Nashua Coronavirus: Patient Traveled Overseas; Is Being Monitored

NASHUA, NH — Nashua officials are working with state, health, and other officials in an effort to stem the spread of the new coronavirus after the announcement of the state's first case in Hillsborough County. The Nashua resident is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 while traveling overseas. When they returned home, the individual experienced symptoms of fever and cough, according to Kerry Miller, a public information officer for the city.

"This individual is currently on isolation at home with daily monitoring by public health nurses at the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services," Miller said. "All household contacts are on quarantine for 14 days and are also being monitored for symptoms."

The case, Miller added, is not considered a Nashua "community acquired case" of COVID-19 but, instead, is referred to as "a travel-related case."

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The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services requested the city's health department to investigate and assess the individual's activities as well as that of their family members. The department, Miller said, would be monitoring them through the two-week period.

"The Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services is working closely with the Office of Emergency Management, the Mayor's Office, Division Directors, Fire, AMR, police, hospitals, community health centers, and the schools on the city of Nashua’s COVID-19 response," Miller said. "Our primary goal is to prevent a spike in future cases that would overburden our hospitals and weaken our workforce capacity."

It is important, she added, that residents follow precautions given "increasing COVID-19 activity" in the state and United States and officials were asking the community "to work with us and take personal responsibility to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness."

Those steps include:

• Staying home if you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
• Not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Practicing general social distancing by avoiding crowds with 50 people or more and maintaining a distance of 6 feet from others. Avoid close contact with people who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces using standard cleaning products, according to the product's manufacturer label. Surfaces should be allowed to air dry.
• Avoiding use of masks. Only those experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness should wear a mask.

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