This week, New Mexico launched the initial phase of the New Mexico Wastewater Surveillance System, a COVID-19 wastewater monitoring program at congregate settings, in the southwest region of New Mexico. This innovative approach led by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and conducted in cooperation with other state agencies and local governments allows for early detection of COVID-19 in congregate facilities and helps prioritize the use of individual-based testing resources (e.g. nasal swab testing). Included in the initial effort are several federal; state; local correctional; and Children, Youth, & Families Department facilities.
“The Environment Department is on the cutting edge of using science and innovation to improve public health outcomes for New Mexicans,” says NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “The pandemic has called for unprecedented levels of collaboration among government agencies, and we appreciate the cooperation of state and local agencies to aid in protecting vulnerable populations during our fight against COVID.”
Learn more about the NMWSS program here.
