NMSU students won’t have to wear masks upon fall return; LCPS students still await decision

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- New Mexico State University students can leave their face masks at home if they're vaccinated by this fall, but Las Cruces Public Schools students are still awaiting guidance.

New Mexico Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase told KOB-TV in Albuquerque that the state of New Mexico is still awaiting guidance from the federal government.

"We're hoping to get additional information for how to plan re-entry to schools from the CDC," Dr. Scrase said. "We need those answers, so I think you're going to see us more align with CDC guidance."

Centennial High School parent Piper Gibson told ABC-7 that she hopes masks won't be required in Las Cruces Public Schools this fall. She said her two teenage soccer players currently struggle to breathe while wearing masks at practice.

“It’s so hot outside," Gibson said. "They’re running miles and miles."

On the NMSU campus this fall, administrators are not requiring masks for students and staff who have been vaccinated.

“We expect this to be a lot more of a conventional fall," said Jon Webster, NMSU's Covid-19 project manager. "We expect to have a lot more student interaction, a lot of student activities and that includes our football season.” 

NMSU Athletic Director Mario Moccia can't wait to host a home football game.

“I think our fans, I know our student athletes, our coaches, our administration are just champing at the bit," Moccia told ABC-7.