Following a conference call today with the New Mexico Public Education Department, the Artesia Public Schools have issued a statement regarding its current course of action regarding COVID-19 and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s declared state of emergency.
The Artesia Public Schools continue to have the utmost concern for the safety of our students, staff, and families. The Public Health Emergency Order limiting mass gatherings due to COVID-19 does not apply at this time to schools and educational institutions during normal business hours, and schools are expected to remain open unless the following occurs:
• A person who has been at the school within 48 hours tests positive or has a presumptive test outcome.
• A household member of a person connected with the school tests positive or has a presumptive test outcome.
If either of these cases were to occur, the district will work closely with the New Mexico Public Education Department and the New Mexico Department of Health to determine the extent of a closure.
The Artesia Public Schools will not participate in nor host any athletic event or other activity at least through Sunday, March 15. The New Mexico Activities Association will be holding a board of directors’ meeting on Monday to assist districts in making decisions about future events.
Please watch for additional information to be provided by the district, the New Mexico Public Education Department, and the New Mexico Department of Health.
