Coronavirus Kills 9 More Elderly Granite Staters: NH Update

CONCORD, NH — Nine more people, all 60 years of age or older, died due to complications from or related to the new coronavirus, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

The five men and four women lived in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Merrimack counties. The announcement brings the fatality count in the state to 142 or about 4 percent of the 3,239 people infected with COVID-19.

The State Joint Information Center also announced that 81 new positive test results were reported Tuesday out of 1,609 tested or about 5 percent. Lori Shibinette, the commissioner of the health department, said Monday expanded testing was averaging 5 to 7 percent positive rates, meaning Tuesday's announcement was about average. Expanded testing raised the daily average to 1,375 tests per day — up from 1,200 Monday. There are currently 1,863 still infected by the virus while 1,234 or 38 percent have recovered.

Of the new cases, five were children, 53 percent were men, and 47 percent women. Fifty-five of the cases live in Hillsborough County while 14 reside in Rockingham while nine are in Merrimack County.

Only one new patient required hospitalization, according to the state, bringing the number of those needing more extensive care to 319 or less than 10 percent of all infections while 121 remain hospitalized fighting the virus.

Investigations are still being performed on a number of cases but according to contact tracing information, five of the new cases have no identified risk factors with the remaining cases contracting the virus from exposure to others who were infected or domestic or international travel.

Currently, 33,977 people have tested negative for the virus during the past 11 weeks while 51 tests are pending at the state's labs. Approximately 3,325 people are under public health monitoring.

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Concord Gets Testing Site

On Wednesday, the state will open a seventh testing site on Stickney Avenue in Concord.

Granite Staters with coronavirus symptoms, underlying health conditions, health care workers, or anyone who is 60 years or older, can make a reservation to receive a test between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. seven days a week. To schedule a reservation, visit the state's online portal here, email covidtesting@dhhs.nh.gov, call the COVID-19 Coordinating Office at 603-271-5980, or arrange an appointment through a health care provider.

"We are ramping up our capabilities and rapidly expanding access to testing," said Gov. Chris Sununu. "This is one of our top priorities, and we are making huge strides every day."

A one-day testing site is also being set up at the New Hampton Fire Department on Intervale Drive on May 16.

The governor's office said the site will be at 28 Stickney Avenue but there is no 28 Stickney Avenue. The bus station, which is closed, is 30 Stickney Avenue. The governor's office did not return an email before post time clarifying the address.

Community-Based COVID-19 Testing Program is also being held in Claremont, Lancaster, Milford, Plymouth, Rochester, and Tamworth.

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GOFERR Advisory Board Offers Recommendations

Director Jerry Little of the Governor' Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery announced that the Legislative Advisory Board has provided recommendations for the allocation of CARES Act Flex Funds to the governor for consideration.

The documents provided are available here: goferr.nh.gov/advisory-boards/legislative-advisory-board

• Legislative Advisory Board Letter
• Legislative Advisory Committee CARES Act Allocation

PPP Part 2 Underway: NH Businesses Signup

A second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding was released by the federal government and New Hampshire businesses are approaching the $2 billion loan mark, according to the NH Bankers Association.

Since May 8, 14,919 loans have been approved at a value of $1,933,875,794. The loans are expected to save nearly 94,000 jobs.

Thirty-three of the 37 member banks reported the data, according to Kristy Merrill, the president of the association.

"While the second wave of PPP funding had a slow start, banks in New Hampshire have remained steadfast in their commitment to support small Granite State businesses in need with tremendous results," she said. "We encourage small businesses in need of financial assistance to reach out to their bank to inquire about whether or not the PPP is right for you. We understand there is some nervousness about pursuing a loan given the questions around the federal rules on forgiveness. Banks share those concerns and we continue to advocate in support of greater clarity on that issue and other key questions."

Merrill said, for some businesses, the program might not be the right fit. But either way, banks have several other programs to help.

"New Hampshire’s banks are here to serve our state in every moment, as they have been since the beginning of this crisis," she said.

Gubernatorial Candidate Criticizes Governor's Response

While the state is moving toward limited reopening in certain sectors, another one of Sununu's 2020 challengers is criticizing the move, saying New Hampshire does not meet the federal standards.

State Sen. Dan Feltes, D-Concord, said testimony by Dr. Anthony Fauci Tuesday showed that the state would run the risk of triggering another outbreak by reopening too early without worker protections.

"We all share the common goal of getting New Hampshire back to work," Feltes said. "The ability to safely earn a living and support your family is fundamental to New Hampshire. But when reopening the economy, we must do everything we can to guarantee worker safety, put people before profits, and make sure that every workplace has all the precautions in place to protect its workers, customers, and the public health. Science and public health must come first. Governor Sununu’s decision to ignore Dr. Fauci’s warnings, proceed to re-open New Hampshire against White House guidelines, while advancing immunity for corporations, is putting all Granite Staters at-risk."

Feltes released a Worker’s Bill of Rights plan for reopening the economy. As part of the plan, Feltes called for testing half a million Granite Staters by June 15, starting with an emphasis on vulnerable populations and on workers reentering the workforce.

Kuster Talks Addiction During COVID-19

New Futures and Protect Our Care New Hampshire is hosting a Zoom roundtable with U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Kuster will speak about the Affordable Care Act federal lawsuit as well as how the new coronavirus pandemic is changing substance abuse treatment and recovery.

To participate, visit https://zoom.us/j/91037609595?pwd=a25CbW9jYzBwaTIyNWZxQVdqTjhBdz09

• Meeting ID: 910 3760 9595
• Password: 119861
• Dial in: +1 301 715 8592

Virtual Stress Webinar Held Wednesday

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health will premiere its fourth installment of the “Heads Up: Coping through COVID-19” webinar series at noon on Wednesday on the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Facebook page.

This week’s segment will focus on concerns those on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, from health care workers to first responders to employees of essential businesses — having adequate access to personal protective equipment, avoiding burnout, managing anxiety, and more.

Questions can be submitted in advance to social@hitchcock.org. The webinar will be archived on the D-H Facebook page and will be available on the D-H YouTube channel, for later viewing.

For more information about the “Heads Up: Coping Through COVID-19” mental health webinar series, visit https://go.d-h.org/headsup.

Learn More About 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.
• Anybody who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with confirmed or suspect COVID-19 needs to stay home and not go out into public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic medical conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers need to move to telework as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that this virus can survive for hours or possibly even a few days on surfaces, so 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 when sick (i.e., social distancing).
• 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.

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• NH Focuses On Preventing Coronavirus Surge As Reopening Begins

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