Mask requirements relaxed in Las Cruces; city seeks to ‘get creative’ to use extra vaccine doses
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- On Monday afternoon, the Las Cruces City Council voted to extend the mayor's emergency proclamation relaxing face mask requirements for vaccinated people in most parts of the city.
When and where to wear masks:
The mayor's emergency proclamation, which "uses the honor system," allows vaccinated Las Cruces residents to ditch their masks at city facilities. Residents visiting parks can also take off their masks as long as they are in a group of 20 people are fewer.
Under the measure, Las Cruces businesses are allowed to decide whether to require masks inside their stores and restaurants.
The mayor's proclamation, which was issued late Friday, must be extended every two weeks by city council while Las Cruces remains under a state of emergency due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I'm proud of everyone," Mayor Ken Miyagishima told ABC-7. "I know it's been challenging, but we see light at the end of the tunnel."
Below is a breakdown of Las Cruces' current masking rules...
| Place | Rule |
| City buildings | Masks not required for vaccinated people |
| Public parks | Masks not required for vaccinated people in groups of 20 or fewer |
| Las Cruces International Airport | Masks required for all |
| City transit | Masks required for all |
| Businesses | Individual business owner must decide |
Getting 'creative' to use extra vaccine doses
When asked if if he anticipates a surplus of vaccine doses in Las Cruces, the chief of the fire department suggested finding unique ways to get shots into arms.
"They have a shelf-life," said Chief Jason Smith. "We are going to have to find ways of being creative to find people willing to take those vaccinations.”
“I would hate to see any of those vaccines go to waste," said Councilman Gabe Vasquez, who suggested sending unused doses to Juarez. "They are just 35 miles southwest and there would be tremendous opportunity to get those folks vaccinated.”
However, parts of Doña Ana County still lag behind the state's vaccination goal. According to the city, more than 37% of Sunland Park residents are fully vaccinated. More than 39% of Chaparral residents are vaccinated.
In Las Cruces, the vaccination rates are much higher. In the 88005 area code, more than 57 percent of residents are fully vaccinated.
"Considering how closely linked our communities are, (vaccinating Juarez residents) would actually contribute to the regional public health," Vasquez said.
A New Mexico Department of Health spokesman could not confirm if sharing doses is a possibility a this time.
"We are one region," said Miyagishima, who supported the councilor's idea.
