At-home tests available through state and USPS

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 surges across the state, county and the world, efforts are being made to make rapid, athome testing more available to the masses.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced Monday (Jan. 17) the New Mexico Department of Health

is working on obtaining over “1 million iHealth at-home rapid antigen tests,” according to a press release from the NMDOH.

“I am committed to doing everything we possibly can to get the resources needed, despite national

testing shortages,” said Lujan Grisham. “I have directed the Department of Health to procure 1 million rapid tests every two weeks to ensure that every New Mexican

has access to this critical tool in our fight against COVID-19.”

The department announced they had secured over 400,000 tests so far, and expect the remaining tests to arrive by the beginning of next week.

Through the coming week, the state — along with help from the National Guard and the Department of Homeland Security — will distribute tests throughout the 26 counties with the “highest social vulnerability index,” with tribal communities also set to receive

tests. After the initial rollout, tests will be distributed evenly to all counties.

Results of at-home tests are said to be available in approximately 15 minutes. “Knowing if you are

COVID positive allows you to let others know if they have been exposed, to stay home and/or seek timely medical attention,” continued the press release.

This news comes on the heels of the Biden administration’s decision to also expand at-home testing for Americans. The administration recently launched the website COVIDtests.gov, with the goal of buying and sending out one billion at-home tests.

The national initiative was rolled out through the United States Postal Service, and tests can

be ordered there as well. To order a test from the USPS, go to usps. com/covidtest to request and enter your name, address and email to

receive a free shipment.