NMSU equips vending machines with masks, hand sanitizer
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- When New Mexico State University students return to campus for the fall semester, they will have access to hand free masks in campus vending machines until the end of August.
"It fits good," said DJ Mathis, a freshman majoring in human nutrition. Originally from Quemado, New Mexico, the student wanted to live on campus in Las Cruces his freshman year. He said he appreciates the free mask.
"I think it protects everybody pretty much from you know, the whole COVID disease going on," Mathis said.
"We’re moving into the final stretch of our preparations," wrote Vice Chancellor Ruth A. Johnston in NMSU's recently-issued Covid-19 Rapid Response Team Report.
The vending machines will also carry hand sanitizer, gloves, safety glasses, disinfectant wipes and other items to keep students healthy during the pandemic, according to the report.
The supplies are funded by the federal CARES Act, according to NMSU. Anyone who wants to use the vending machines must have their student ID.
Beginning September 1st, students will have to pay for the supplies in the vending machines.
All students on campus will be required to wear a mask, according to the university.
"Wearing a mask is pretty important to just everyone around," said Keller Sedillo, a sophomore studying computer science."I know that not all of us have the virus, but it just helps make sure the disease doesn't spread easily around us."
"We have transformed this campus into a campus that can welcome faculty, staff and students back, even throughout this crisis," said NMSU President John Floros in a virtual town hall on August 11th.
About 1500 students are living on campus in residence halls, according to university officials. Students from out-of-state had to arrive early to quarantine before classes.
Click here to view the complete "NMSU Ready" plan.
"We could have done everything online," Floros explained. "If we have to, we're prepared to do that just like we did last March."
