2nd Rockingham County Man Tests Presumptive Positive For COVID-19

CONCORD, NH — State officials reported Tuesday that a second man living in Rockingham County has tested "presumptive positive" for the new coronavirus. The man, who is self-isolated, caught the virus from a case of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The man's household contacts are also self-quarantined.

"DHHS is conducting an investigation into this person's activities and has determined they remained at home while ill except to seek health care," said Jake Leon, a public information officer for health and human services. "NH DHHS will notify any persons who may have been in close contact with this person while infectious."

Leon added the man was tested by the Mass. Department of Public Health and were told by officials in that state about the case.

"Despite increased testing in our communities, the NH DHHS has not yet identified any widespread transmission in NH nor individuals who test positive without clearly identified risk factors (e.g. travel or contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case)," Leon said.

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Currently, according to the state, there are three presumptive positive cases and two confirmed cases. Around 225 people, as of Monday, are being monitored by the state. An updated figure is expected Tuesday.

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.

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

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