NMSU to now require Covid-19 vaccinations for students & staff

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico — New Mexico State University is following in the footsteps of some other universities around the country and requiring that all students and staff be vaccinated against Covid-19 or undergo weekly tests.

NMSU announced Friday that all students would need to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 30 or agree to weekly testing for Covid-19.

A similar mandate for university employees was previously announced earlier this week.

“The pandemic is not over. The Delta variant is spreading rapidly in New Mexico and it will continue to evolve. In order to provide an in-person educational environment, we must follow the science, which clearly shows that vaccines are safe and our best defense against severe and life-altering infections of Covid-19. This is our best way to remain open and provide you with the best education possible,” NMSU Chancellor Dan Arvizu said in a statement on Friday.

NMSU has also said it will require masks to be worn indoors on its campuses at all times, regardless of vaccination status or social distancing.