COVID-19 numbers have remained high over the past week. Carlsbad Municipal Schools has made the decision to move Hillcrest Preschool into a remote model for the rest of this week due to staffing. 

Free home COVID test kits are being made available to Carlsbad residents on Feb. 2. According to a press release, the Eddy County Office of Emergency Management will be distributing the tests from 3-5 p.m. Feb. 2 at the civic center on 4012 National Parks Highway. Tests are also being distributed from 3-4 p.m. in Loving on Feb. 1 and in Artesia from 1-3 on Feb. 9 at Jaycee Park. Home tests generally do not meet requirements that schools and places of employment have, unless a professional is on scene to administer them. 

Additionally, individuals can order home COVID tests through the federal government at www.covidtest.gov. The website www.findatestnm.org  is a good web site to go to if you are looking for local testing options. Finally, https://smarthealth.cards/en/ allows people who want to compile and access vaccine and clinical information.

From the office of Mayor Dale Janway