NHPR is continuing to cover the developing story around coronavirus in New Hampshire. Bookmark this page for the latest updates.

Governor Chris Sununu issued a stay at home order on Thursday, March 26, for New Hampshire residents, in effect until May 4th.  He ordered all non-essential businesses to close, starting at midnight Friday, March 27. The moves are part of the state's broader efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus in New Hampshire.

This page will be updated as we learn more about the governor's order.

Below are answers to some common questions about the new guidelines and what they mean for people in the state.

Gov. Chris Sununu and other state authorities have spent the past few weeks urging employers across the state to make big changes to how they do business, to stem the spread of COVID-19.

But New Hampshire state government is itself one of the state’s largest employers, with nearly 10,000 full-time and more than 2,000 part-time employees across dozens of state agencies. 

Law enforcement has the authority to bring charges against a business or person who violates Gov. Chris Sununu's stay-at-home order.

That's according to a memo from the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office on Friday.

The state is seeking childcare providers to apply to a new emergency childcare collaborative, meant to provide support to parents who must still go to work in jobs deemed “essential” during the COVID-19 emergency.

The Department of Health and Human Services expects to open applications for its Emergency Childcare Collaborative no later than Monday and hopes to launch the program one week after that, by April 6.

Health officials and journalists are offering information and guidance about the new coronavirus and best practices for staying safe. We’ve gathered some of what we’ve found most useful for people in New Hampshire here. 

Note: Bookmark this page - we will be updating it as we get more information about coronavirus.

Updated Friday, March 27, 6pm

What is novel coronavirus and COVID-19?

The New Hampshire Legislature has suspended full operations until at least May 4th, but a key panel of lawmakers is planning to meet remotely in two weeks in an effort to start addressing anticipated declines in state revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite Gov. Chris Sununu’s stay-at-home order, which takes effect at midnight Friday night, New Hampshire residents are still allowed -- and encouraged -- to go outside to exercise.

But not every hiking and walking spot is available or safe to use during the coronavirus pandemic, according to conservation groups.