New Mexico launches free at-home COVID-19 tests
Christina Rodriguez, KOB 4
Updated: December 22, 2020 10:24 AM
Created: December 22, 2020 09:20 AM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexicans may now order free COVID-19 saliva tests that can be self-administered at home.
State officials announced that New Mexicans can receive a test at home, meet with a testing supervisor through a Zoom call, and then mail the saliva sample back for laboratory processing. Results should be confirmed within 24-48 hours of the receipt of the sample.
According to the governor's office, the breakthrough in testing is a result of a public-private partnership between New Mexico and Vault Health.
“We need more New Mexicans to get tested,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We’ve worked hard every single day this year to make testing fast, easy and accessible to everyone. We ensured, from the very start, that cost would not be an obstacle for New Mexicans needing a COVID-19 test. And right now testing is one of the best ways to get New Mexico from ‘red’ to ‘green.’ We can drive down county positivity rates, help more businesses and workers get safely back on their feet, and keep more New Mexicans healthy. But it all starts with you, and it starts with getting a test. This is a very, very promising development.”
Tests will be free regardless of insurance and then will be sent to a laboratory via prepaid UPS packages.
State officials said all that is required is a form of photo identification, email address and an internet connection. Any photo ID will work, whether it is government-issued or from work or school. If the website asks for a credit card number, close out the browser and try again in an incognito browser.
“When more New Mexicans get tested, we can understand better the scope of viral spread in our state,” said Human Services Secretary David Scrase. “We can fight the virus more effectively when we know where we stand in every community across New Mexico. I hope New Mexicans take advantage of this simple and accessible means of testing – and continue to undertake all COVID-safe behaviors in their day-to-day lives.”
For more information about the test kits,click here.
NOTE: The governor's office said a technical error on the Vault website was erroneously asking for credit card information – this glitch has now been corrected. Vault tests are offered at zero cost for all New Mexicans and do not require credit card information to be entered. If the website asks for your credit card, please close out your browser and try again.