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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 08 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced two new presumptive positive test results for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

DHHS will hold a press conference on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at 10:30 am at the Division of Public Health Services, 29 Hazen Drive in Concord.

One patient is an adult male from Grafton County who had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 at Hope Bible Fellowship at 114 Seminary Hill in West Lebanon, NH on March 1st at the morning service. Due to symptoms, this individual underwent testing at our public health laboratories today. The church has cancelled services and is working with NH DPHS to advise everyone who attended a coffee social at 9 AM or the worship services at 10 AM on Sunday March 1st to stay home and avoid contact with others for 14 days (through March 15th) and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone who attended the March 1 social or service and has developed symptoms of fever or respiratory illness should immediately stay home and distance themselves from household members and contact the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496 (after-hours: 603-271-5300).

Instructions for people to self-quarantine are available at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/self-quarantine-covid.pdf. The second patient is an adult male from Rockingham County who traveled to Italy. Due to symptoms consistent with COVID-19, this individual underwent testing today at our Public Health Laboratories.

DHHS is investigating to identify and notify individuals who may have been in close contact with either individual.

“These new cases broaden our investigation and our public health team is working to try and prevent further community transmission,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “It is important for anybody in our communities who may have fever or other respiratory symptoms to practice social distancing and stay home when ill. We continue to work with hospitals and community organizations to respond to this challenging global COVID-19 outbreak.”

DHHS conducted COVID-19 testing for both people today at the State Public Health Laboratories. Specimens from both patients will be sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmatory testing. The two patients are isolated at home and being monitored by public health staff professionals. DHHS is investigating to identify and notify individuals who may have been in close contact with either individual.

Because COVID-19, and all respiratory illnesses, are most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, all people 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 on COVID-19 in NH, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm. For the latest information from the CDC, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 06 March 2020

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

·  NH MMRS Supports State Efforts to Test People for COVID-19

On March 5, the Metropolitan Medical Response System, a highly-trained volunteer corps affiliated with DHHS, deployed to Lebanon to collect specimens from people determined to be potentially at risk for COVID-19. MMRS deployment was enabled by the Declaration of a Public Health Incident issued by DHHS Commissioner Lori Shibinette (see March 4 Daily Update). Specimens were collected from three community members for COVID-19 testing. MMRS is comprised of volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, EMTs, mental health professionals and non-medical personnel who provide medical support during public health events.

·  DHHS Guidance for People with a Family Member in Self-Quarantine

Household members such as family members, including children, of quarantined individuals are not required to quarantine. As long as they remain asymptomatic, they can leave the home and can go to public places like school and work. If the person being quarantined develops illness, household members must then also stay home on quarantine.

·  COVID-19 Testing Capability Expands

The State Public Health Laboratories (PHL) is now able to increase 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 200 people who have been determined to qualify for testing in order be able to meet future demand for COVID-19 tests.

Testing capacity is also set to expand due to an announcement from Quest Diagnostics, the world’s largest diagnostic testing provider, that beginning Monday, March 9, it will make testing available to patients through their healthcare provider.

·  Federal Funding Bill for COVID-19 Response Approved by U.S. Senate

On March 5, the U.S. Senate approved legislation to provide $8.3 billion for COVID-19 response. Once the bill is signed by the President, the CDC will notify DHHS when the funding is available for NH. Information from the CDC on allowable uses of the funds is pending and the State will provide information on how the funds will be utilized to support the State’s and our communities’ response to COVID-19.

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report (updated March 6, 2020, 9:00 a.m.)

Total Number of Persons Tested	25
Number of Confirmed Case(s) 1	0
Number of Persons Being Tested (current, test pending) 2	3
Number of Persons Tested (current, presumptive positive) 3	2
Number of Persons Tested (closed, tested negative)	20

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 in 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

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

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

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

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.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 06 March 2020

New Hampshire voters have a unique opportunity in Kelly Boyer. The 4th District Executive Council candidate offers voters the opportunity to elect a fierce advocate for working families, children and seniors.

