Current Emergency Health Order Status
The emergency response to COVID-19 has officially ended, with the State of New Mexico ending the COVID-19 public health order on March 31, 2023. Since that time, Santa Fe Public Schools, along with other state and federal agencies, has moved into a phase that encourages individuals to follow the recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and NM Department of Health (NM DOH).
NM School Health Guidance
Santa Fe Public Schools utilizes the guidance provided by the NM DOH, in the New Mexico School Health Manual, for COVID-19 response procedures, along with all other communicable diseases encountered in the school setting. This manual serves as a resource for schools across the state, providing information on preventing, identifying, managing, and reporting outbreaks of communicable diseases in schools, including COVID-19.
Current SFPS Protocols
While the emergency phase is over, the virus continues to spread in communities around the world and symptoms can range from mild to severe. At this point in time, the state of New Mexico is experiencing an
uptick in positive cases.
SFPS is committed to preventing COVID-19 as much as possible through providing opportunities for students, staff, and families to receive vaccinations, take preventative measures, and follow the protocols listed below. Free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available for students, families and staff in every school nurse’s office.
Protocols for Students and Staff
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 should stay home and test when they feel sick
Individuals who test positive should isolate (stay home) for 5 days from the onset of symptoms
Individuals who have symptoms but choose not to test may return to work or school when symptoms improve and/or they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol/acetaminophen or Advil/ibuprofen)
Individuals returning from isolation should wear a mask for an additional 5 days upon return to school or work
Close contacts of individuals with COVID-19 should test 5 days after their last day of exposure, or immediately if they develop symptoms
For questions regarding COVID-19 protocols, contact the SFSP Lead Nurse, Myrna Barbee-Lee, BSN, RN, NCSN, at mbarbee@sfps.k12.nm.us or (505) 467-2529 (office) or (505) 204-1975 (work cell).