Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update for March 16, 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.

New Hampshire residents who have questions or concerns about COVID-19 should contact 211.

What’s New

·  NH DHHS Announces Four New Presumptive Positive Test Results for COVID-19

DHHS announced four new positive test results for COVID-19. This brings the total in New Hampshire to 17 cases. The new confirmed cases of COVID-19 are in three adult males and one female under the age of 18 years, who are from the counties of Grafton (2), Rockingham (1), and Carroll (1). In total, sixteen cases of COVID-19 have either been travel-related (to domestic or international locations) or identified close contacts of a person with COVID-19; one person’s risk factors are still under investigation. All patients are isolating at home and household contacts have self-quarantined.

·  Public Health Laboratories COVID-19 testing update

On Sunday, March 15, DHHS received 195 specimens to be tested at the State Public Health Laboratories (PHL). Given the increase in demands on COVID-19 testing, DHHS anticipates the PHL will need up to two days to conduct COVID-19 tests.

·  DHHS guidance to medical providers to coordinate testing with commercial laboratories

Commercial testing continues to expand to help more patients get tested through their health care providers. Some hospital laboratories are also developing local capacity to test for COVID-19. DHHS continues to communicate with healthcare providers to ensure patients and providers know how to facilitate testing through commercial labs. Commercial testing, currently available through LabCorp and Quest among others take 3-5 days for results. Commercial laboratories have given assurances that any specimens sent from New Hampshire will be tested. 

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report
(updated March 16, 2020, 9:00 AM)

NH Persons with COVID-191	17
Persons with Test Pending at NH PHL2	195
Total Persons Tested at NH PHL3	567
Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time)	525

1Includes specimens presumptive-positive at any laboratory and those confirmed by CDC confirmatory testing.
2Includes specimens received and awaiting testing at NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).
3Includes specimens sent to CDC prior t NH PHL testing capacity.

Previous Updates

·  DHHS Announces New Presumptive Positive Cases of COVID-19

·  Governor Sununu Issues Executive Order for Temporary Remote Instruction and Support for K-12 Public Schools

·  DHHS Recommends Child Care Centers to Remain Open

·  CDC Guidance for Pregnant Women, New Mothers and Infants 

NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive

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