“Kelly Boyer is exactly the kind of leader we need on the Executive Council. Her passion for public service is as evident as her commitment of improving the lives of Granite Staters. More importantly, Kelly’s energy, youth, and on-the-ground experience will give the Executive Council just the kick in the pants it needs.” State Senator Lou D’Allesandro.

Kelly currently serves on the Goffstown Select Board. She is the youngest and first openly LGBTQ member of the Select Board, as well as the first woman to serve on the Board in 10 years. Kelly has worked in the non-profit world for most of her adult life, including efforts with AmeriCorps, the YWCA, and PlusTime NH.

“I have spent the last decade working to give back to New Hampshire. While working for AmeriCorps, I worked with New Hampshire’s at-risk children, and advocated for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. Both as a volunteer and an elected official, I have worked with many of NH’s non-profits to help our less fortunate families build a stronger future.“ Kelly Boyer

On the Goffstown Select Board, Kelly has successfully spearheaded efforts to improve public safety, expand senior services at the local library, keep local taxes and spending in check and expand local volunteerism.

“Executive Council District #4 deserves a leader willing to put people before politics…someone who reflects the values of our communities and isn’t just a rubber stamp. Anyone who has met Kelly will tell you; she’s smart, confident and tenacious. Moreover, Kelly’s work on the Goffstown Select Board is an example of the bipartisan, get-the-job-done approach we need at every level of New Hampshire government.” NH Senate President Donna Soucy.

Kelly believes the Executive Council must work harder to embrace its critical role of providing checks and balances to the Governor’s office, regardless of which political party occupies the Governor’s Office. As she has done on the Goffstown Select Board, Kelly is committed to transparency in government at all levels; she is committed to prioritizing NH families and businesses over politics and she is committed to empowering the marginalized segments of our society.

Kelly lives in Goffstown with her wife, three dogs and a flock of chickens.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 05 March 2020

DURHAM, N.H.—The number of child sexual abuse cases known to authorities increased by 6% from 2017 to 2018, the first jump in more than 15 years, according to a new analysis of national data by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire. The uptick was broadly distributed, with 38 states reporting an increase in cases of child sexual abuse.

Using data collected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the researchers found that overall, the number of sexual abuse cases known to authorities have been declining since the early 1990s, down to about 59,400 cases nationwide in 2017. In 2018, that number spiked to nearly 63,000. Despite the increase in the past year, the sexual abuse rate declined 62% from 1992 to 2018.

“It is too soon to say that the trend is in reverse,” said David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes against Children Research Center. “Single-year changes are not necessarily indicative of a new trend but large changes bear watching.” He urged caution until another year of data is available.

The numbers showing the increase reflect cases reported to and substantiated by state child protection authorities. These numbers can sometimes rise because of highly publicized cases like the USA Gymnastics scandal.

Finkelhor also pointed to the greater adoption of prevention programs in schools and youth-serving organizations. “There is a new level of mobilization nationwide to try to raise awareness, protect children and promote disclosures. It may be that one of the first things that happen is an increase in reporting.”

The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation, and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. As one of the nation’s highest-performing research universities, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, and receives more than $110 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea, and space. 

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 05 March 2020

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.

Details

Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 04 March 2020

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

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

On March 4, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that travelers from countries with a Level 3 travel alert (currently China, Iran, Italy and South Korea) are advised to stay home and monitor their health (i.e., self-quarantine) for 14 days after returning to the United States. Travelers from countries with a Level 2 level travel alert (currently Japan) are advised to monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States.

Anybody with travel to one of these countries who develops symptoms of fever or respiratory illness within 14 days of travel should limit contact with others and contact their primary care provider by phone to discuss their travel and symptoms in order to assess whether testing for COVID-19 might be warranted. Healthcare providers should discuss with the DHHS Division of Public Health Services the testing of anybody suspected with COVID-19.

