Officials: Vote Tuesday But Take Precautions To Avoid Coronavirus

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is now monitoring approximately 225 people for the new coronavirus — up about 75 since Sunday. So far, 56 people have been tested by the state with two presumptive positives and two confirmed positives. Forty-four have tested negative for the COVID-19 virus.

Eight tests have not been concluded yet, according to officials.

Health officials announced Monday that the department will be working with the New Hampshire Department of Education to address school concerns in an effort to avoid "unnecessary school closures." Both departments will be updating the latest school guidance information found online here.

"NH DHHS will continue to have a scientifically-based and collaborative response that balances reducing risk of disease transmission with school continuity," officials said. "When DHHS identifies risk from COVID-19 to a school community that warrants closure, DOE and DHHS will collaboratively alert and advise the impacted SAU."

Currently, according to the state, there is no recommendation for any school to close due to COVID-19 concerns.

"We continue to work with the NH DOE to keep school communities updated," officials said. "It is critical that school districts coordinate their COVID-19 response with DHHS and DOE to make informed decisions to protect their communities."

The superintendent of the Hollis-Brookline school district announced that he was closing school Tuesday after being informed that an employee was being tested for the virus.

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions and information in New Hampshire as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Election Guidance

Many communities in New Hampshire have town meeting or town elections Tuesday and state officials have advised election officials to utilize precautionary techniques to impede the spread of the virus at polling places. While there are currently only four identified positives, more are bound to contract the virus. At the same time, health officials have not identified any broader community transmission.

"Accordingly, New Hampshire Public Health is not recommending the cancellation of events at this time," said Kate Spiner, the director of communications for the NH AG's Office. "They encourage people to continue with their everyday activities but take precautions to protect themselves against COVID-19 and the many other viruses circulating in New Hampshire this time of year, including influenza."

Spiner said every resident plays a role in helping protect themselves by staying home when they are sick, washing their hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and practicing social distancing. Polling places, she added, have a role in prevention as well, and are encouraged to follow the CDC guidance that was distributed this past weekend.

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.

ALSO READ:

• More Than 150 In NH Being Monitored For Coronavirus: Update
• 2 New Coronavirus Presumptive Positives Reported In New Hampshire
• Health Professionals Collecting Samples: NH Coronavirus Update
• 22 Tested For COVID-19 In New Hampshire: Coronavirus Update
• Students, Staff Banned From SAU 16 If They Were In COVID-19 Areas
• Volinsky To Sununu: Direct NH Health Insurers To Waive Coronavirus Testing Fees
• Nashua Municipal Leaders Coordinate Coronavirus Response
• NH Coronavirus Update: Fed Funding Proposed; Tests For 7 Pending
• Second New Hampshire Coronavirus Case Reported In Grafton County
• Concord School District Spray Cleaning To Fight Coronavirus, Flu
• Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Test In NH Prompts Investigation
• New Hampshire's First Coronavirus Case Reported In Grafton County
• What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? CDC pdf
• Media Facing Challenges In Covering Coronavirus Outbreak
• DHHS: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Worker Is 1st To Test Positive in NH for COVID-19
• An Outbreak Of Coronavirus Misinformation: AP Fact Check
• Officials Say Fourth Granite Stater Tested For Coronavirus
• NH Students Just Back From European Trip Will Stay Home Over Coronavirus Fears
• 'Certainly Possible' N.H. Sees Coronavirus Spread: State Doctor
• State Says 2 With 2019 Novel Coronavirus Symptoms Test Negative
• 2 In NH Who Returned From China Have Coronavirus Symptoms

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube channel.