NH Coronavirus Update: State Announces 9 New COVID-19 Cases

CONCORD, NH — As the state of New Hampshire moves into the next phase of the new coronavirus — initiating social distancing while attempting to contain as much community transmission as possible, health officials announced Tuesday that there were nine new cases in the state. The new confirmed cases, five men and four women, are from Rockingham, Hillsborough and Grafton Counties. Several of the individuals, according to health officials, have no identified risk factors which means New Hampshire is now experiencing community-based transmission of COVID-19.

"The increasing number of cases and new evidence of community-based transmission raises concern that the COVID-19 outbreak is intensifying in New Hampshire," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. "The state has put into place measures to help prevent larger scale transmission at schools and larger gatherings; however, it is critical for everybody to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and practice social distancing. We know that this novel coronavirus can be spread very easily through close contact, and the virus can be spread even when people are only having very mild early symptoms of illness."

All 26 cases are now isolated at home and have not required hospitalization, officials said.

There are 208 tests pending and 742 people have been tested meaning 508 have tested negative; 475 are under public health monitoring.

Symptoms of COVID-19 most often includes fever and respiratory issues, like a cough, similar to the flu. However, early mild symptoms can also include fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and chills. Most New Hampshire cases, according to Chan, are experiencing mild symptoms. Fever may not develop until several days into the illness or even not at all. And yet, people can still transmit the coronavirus.

If you're concerned about COVID-19, discuss your symptoms and risk factors by phone with your health care provider before attempting to get tested.

Statehouse Closure Extended

State Senate President Donna Soucy, D-Manchester, and House Speaker Steve Shurtleff, D-Penacook, announced they are extending the suspension of legislative activity to April 10. The Statehouse will also remain closed to legislators, staff, and visitors.

"Our top priority as legislative leaders is to protect the health and wellbeing of our members, staff, and the public," they said in a joint statement. "Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, we have made the decision to extend the suspension of all legislative activities through April 10. While lawmakers are not at the State House, we are all working closely with our communities, state agencies, and Governor Sununu to address this outbreak and curb the health and economic impacts as much as possible."

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Communities Close Facilities

Communities closed their city and town halls, other facilities, and have moved to online and remote services. Many police and fire department physical headquarters across the state are also closed to the public while they are still working to provide first responder services. Some are limiting public engagement tasks such as car seat installation, fingerprinting, and record checks.

Check with your city and town officials to find out what services are still available from community facilities.

NH Businesses Respond

A number of New Hampshire businesses are taking their own steps to counter the coronavirus outbreak. Some are closing and putting workers on furlough or layoffs, others are offering more assistance to workers, and others are changing the way they do business in order to protect workers.

Just a few days after talking to Patch about the quick downturn in hotel and convention business, Stephen Duprey, of Duprey Hospitality, the owner of the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, announced that the convention center was shuttering — after nearly every event booked from now until May has canceled or postponed. He said everyone was hoping the business impacts would be short-term.

"We are heartbroken to lay off staff and we will try to find positions for them in other operations, but our hotels are seeing an unprecedented drop in demand as well," Duprey said.

Tuscan Brands, with Tuscan Market locations in Portsmouth and Salem, is offering curbside pickup and local deliver between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Salem location. The DoorDash app can also be used. The markets will be open as normal but events and classes are on hold until further notice.

Any customer buying gift cards in the store or online between now and April 6, should know that the company will be donating 25 percent of the purchase to its employees who are losing tips and unable to work due to closures.

"While we enter this time of the unknown, it is our mission to ensure that our cherished team is able to rest assured that they have our support as well as that of our communities," said Joe Faro, the founder. "We are working day and night to ensure we are able to provide sufficient food in the safest environments both in our markets and through our takeout, curbside pickup and delivery services at the restaurants. This is our unwavering commitment to you, our extended Tuscan Brands family; we are all in this together."

PR Restaurants LLC, the region's largest Panera Bread franchisee, announced it was expanding employee medical leave and compensation at all of its 60-plus locations, including Bedford, Concord, Derry, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, Salem, and Seabrook. New Hampshire, according to David Peterman, the co-founder and partner of PR, has no sick pay laws, but employees will be able to take up to 14 days off to take care of themselves or a family member.

"Customer and employee safety are always our top priorities at Panera, and by instituting this new policy we are encouraging our employees not to report to work if they are feeling under the weather," he said. "Our associates are the lifeblood of our organization. We want to alleviate their concerns, and those of our customers, by letting them know they won’t be hurt financially if they happen to call in sick or need to take time off to care for a loved one."

The New Hampshire Bankers Association said its industry has pandemic plans in place and are implementing them to protect both the health and safety of customers but also employees. Some are planning to extend drive-thru hours while closing lobbies to customers with the exception of booking appointments. Kristy Merrill, the org's president, said customers with financial challenges should reach out to their banks directly for assistance.

"Banks are working day and night in communities throughout our state to assist businesses and customers during this unique and challenging time, to keep them in their homes and to minimize financial challenges to the extent possible," she said. "Your local banker can only help you if they are aware of the financial challenges you may be facing. They are here for you and stand ready to help."

Unitil, which has tens of thousands of customers in New Hampshire, announced Monday that it was suspending all residential and commercial service disconnections indefinitely before the announcement made by Gov. Chris Sununu Tuesday.

"Our customer service representatives are standing by to answer questions and can offer a variety of payment solutions if your family or business is experiencing financial hardship as a result of this situation," an alert stated. "Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are in need."

The company is also going to perform social distancing on emergency calls and continue to be prepared during storms and other emergencies, COVID-19 outbreak of not.

Other Notable Closures

The New Hampshire State Library is remaining operational, with remote services, but will be closed to the public through April 3. Visit the library's website for information on how to access remote services.

The secretary of state's office is also closed for public business and the team is requesting services to use its website or call 603-271-3242.

The New Hampshire State Police-Marine Patrol Unit and the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department has canceled all its events and classes until further notice.

The Granite YMCA is closing its six locations across New Hampshire through March 29. The nonprofits is evaluating virtual and home-based wellness options — as well as evaluating its process for credits, holds, and cancellations due to potential family financial strains.

"These actions are not taken lightly," said David Ports, the CEO and president of Granite YMCA. "We care deeply for each and every one of our members, volunteers and staff. Today, we have made a decision that we think is in the best interest of all."

The locations include YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown, YMCA of Greater Londonderry, YMCA of Downtown Manchester, YMCA of the Seacoast, and YMCA of Strafford County.

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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