will work with local governments to hand out 1 million free at-home tests from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Free PCR testing going away means many New Mexicans having to resort to using free at-home tests and will delay care simply waiting. They’re waiting to get an accurate result, waiting to get a prescription, and then waiting to get that prescription filled.



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