COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative test required for NM State Fair admission

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – All who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine must show proof of being fully vaccinated to enter the grounds of the New Mexico State Fair.

Attendees are required to present proof of vaccination to a state fair official before entering unless they are eligible for an exemption. Exemptions will be made for attendees with a qualifying medical condition, disability or sincerely-held religious belief.

"To have proof of vaccination before admittance, venues are safer if vaccinated people are attending those venues and unvaccinated people are not," said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

If a state fair official determines an attendee has met the exemption requirements, they must then provide adequate proof that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of entering the fair grounds.

• Any attendees claiming exemption due to a qualifying medical condition must provide a statement from a physician, nurse practitioner or other New Mexico-licensed practicing medical professional. The statement must include the individual’s exemption qualification and must indicate the probable duration of the individual’s inability to receive the vaccine.
• Any attendees eligible for exemption on the basis of disability must provide a statement from a New Mexico-licensed, practicing medical professional stating the individual’s disability that necessitates an accommodation and the probable duration of the need for accommodation.
• Any attendees eligible on the basis of sincerely-held religious belief must document that the request for an accommodation has been made. They must also provide a State Fair official with a statement regarding how the vaccine conflicts with their religious observance, practice or belief.
• Any attendees under 12 years old are exempt from the vaccination requirement.

All statements must be provided to a state fair official to warrant entry into the state fair.

These guidelines were announced in a public health order released Tuesday regarding vaccination requirements.

Gov. Lujan Grisham also announced the state is bringing back the indoor mask mandate, starting Friday, Aug. 20.

• To read the full public health order on masks, click here. It will take effect Friday, Aug. 20.
• To read the full public health order on vaccination requirements, click here.