Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update for March 11, 2020, 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 is closely monitoring the global COVID-19 outbreak and emerging science in order to minimize the impact on the health of our population, including rapid identification, isolation, and testing of people with suspect COVID-19. DHHS is issuing the following updated guidance for our communities.

·  DHHS Expands Testing Capacity for COVID-19 

The State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) has increased its COVID-19 testing capacity after receiving additional testing supplies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The additional supplies will allow the PHL to test an additional 250 people who have been determined to qualify for testing.

·  NH Insurance Department Mandates Coverage for COVID-19 Testing

The New Hampshire Insurance Department has issued an order requiring New Hampshire insurers to cover costs associated with testing for COVID-19 without cost-sharing. The order includes information on actions insurers are advised, or required to take, including keeping residents informed about available benefits, telehealth options when possible, and expanding access to prescription medication refills.

·  NH Joint Information Center Offering Assistance to Local Emergency Management Directors, First Responders

The New Hampshire Joint Information Center has reached out to local emergency management directors, and police and fire chiefs in order to provide coordinated assistance and information around COVID-19. The JIC will serve as an information hub, streamlining the process of keeping local partners informed. 

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report
(updated March 11, 2020, 9:00 AM)

Number of Persons Confirmed 1	2
Number of Persons Presumptive Positive, awaiting CDC confirmation 2	3
Number of Persons with Test Pending in PHL 3	11
Number of Persons Tested (closed, tested negative)	74
Total Number of Persons Provided Specimens	90
Number of Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time)	250

1Includes specimens confirmed by CDC confirmatory testing.
2Includes specimens tested at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL) and other reference laboratories.
3Includes specimens received and awaiting testing at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).

DHHS continues to test for COVID-19 in the NH Public Health Laboratories. DHHS is updating its website Monday through Friday to include a current summary of testing actions.

Previous Updates

·  DHHS Announces Fifth Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19

·  DHHS and DOE Address School Concerns Surrounding Educational Trips

·  First round of self-monitoring and self-quarantine process has been completed 

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.