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

DHHS Commissioner Lori Shibinette has signed a Declaration of Public Health Incident, which allows the State to use trained volunteers to assist in the ongoing response. With the declaration, DHHS is operationalizing a plan to coordinate with our volunteer corps, hospitals and healthcare providers to develop a robust response in case there is a future need to increase capacity for testing and surveillance efforts throughout the State.

·  Possible Exposures during Private Event on Friday, February 28

On March 3, DHHS announced the first COVID-19 patient attended an invitation-only private function on Friday, February 28. People who attended the private event at The Engine Room in White River Junction, VT on the evening of Friday February 28, 2020, and were identified to be a close contact to the person who had a presumptive positive test for COVID-19, have been contacted and asked to self-quarantine and monitor for development of symptoms of infection.

Any other patrons of The Engine Room have been determined to be low risk for COVID-19 and are not being asked to quarantine or have testing for COVID-19. The majority of people who attended this private function should monitor themselves for symptoms of fever or respiratory illness, and contact their healthcare providers if they do develop symptoms. If you have questions or concerns about this event, please contact the Vermont Health Department 802-863-7240.

Current Situation in NH

New Hampshire 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Summary Report

(updated March 4, 2020, 9:00 a.m.)

Number of Confirmed Case(s) 1	0
Number of Persons Being Tested (current, test pending) 2	7
Number of Persons Tested (current, presumptive positive) 3	2
Number of PersonsTested (closed, tested negative)	10

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 by 9:00 a.m. to include a current summary of testing actions.

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.

Details

Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 04 March 2020

New Hampshire’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2020 was 2.6 percent, unchanged from the December 2019 rate, which remained at 2.6 percent after revision. The January 2019 seasonally adjusted rate was 2.5 percent.

Seasonally adjusted estimates for January 2020 placed the number of employed residents at 758,250, an increase of 1,570 from the previous month and an increase of 8,650 from January 2019. The number of unemployed residents increased by 40 over-the-month to 19,940. This was 710 more unemployed than in January 2019. From December 2019 to January 2020, the total labor force increased by 1,610 to 778,190. This was an increase of 9,360 from January 2019.

The unadjusted January 2020 unemployment rate for New Hampshire was 3.1 percent, an increase of 0.8 percentage points from the December 2019 rate, which remained at 2.3 percent after revision. The January 2019 unadjusted rate was 3.0 percent.

Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2020 was 3.6 percent, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the December 2019 rate, and a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the January 2019 rate. The national unadjusted rate for January 2020 was 4.0 percent, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the December 2019 rate, and a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from the January 2019 rate.

NOTE: State nonfarm employment estimates are available on our Internet Web site: www.nhes.nh.gov/elmi concurrent with this release. Local area unemployment rates are expected to be available on Thursday, March 12. All monthly data will continue to be published in the monthly newsletter New Hampshire Economic Conditions.

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 04 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Bureau of Housing Supports, in collaboration with the State’s three Continuums of Care as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, will participate in a forum on youth homelessness on Thursday, March 5 at 9 a.m. at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Sponsored by SNHU and the NH Coalition to End Homelessness, “Coming Together to End Youth Homelessness in New Hampshire” will provide an opportunity to join community partners, non-profit agencies, and young people with lived experience to call attention to youth homelessness in the State.

The event will feature an overview of youth homelessness in NH, remarks from state and federal leaders, panel presentations from young people who have experienced homelessness, and round table discussions designed to create a coordinated community response to prevent and end youth homelessness.

Youth will share their individual experiences and provide valuable insight into how communities can prevent and end youth homelessness. Local regions across the state will participate in round table discussions and use available New Hampshire data in order to share resources and identify opportunities for coordinated community response and solutions. 

Coming Together to End Youth Homelessness in New Hampshire

Thursday, March 5, 2020

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Southern New Hampshire University

2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH

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Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 04 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced the second presumptive positive test result in New Hampshire for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new 2019 coronavirus. This individual is an adult male from Grafton County who was in close contact with the first person to test positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolated at home. DHHS is awaiting confirmation of two presumptive positive test results by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DHHS has begun a contact investigation for the second person who tested positive. We expect additional cases may be identified that are related to this investigation.

