A rapid response is initiated when the state learns of a positive COVID-19 case in the workplace. NMED or the state agency initiating the rapid response will offer direction to establishments regarding testing, quarantining and isolating, disinfecting, and COVID-Safe Practices.   

The Watchlist only includes organizations for which NMED conducts rapid responses, including grocery stores, restaurants, retail stores, gyms, salons and business offices. The Department will include other establishments on the Watchlist soon.

The Rapid Response COVID-19 Watchlist allows the public to make more informed decisions when patronizing establishments and also assists NMED’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau and other state and local regulatory agencies in evaluating whether organizations are complying with state public health orders and COVID-Safe Practices. State regulatory agencies may initiate compliance investigations and/or exercise enforcement when establishments fail to adhere to required practices.

The current public health order mandates certain establishments close for two weeks if they have four or more rapid responses within the last 14 days. For the purposes of this requirement, the rapid response count started at zero on Oct. 23. The closure requirement applies to food and drink establishments, retail spaces, places of lodging, close-contact businesses as defined in the public health order, and any other establishment that poses a significant public health risk as determined by the Department of Health.

When there are four or more rapid responses at a location within 14 calendar days, the New Mexico Environment Department will refer the establishment to the Department of Health, which will evaluate and make the decision on establishment closure. An establishment may be permitted to continue operating if the Department of Health, after consultation with the New Mexico Environment Department, determines that the business is a sole provider of goods or services within a community.