2 More COVID-19 Deaths; Another 209 Positive Cases In NH: Update

CONCORD, NH — Another 209 new positive COVID-19 test results and two people have died in New Hampshire, according to state health officials.

The man and woman both lived in Merrimack County and were connected to long-term care facilities. One was 80 years of age or older and the other was between 70 and 79 years of age.

The state collected 8,740 polymerase chain reaction test specimens Thursday and upgraded counts on Tuesday and Wednesday to find the 209 new positive tests. Of the new tests, 25 were children and most were male. Fifty-six of the patients live in Rockingham County, 26 live in Hillsborough County outside of Manchester and Nashua, 21 live in Merrimack County, and 18 live in Nashua. The residency of 12 people is still being investigated.

Forty-nine people are hospitalized and one of the new cases had no identified risk factors.

According to the state, 12,012 people have contracted COVID-19 in New Hampshire while 9,894 or 82 percent have recovered.

Nearly 359,000 people have been tested via more than 651,000 PCR tests.

Approximately 4,950 residents are under public health monitoring.

ALSO READ:

• Another High Single Day Count For COVID-19 In New Hampshire: 252
• Popular Nashua Restaurant Temporarily Closes Due To COVID-19
• 48 Hours Of COVID-19 In New Hampshire: 252 New Cases; 1 Death
• NH COVID-19 Update: 105 New Positive Cases; 2.4% Positivity Rate
• Another 133 Positive Test Results In New Hampshire: Update

Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• When you can't practice 6 feet of social distancing, wear a face covering.
• Anyone who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic and underlying health conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers should work from home as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that the virus can survive for hours or possibly days on surfaces. People should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places.
• Wear a face covering.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

• Guidance to schools can be found can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 data dashboard, click on this link here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 Interactive Map Dashboard, click on this link here.

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube channel.