The contact investigation for the first person identified as a presumptive positive case of the new coronavirus, COVID-19 was initiated as soon as the person was identified for testing. Through the course of the investigation, DHHS has determined that the first patient, despite having been directed to self-isolate attended an invitation-only private event on Friday, February 28. DHHS has issued an official order of isolation to the first patient under RSA-141-C:11. DHHS is contacting attendees who had close contact with the person during the event and notifying them to follow the recommended 14-day self-isolation.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) has announced that the first person identified as a positive case is an employee. DHMC has identified staff who may have been exposed through close contact with the patient and will monitor those individuals’ self-monitoring or self-isolating. At this time, DHMC is not aware of exposure to any patients in clinical areas.

DHHS is managing the investigation into individuals in the community who may have been exposed to the virus. Any people determined to have been in close contact with the patient have been identified and are being notified. DHHS recommends that those individuals self-quarantine for 14 days after the day they were potentially exposed. Any person who develops a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) should stay home away from other people and seek health advice by phone from either a healthcare provider or the NH DHHS at 603-271-4496 (after-hours 603-271-5300).

Any person who has not been contacted by DHHS but is concerned they may have been exposed to the virus should self-observe for symptoms. Instructions for people to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available here: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/documents/2019-coronavirus-self-observation-guidelines.pdf.

If people develop symptoms such as fever or respiratory symptoms, they should contact a healthcare provider or the DHHS Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496.

DHHS continues to test for COVID-19 in the NH Public Health Laboratories. In addition to the presumptive positive test result, six tests have been conducted and identified as negative for the virus, and four tests are pending. DHHS is updating its website each morning by 9:00 am to include a current summary of testing actions.

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.

Details

Written by Patrick R. McElhiney

Category: Articles

Published: 02 March 2020

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) announces the first presumptive positive test result in New Hampshire for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new 2019 coronavirus. This individual is an adult male from Grafton County and is currently isolated at home with mild symptoms. DHHS conducted testing today on the individual after they returned from travel to Italy and notified their healthcare provider after developing fever and respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel.

“This morning, we identified the first presumptive positive test result for COVID-19 in New Hampshire. This positive test is in an individual who traveled to Italy and developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within several days of travel. At this time, there is no evidence of more widespread community transmission in New Hampshire,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan. “The State is conducting an investigation to determine potential exposure to other people in order to quickly isolate and test any additional people with suspect coronavirus.”

The NH Public Health Laboratories (PHL) conducted the test and identified the presumptive positive result. The patient’s specimen is being sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today for confirmatory testing. The CDC is conducting confirmatory tests on all state laboratory tests that are found to be presumptively positive for COVID-19.

DHHS has started a contact investigation and is reaching out to individuals who may have been in direct contact with the individual. Public health professionals will monitor any close contacts and ask them to self-quarantine for 14 days following their last exposure to monitor for potential symptoms of the virus. Household contacts of the person who has presumptively tested positive have been self-quarantining at home since the state and healthcare providers determined that the individual met the criteria to be evaluated for COVID-19. 

The U.S. expects to detect more introductions of COVID-19 through travel, as well as more person-to-person spread and community transmission of this virus. The CDC and New Hampshire are conducting aggressive containment efforts, including ongoing use of isolation and quarantine measures to decrease introductions and spread of the virus.

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

There is a sustained and widespread transmission of COVID-19 in several countries. The CDC has currently issued travel advisories for the following countries, but given the rapidly changing situation, these advisories are frequently changing:

•      Level 3 Travel Warning (avoid all nonessential travel due to widespread community transmission): China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea

•      Level 2 Travel Alert (practice enhanced precautions due to sustained community transmission): Japan

•      Level 1 Travel Watch (practice usual precautions but limited community spread has been reported): Hong Kong

For more information on COVID-19 in NH, please visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm. For the latest information from the CDC, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.