NH Coronavirus Update: 11 New Cases; Nearly 2,000 Tested

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said Friday that the state now has 55 new coronavirus patients. The latest update from health officials stated that 11 new positive tests have been reported since Thursday. The new cases are all adults — six men and five women.

"The positive test results are the first cases in Coos and Cheshire counties," according to Jake Leon, a public information officer with the department. "Four of the cases, including in Cheshire, Merrimack and Rockingham counties and the city of Manchester, have no identified risk factors, indicating additional community-based transmission of COVID-19 in New Hampshire."

The other seven cases either have traveled to domestic or international locations or have had close contact with a person with a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis. Leon said community-based transmission had been identified in Carroll, Cheshire, Grafton, Merrimack and Rockingham counties and the city of Manchester.

State officials have 550 people under public health monitoring. Another 942 are waiting for test results. About 1,970 people have been tested so far meaning that around 973 have tested negative for the virus. All but two counties in the state have patients.

The latest map of patients with the coronavirus released March 20, 2020, by health and human services.

State Launches Resource Page For Businesses

The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs has launched a resource page to assist small businesses looking for information after the coronavirus disaster declaration.

The page has details about the declaration, instructions on how to apply for low interest loans, unemployment information, and other state and federal resources. Department staffers are also available to help businesses access programs, address issues, and assist businesses in finding advisors.

"We know that COVID-19 pandemic is having detrimental effects on New Hampshire businesses," said Taylor Caswell, the commissioner of the department. "The BEA mission is to provide them with the financial and technical resources they need to ride out these uncertain times and be ready to continue operations. New Hampshire has a strong economic base and with some assistance, our businesses can minimize the effect they are having in these uncertain times."

Governor Urges Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Even as the state is taking steps to mitigate the economic collapse from the new coronavirus, the governor called on federal officials to release Disaster Unemployment Assistance immediately.

In a letter to Congressional leaders, Sununu said the state had "done our part" to make sure that affected citizens had the financial means necessary to deal with the crisis "safely and adequately." But now, it was time for the federal government to act in order to make sure the state's unemployment trust funds remained solvent.

"It is becoming increasingly more apparent that the only way for states, like New Hampshire, to do so is through additional federal support," he wrote.

The letter can be read here.

Seacoast Firefighters Taking Precautions

The men and women on the front lines of responding to emergencies want Granite Staters how they are working to reduce the risk the exposure of coronavirus in the field.

The Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District, which serves 37 communities in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, including Exeter, Hampton, North Hampton, Portsmouth, and Pease, released a new video highlighting some of its new protocols. Some of those include dispatchers asking questions about potential coronavirus symptoms before EMTs arrive, personal equipment, and disinfecting ambulances between calls.

"Ensuring the continued health of our staff is critical," said Don DeAngelis, the fire chief of Epping and the and Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District president, "if we do experience an increased number of medical calls due to this pandemic, we have prepared by putting a series of preventative procedures in place to preserve the health of our staff and the public."

Call For Volunteers May Come

While Volunteer NH is taking appropriate safety precautions and won't be conducting in-person meetings or events until further notice, the organization does expect a possible increase in need of volunteers to answer phones, conduct inventory, or distribute goods.

If you have time or the ability to volunteer, email mikayla@volunteernh.org to be included on a list of community volunteers.

Anthem Expands Benefits To Employees

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire announced new and expanded benefits for its employees Friday in an effort to make sure they stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Some of the benefits include up to 80 hours of paid emergency leave for qualified incidents and needs like caring for children when schools were closed, allowing employees to work from home and reimbursement for employees who don't have Internet, and mental and physical health benefits, too.

"We believe living our mission to improve lives and communities starts at home," said Gail Boudreaux, Anthem's president and CEO. "Offering new and expanded benefits is one way we can ensure we support our associates as they work tirelessly to support our members, customers, care providers and the community during this challenging time. Their work is critical, and they are living our values of community, agility and leadership every day."

Eversource Waives Late Fees To Customers

Eversource, the state's largest utility, has announced that it is waiving late fees for customers and also preparing to ensure that its employees are healthy and safe — including social distancing in the field.

The company is also offering flexible payment plans for past due bills and tips to reduce energy consumption.

"As a member of the communities we serve across New England, we’re here to support our customers through this unprecedented time, while also safeguarding the health and well-being of our employees," said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Jim Judge. "Whether it’s our hospitals providing critical care to patients, students learning remotely, or people working from home, we’re taking every possible step to ensure that our customers have the energy they need during this challenging period."

Field crews are working on projects to ensure reliability for all customers including hospitals, nursing homes, and grocery stores.

Credit Unions, Banks Unite To Assist Communities

New Hampshire trade groups representing banks and credit unions are now working together during the COVID-19 economic crisis.

The Cooperative Credit Union Association and the New Hampshire Bankers Association announced the joint effort intent on reinforcing safety and security for customers and communities in the state. Both banks and credit union deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Some have changed their business hours and lobby services in order to protect employees from the virus but services are still available. The orgs also warn customers to be aware of fraud. Never share your PIN, password, or other personal information.

Chase Makes $50M Donation To Fight Effort

The Nashua branch of JPMorgan Chase is now on a reduced schedule like a number of other businesses and customers are encouraged to use mobile, online, and drive-thru teller services.

The company, however, announced a $50 million philanthropic commitment to address "immediate and long-term challenges of COVID-19" as well as supporting "vulnerable and underrepresented communities, and small businesses," in the Metro Boston region.

What You Can Do

COVID-19, not unlike the flu and other respiratory illnesses, is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms. 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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