COVID Protocols for APS Employees

Over the next few weeks, employees are asked to take additional safety steps while cases surge.

As we are all aware, New Mexico is in the midst of a COVID-19 surge. In an effort to keep our employees, students, and community safe we are asking everyone to help in the following ways through Feb. 28. As always, as things evolve these protocols may change according to the current health conditions.

While at an APS Facility

• While employees are in an APS facility, they are required to wear masks in common areas, including hallways and restrooms. If they share an office, then they are required to wear a mask while in their office if other employees must be present. 
• Employees should avoid gathering.
• Meetings should be held virtually.
• Lounges and kitchens should not be used, other than to store or warm food. People should not eat in groups in these areas.
• Elevators are limited to 2 people at a time.
• Continue to fill out the daily symptom report. If you exhibit any symptoms, please test and do not return to work until you receive your results. Berna Facio is available for testing.

COVID Protocols for Positive Cases

Per NMPED Toolkit January 2022

• All positive cases must be reported by the supervisor within 4 hours of notification. Please email nursingservices@aps.edu and you will receive instructions on reporting the positive case. 
• Please reference the APS Rapid Response Checklist for reporting. 

What do I do if I have tested positive?

Isolation: individuals who have received a positive test

• Individuals must isolate 5 days after onset of symptoms and until fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications and symptoms are resolving. Vigilant mask wearing required for 5 days post isolation period
• Individuals who never experience symptoms isolate for 5 days after test date - vigilant mask wearing required for 5 days post isolation period

What do I do if I have been notified I am a close contact?

Quarantine: individuals who have been in close contact

A close contact is identified as someone who over a 24-hour period has a cumulative exposure of 15 minutes or longer within six feet of a confirmed COVID-19 case with or without a face covering.

• Unvaccinated individuals in close contact to a positive COVID-19 case quarantine for 5 days — it's recommended close contacts get tested 5 days following most recent exposure. 
• Fully vaccinated individuals in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case do not need to quarantine but should watch for symptoms and it is recommended to be tested on day 5 following the exposure.
• Individuals in a household with a positive case who are unvaccinated or do not meet fully vaccinated requirements must quarantine for 10 days from the symptom onset date or positive test date of the household member who tested positive. 
• If another individual in the household tests positive, the quarantine clock resets, and the 10 days of quarantine starts from the symptom onset date or positive test date if asymptomatic for the second household member who tested positive 

How do I know if I am fully vaccinated?

• Age 18+ must have a booster at least 5 months after receiving Pfizer/Moderna primary series vaccine (2 doses)
• Age 18+ must have a booster at least 2 months after receiving a single-dose Johnson Johnson vaccine

How do I get a vaccine?

• You may create an appointment here: COVID 19 Vaccine Registration
• Or, you may stop by any of our pop-clinics on school sites: COVID Shot Clinics at APS Schools, Facilities 

Where do I get tested?

• APS employees may get tested at Berna Facio Professional Development Center Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. or they can sign up for an appointment here: COVID-19 Testing Sites
•  Two other APS facilities  — Wilson Stadium and Nusenda Community Stadium — are also testing sites.