Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has issued the following update for March 17, 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

·         New Positive Cases of COVID-19 in New Hampshire

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, DHHS announced nine new positive test results for COVID-19. The new cases are all in adults, including five males and four females. Persons are from the counties of Rockingham (4), Hillsborough (3), and Grafton (2). Several individuals from Rockingham and Grafton counties have no identified risk factors, indicating that New Hampshire is experiencing community-based transmission of COVID-19. In total, 26 cases of COVID-19 have now been identified. All patients are isolating at home and have not required hospitalization.

·         Governor Sununu Issues Three Emergency Orders To Provide Relief

Governor Chris Sununu issued Emergency Orders 3, 4, 5 on March 17 to provide relief for Granite Staters affected by COVID-19.

Emergency Order #3: All providers of electric, gas, water, telephone, cable, VOIP, internet service, and deliverable fuel services will be prohibited from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payments for the duration of the State of Emergency.

Emergency Order #4: Landlords will not be allowed to start eviction proceedings for those unable to pay due to their financial situations. To do so would be against the law. All judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions will also be prohibited during the state of emergency.

Emergency Order #5: Individuals who are unable to work or who have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have immediate access to unemployment benefits. Anyone in the following situations will now be eligible for state unemployment: If your employer temporarily closes due to COVID-19; Individuals that need to self-quarantine or are directed to quarantine at the instruction of a health care provider, employer or government official; Individuals that need to care for a family member that has COVID-19 or is under quarantine; Individuals that need to care for a dependent because of school closures, child care facility closures or other similar types of care programs; Self-employed individuals that are temporarily unable to operate their business because of any of the above listed situations will also be eligible. Please visit www.nhes.nh.gov or call 603-271-7770 for more information. 

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report
(updated March 17, 2020, 9:00 AM)

NH Persons with COVID-191	26
Persons with Test Pending at NH PHL2	208
Total Persons Tested at NH PHL3	742
Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time)	475

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

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

·         Public Health Laboratories COVID-19 testing update

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

NH DHHS Daily Update on COVID-19 Archive

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at www.nh.gov/covid19.