22 Tested For COVID-19 In New Hampshire: Coronavirus Update

CONCORD, NH — Officials reported Thursday that 22 people have now been tested for the new coronavirus in the state of New Hampshire. The state's Public Health Laboratories continues to test "specimens from individuals who present symptoms of COVID-19 and are determined to potentially be at risk for COVID-19" in an effort to discover whether or not more residents have the virus. Officials readily admitted "potential additional positive results are expected as DHHS conducts its public health contact investigation."

So far, 16 of the 22 tests were negative. Four are still pending. State officials are waiting to hear from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the two presumptive positive tests from Grafton County.

The U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday approved $8.3 billion in federal funding to offset the costs of dealing with the virus by state, regional, and local communities. The vote in the House was 415 to 2. New Hampshire is expected to receive around $5 million of the funding if it is approved and signed into law.

Of the two representatives who voted No on the bill, U.S. Reps. Ken Buck, R-CO, and Andy Biggs, R-AZ, one said the plan was too vague while the other called it a "bloated" and "larded-up bill" compared to what was requested.

For more news about the coronavirus from around the United States, visit the Across America Patch COV-19 Roundup site.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Like all respiratory illnesses, it is spread through respiratory droplets.

State officials reminded residents to take "the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of" the flu and common colds. If you're sick, stay a home and avoid public places, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, wash hands frequently, with soap, for at least 20 seconds, stay away from people who are sick, don't share drinks, smoking or vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva, and 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.

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions and information in New Hampshire as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

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• Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Test In NH Prompts Investigation
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• What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? CDC pdf
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• DHHS: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Worker Is 1st To Test Positive in NH for COVID-19
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