Governor Reopens New Hampshire's Seacoast Beaches

CONCORD, NH — Granite State sun worshippers and beachgoers are now able to sunbathe again.

New Hampshire's Seacoast beaches have been reopened to the general public for all traditional beach activities, effective immediately, according to Gov. Chris Sununu. The governor made the announcement Friday with the approval of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, which has been eyeing new coronavirus data to ensure the state does not undergo any spikes or surges in COVID-19 cases.

"We have always said we will be nimble and make decisions when public health data supports decision making," Sununu said. "We worked with public health and came up with a solution supported by data. We would like to thank everyone for their patience."

During the first phase of opening, the state allowed access to the beaches for swimming, surfing, walking, and running, but not lounging, sitting, or congregating. As part of the next phase of reopening, beachgoers will be asked to remain at least 6 feet from other groups of people. Parking restrictions, to limit the number of beachgoers and allow for social distance strolling along Hampton's Ocean Boulevard, will be maintained at current levels, officials said.

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The announcement comes 24-hours before ReopenNH, the organization pushing the governor to eliminate restrictions on people's freedom and businesses, was calling on peaceful protesters to storm Hampton Beach on the anniversary of D-Day.

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.
• To access the state's COVID-19 data dashboard, click on this link here.

ALSO READ:

• City Of Concord Begins Phased Reopening June 8
• 8 More Deaths; 81 New Positive Cases: NH Coronavirus Data Update
• New Unemployment Claims Continue To Drop In New Hampshire
• NH Coronavirus Data Update: 9 More Deaths; 47 New Positive Cases
• NH Department Of Education Releases $33.9M In CARES Act Funds

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