City of Albuquerque Coronavirus FAQs

The City of Albuquerque is undertaking interdepartmental planning and coordinating with health agencies, hospitals and others to monitor and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Multi-Layer Cloth Face Coverings Required

Multi-layer cloth face coverings are required in public unless you are eating, drinking, or swimming. Exceptions to this order are individuals with medical exemptions issued by their doctor and children under the age of 2 years old.

COVID-19 Information

About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person. While most cases of illness are mild, health experts are concerned because this virus is fast spreading and has the potential to cause severe illness and death in some people.

What Should You Do

Call the NM Department of Health at (855) 600-3453 right away if you are experiencing these symptoms:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath of difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell

Non-Health & Social Services Related Information

For questions regarding the coronavirus that are non-health related and information on family support services, please call (833) 551-0518.

Mental Health Support

The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line is here to support individuals and communities during this time. Counselors are available and here to hear you 24/7 at (855) 662-7474. Learn more.

What are the symptoms?

People with COVID-19 report a wide range of symptoms including, fever, cough, trouble breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

How severe is coronavirus?

Most cases of coronavirus illness are mild and do not require hospital care. A small percentage of people get severely ill with lung and breathing problems, like pneumonia. Older adults and persons with underlying medical conditions are at highest risk.

How does it spread?

Currently, the virus is thought to spread:

Through respiratory droplets when an ill person coughs or sneezes
Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching you mouth, nose, or eyes
Close contact with ill persons (within about 6 feet)

What can I do to keep from getting sick?

Everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of illness, especially to protect people who are most at risk. Taking these steps will also prevent the spread of flu and the common cold:

Wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Wear a multi-layer cloth face covering or mask when out in public
Stay home if you are sick
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces or objects (for example, counters, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, bed side tables) using regular household cleaning spray or wipes

If you are traveling, follow the CDC’s guidance.

Should I wear a mask?

Effective May 16, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham requires all New Mexicans to wear a face covering in public spaces, with exceptions for eating and drinking, and children under the age of 2. Effective July 13, face coverings are required while exercising to include indoor and outdoor exercise.

Cloth face coverings can be made out of household items and are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. N-95s and surgical masks must be reserved for medical personnel only. Cloth face coverings are intended to minimize the spread of the virus from people who don’t show symptoms of the virus, transmitting it to others. Remember, face coverings should be used in addition to washing your hands and staying home.

The CDC has released this video on how to make your own face covering.

Employees preparing foods or handling ready to eat foods must wear gloves and a mask. Food workers must wash hands and change gloves often.

I recently traveled to an area experiencing a large outbreak of coronavirus and now have cough, fever, or shortness of breath. What should I do?

Search for a COVID-19 testing location and take the following precautions until you are confirmed negative for the virus:

Other than seeking medical care, stay home and avoid contact with other people.
Avoid further travel until your illness resolves.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

The NM Department of Health has specific travel and self-isolation recommendations.

Current information on coronavirus cases in the US is available at the CDC’s COVID-19 webpage.

Are City events cancelled?

View up to date information on City events, offices, programs, and services.

Is the City sanitizing buses?

Yes! The City’s Transit Department routinely cleans and sanitizes our City buses. They are adding extra cleaning procedures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Is the City sanitizing public facilities?

Yes! All public facilities are also adding extra cleaning measures to their daily cleaning schedules. In the coming weeks, you may notice signs placed on facility doors. We strongly encourage any citizen to reconsider the use of a public facility if:

You have symptoms of cough or fever
If you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19

No public facility access is allowed if you have traveled outside of NM in the last 14 days.

Following these steps will ensure that we are protecting our seniors and vulnerable community members during this outbreak.

Is there assistance for seniors and disabled individuals who can’t get groceries?

If you are a senior or disabled adult and cannot access groceries, please call the NM Aging and Long Term Services at (800) 432-2080 for assistance. You will be asked to leave your name, telephone, and City of residence. An operator will return your call within 2 hours or less.

What is the best way to talk to young kids about coronavirus?

Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand. Keep it simple and appropriate for each child’s age.

Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset.
Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
Stay connected with friends and family members via telephone or video.
Encourage kids to wash their hands often. Make up a silly song to sing or post signs in the bathroom to remind them to wash their hands.

Learn more about helping children cope with emergencies.

Can I mandate that my employees get tested for COVID-19 before reporting to work?

Workplaces should not mandate that employees get tested for COVID-19 UNLESS employees are displaying symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

How can I report businesses that are not in compliance with the public health order?

To report a business that is not in compliance of the health order, email [email protected], call 242-COPS, or report the business online.

Discrimination & Stigma

Discrimination is against the law and can be reported to the City of Albuquerque Office of Civil Rights. Stigma, xenophobia, and misinformation will drive suspected cases underground and make it harder to keep everyone healthy. Coronavirus (COVID-19) does not discriminate, and neither should we. It is important to remember that people – including those of Asian descent – who do not live in or have not recently been in an area of ongoing spread of the virus that causes Coronavirus (COVID-19), or have not been in contact with a person who is a confirmed or suspected case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are not at greater risk of spreading Coronavirus (COVID-19) than other Americans. Wearing a mask does not mean a person is ill. Speak up if you hear, see, or read misinformation or harassment. Show compassion and support for those impacted by stigma.

Report Discrimination

The City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico accept reports of discrimination through the organizations listed below.

City of Albuquerque Office Civil Rights

The Office of Civil Rights protects the community by prohibiting discrimination in areas of housing, public accommodation, and employment, providing a mechanism for recourse, and providing education to the community. The Office of Civil Rights provides for resolution of discrimination complaints, community outreach, technical assistance, and a broad range of other human rights related activities.

The New Mexico Human Rights Bureau

The Human Rights Bureau is a neutral agency created to enforce the New Mexico Human Rights Act. The Bureau accepts and investigates claims of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex, age, physical and mental handicap, serious medical condition, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, and gender identity in the areas of employment, housing, credit or public accommodation.

Stay Informed

The New Mexico Department of Health is the lead agency for the statewide Coronavirus response. Community members are encouraged to visit https://cv.nmhealth.org and follow the NM DOH on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for the latest information.

Resources

New Mexico Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For more information about handwashing, visit the CDC’s Handwashing website.
Are you traveling soon? CDC has specific guidance for travelers.
Information on Cleaning and Disinfecting for COVID-19