Officials Say Fourth Granite Stater Tested For Coronavirus

CONCORD, NH — A fourth person, who just returned from traveling in Italy, is being tested for the new coronavirus, according to state officials. The person notified their health care provider that they had fever and respiratory symptoms two weeks after returning. Officials at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said the person was isolated and being monitored by clinicians and does not pose a threat to the public.

The person's test result is expected Monday. There are no cases of coronavirus identified in the state.

"We have heard concerns from communities about returning travelers from countries outside of China that are currently experiencing widespread transmission of COVID-19, such as Italy," State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said. "Any returning travelers from countries that currently have a CDC travel advisory due to sustained or widespread COVID-19 transmission should monitor their health closely for development of fever or respiratory symptoms. If such symptoms develop within 14 days of travel to an affected country, the individual should seek health advice by phone from their healthcare provider and limit their contact with others."

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Neither the state or the federal government is requiring or recommending individuals who have traveled to countries other than China self-quarantine themselves but given the changing situation, Chan said this could change, as the Center for Disease Control adapts its response and traveler monitoring procedures.

"We are aware that some schools have students who traveled to Italy over February break and have instructed their students to stay home for 14 days from travel to affected regions," Chan said. "We will support schools in taking steps to protect their communities during this very dynamic and challenging situation, and we have released interim guidance to help school communities to address questions and concerns."

Guidance to schools can be found here: dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/2019-coronavirus-schools-02292020.pdf. Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available here: dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/2019-coronavirus-self-observation-guidelines.pdf.

New Hampshire's Congressional delegation, Gov. Chris Sununu, and others are meeting with health officials and members of the New Hampshire Hospital Association Monday to discuss legislative updates and efforts by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan to obtain more federal funding and coordination by the National Security Council to respond to both the virus and potential global health security threats, according to Allan Rodriguez, a press assistant for Shaheen.

The New Hampshire Department of Education has also been working with state officials and school systems to provide nurses and administrators with school cleaning procedures, preventative measures, and the latest information about the virus.

"Although health officials state that the risk is low, we are focused on being prepared in the case that the situation changes," said Frank Edelblut, the department's commissioner. "We want to make sure that all of our school administrators and health providers have the information and resources to manage in the event that COVID-19 does present in our communities. We want to provide parents with current, up-to-date information about how to help prevent transmission of this and other respiratory viruses in school settings."

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