COVID-19 rapid self-tests are available for the public to pick up in Ruidoso at the following locations and times. If you are sick or exhibiting COVID symptoms, please do NOT come in and get the tests yourself. Please send someone in your place. Each person can pick up two kits.

On Thursday, February 17, 2022, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced she had lifted the requirement for face coverings to be worn in most indoor spaces, effective immediately. The indoor mask mandate remains in effect for congregate settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and detention facilities.

The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) announced that it is implementing revised federal guidance surrounding isolation and quarantine for COVID-19, effective on Thursday, January 6, 2022.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has extended the current emergency health order requiring masks at all indoor public settings through January 7th.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday signed an executive order expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to all New Mexico adults as part of the state’s strategy to address rising case numbers and hospitalizations, a trend being seen nationwide. The statewide requirement that face masks be worn in all indoor public spaces, with only limited exceptions and regardless of vaccination status, was also extended, effective through at least December 10.

On Friday, October 15, 2021, the statewide requirement that face masks be worn in all indoor public spaces, with only limited exceptions and regardless of vaccination status was extended through at least November 12. The governor, acting upon the counsel and analysis of the state Medical Advisory Team and state health officials, may decide to extend or lift the mask requirement as necessary.

Effective August 20, 2021, the state of New Mexico will temporarily re-implement a statewide requirement that facemasks be worn in all public indoor spaces, with only limited exceptions, and regardless of vaccination status, to stem the state’s rising tide of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

If you need proof of COVID vaccination in the event that you did not receive a card from the pharmacy/clinic you went to, or if you have lost the card given to you when you got vaccinated, here is a link that will give you all of your vaccination records.

As cases continue to climb across the state, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), in close collaboration with other state agencies, public, private and tribal partners, has increased capacity COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Click here to find a Ruidoso testing location. Find vaccines near you at www.vaccineNM.org and get your shot.

In an effort to increase testing and help Lincoln County to cut its positivity rate and permit local businesses to operate under less restrictive public health measures, pop-up testing sites are now available across the county. Check out where to get tested near you and schedule an appointment today. On-site registration will also be available for those without internet access or other difficulties.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday, June 18, 2021, confirmed New Mexico will retire its color-coded, county-by-county system and all COVID-19 health restrictions on commercial and day-to-day activity on July 1, allowing for the thousands of vaccinations administered this week as part of a statewide public health push to take full effect.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Lottery on Tuesday announced New Mexico’s Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes, a statewide vaccination incentive program that will make available $10 million in total prize money to New Mexicans who receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, among other prizes and awards throughout the summer. Drawings will begin mid-June with $1M awarded weekly for five weeks (four $250,000 regional winners) and then, in early August, a statewide $5M grand prize.

Applications are now being accepted for Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) Recovery Grants of up to $100,000 to support New Mexico small businesses that are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.

If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you can resume activities that you did before the pandemic without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, including local business and workplace guidance. If you haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine, find vaccines near you at www.vaccineNM.org and get your shot! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3btJaFU

Registration for the $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will begin Friday, April 30 at 9 a.m. EDT and SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

April 28, 2021: The state has updated its gating criteria - which moves Lincoln County into the TURQUOISE level starting this coming Friday, April 30th. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexico will fully reopen when 60% of New Mexicans are fully vaccinated. The Governor predicts New Mexico will reach this milestone by the end of June.

Ruidoso, New Mexico - April 21, 2021: The New Mexico Department of Health updated the Covid-19 county map today with Lincoln County regressing from low-risk Turquoise level to high-risk Yellow level restrictions in the color-tiered county-by-county COVID-19 risk system.

The State of New Mexico will grant $170M of federal aid to New Mexicans for rental and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The rental assistance and utility assistance program will begin taking applications starting April 5, 2021 thru August 2021. See if you qualify at RentHelpNM.org

SBA Prioritizes Smallest of Small Businesses in the latest Paycheck Protection Program updates that include a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees and allows sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the state of New Mexico published a revised Public Health Order, which permitted the operation of Recreational Facilities, Entertainment Venues, and Casinos for counties that meet the criteria. The Public Health Order also amended the "Red to Green" framework to allow for further eased restrictions on mass gatherings and tourism-related businesses. An updated Department of Health public health order can be found here and is effective Wednesday, Feb. 24.