Copyright © 2020 Albuquerque Journal
Going forward, all New Mexico workers – even those at call centers and warehouses – will be required to wear masks while working, and employers must screen workers daily for coronavirus symptoms before letting them into the workplace, according to newly issued rules issued by the Governor’s Office.
Those requirements and others, released by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office Friday, come at a time when New Mexico employers are beginning to reopen and welcome back customers and employees. Many non-essential businesses were allowed to reopen Saturday.
Many of the rules are nothing new. Limits on store capacity and social distancing, for example, have been in place since March.
Others, like the rules about masks in the workplace and screening of employees before shifts, were optional for employers until now.
The offers specifics for what will be required going forward for all businesses, as well as some specific requirements for certain types of businesses. It also lists suggested, but not required “best practices” like the installation of plexiglass sneeze guards at registers.
For all employers
Requirements for all employers include:
- Arrange workplace to allow for six feet of distance between workers.
- Have all employees wear face coverings while in the presence of others.
- Have handwashing materials and sanitizer available to all employees.
- Screen all employees for coronavirus symptoms before they enter the work place. Direct those experiencing symptoms to free testing from the Department of Health.
- Follow maximum occupancy requirements.
- Adhere to other CDC and OSHA guidelines.
Suggested practices include installing large plexiglass sneeze guards where interaction is common, arranging for contactless payment and receipt options and screen employees and customers with a contactless thermometer and deny entry to those with a temperature 100.4 F or higher.
Retailers
Retailers must:
- Maintain a stringent cleaning and sanitizing schedule.
- Establish protocols to allow for contactless pickup and home delivery when possible.
Offices, call centers
Offices and call centers must:
- Restrict use of communal dishware.
- Maintain a strict cleaning schedule and sanitize shared workstations between shifts.
Grocers, markets
Grocery stores and farmers markets must:
- Discontinue service stations and common use utensils and dispenser.
- Ban customer-supplied reusable containers.
- Clean and sanitize equipment like ladders and supply carts between each use.
- Stop delivery drivers from entering sales floor unless as a customer and arrange for contactess signatures.
Farmers markets
Additionally, farmers markets must:
- Restrict customers from touching products before purchase.
- Require vendors to bring handwashing supplies and hand sanitizer.
- Suspend social programs and cooking demonstrations.
Hospitality
Hotels, resorts and other lodgers must:
- Close self serve food stations.
- Suspend valet service.
- Discontinue communal hot tubs, saunas and exercise rooms.
- Remove unnecessary items in hotel rooms. Items like coffee machines may be provided with request.
- Housekeeping will only be provided by request of guest during stay.
Other
Manufacturers, warehouses and food production companies must:
- Arrange for contactless signatures for deliveries.
- Vendors entering business must follow employee protocols.
- Restrict use of communal dishware.
