Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today is issuing the following update on the new coronavirus, COVID-19. DHHS will continue to issue COVID-19 updates each day to provide media and the public with current information about the State’s efforts.

What’s New

·  DHHS Provides Update on Results of COVID-19 Testing at State Public Health Lab

The State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) continues to test specimens from individuals who present with symptoms of COVID-19 and are determined to potentially be at risk for COVID-19. The PHL has now conducted 22 COVID-19 tests; 16 were negative and four are pending. The CDC is currently conducting confirmatory testing on the two presumptive positive tests announced earlier this week. DHHS will provide an update once the results of the CDC’s confirmatory testing is available. More testing and potential additional positive results are expected as DHHS conducts its public health contact investigation.

·  Travelers from China, Italy, Iran and South Korea to Self-Quarantine after Returning to the U.S.

On March 4, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance for individuals traveling from all countries with a Level 3 Health Travel Notice (currently China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea) to self-quarantine at home for 14 days after returning to the United States. Prior to the new guidance, the self-quarantine restriction applies only to China. The new restrictions are due to the widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in all four countries.

Monitor the CDC’s COVID-19 Situation Summary for future updates to the CDC’s travel guidance.

·  U.S. House of Representatives Approves $8.3 Funding Bill for COVID-19 Response

On March 4, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to appropriate $8.3 billion in federal funding to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The legislation heads to the U.S. Senate for its consideration. New Hampshire is expected to receive $4.9 million in funding should the legislation be approved. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will notify states when funding is available. DHHS will provide additional funding updates when they are available.

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report (updated March 5, 2020, 9:00 a.m.)

Number of Confirmed Case(s) 1	0
Number of Persons Being Tested (current, test pending) 2	4
Number of Persons Tested (current, presumptive positive) 3	2
Number of PersonsTested (closed, tested negative)	16

1 Includes specimens confirmed by CDC confirmatory testing.
2 Includes specimens received and awaiting testing at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).
3 Includes specimens that have tested presumptive positive at NH PHL and are en route to CDC for confirmatory testing.

DHHS continues to test for COVID-19 in the NH Public Health Laboratories. DHHS is updating its website every morning around 9:00 am to include a current summary of testing actions.

Previous Updates

·  CDC Issues Self-Isolation Guidance for Travelers from Countries with a Level 2 and Level 3 Travel Alert

·  DHHS Issues Public Health Incident Declaration to Allow Volunteers to Participate in the COVID-19 Response.

·  Possible Exposures during Private Event on Friday, February 28

NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive

Because COVID-19, and all respiratory illnesses, are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, residents should take the same precautions as those recommended to prevent the spread of influenza:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.