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Coronavirus Blog: Earlier Updates (May 16 to July 16, 2021)

A "For Rent" sign hangs in a window
Shane Adams via Flickr/CC - http://ow.ly/OJ5Pe

This post gathers NHPR's past updates on coronavirus in New Hampshire.

NOTE: Some of the stories below may contained outdated guidance and stories that have since evolved. Please click the links below for the most up-to-date coverage and guidance.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EARLIER COVID-19 UPDATES

CLICK HERE FOR OUR UPDATED CORONAVIRUS LIVE BLOG

Some Granite Staters have not received second vaccine dose

Update: Friday, July 16, 7:01 p.m.

Around 8 percent of those who received a shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in New Hampshire haven't come back for a timely second dose, leaving them more vulnerable to the virus, especially as the highly transmissible delta variant continues to spread across the country.

A spokesperson for the state says some of these people could have gotten their second dose outside of New Hampshire, which the state would not have in its registry.

The vaccines are most effective when the two-dose series is completed, even if the second dose is taken late.

The state recommends anyone who got the first shot should receive their second dose, even if more than a month has passed.

- Alli Fam

44 new cases, 17 hospitalizations reported Friday in N.H.

Update: Friday, July 16, 3:45 p.m.

There were 44 new coronavirus cases announced Friday, a number that has held steady for the past three days. State health officials say they know of 249 active cases statewide.

Seventeen people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19.

No new deaths were announced July 16.

- NHPR Staff

Tenants await rental aid amid eviction fears

Update: Friday, July 16, 11:46 a.m.

EXPLAINER FROM The Associated Press: A federal freeze on most evictions enacted last year is scheduled to expire July 31, after the Biden administration extended the date by a month.

The moratorium, put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in September, was the only tool keeping millions of tenants in their homes.

Many of them lost jobs during the coronavirus pandemic and had fallen months behind on their rent.

Landlords successfully challenged the order in court, arguing they also had bills to pay. They pointed out that tenants could access more than $45 billion in federal money set aside to help pay rents and related expenses.

Advocates for tenants say the distribution of the money has been slow and that more time is needed to distribute it and repay landlords. Without an extension, they feared a spike in evictions and lawsuits seeking to boot out tenants who are behind on their rents.

As of June 7, roughly 3.2 million people in the U.S. said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. The survey measures the social and economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic every two weeks through online responses from a representative sample of U.S. households.

Here's the situation in New Hampshire:

WHAT'S THE STATUS OF EVICTION MORATORIUMS IN THE STATE?

New Hampshire is one of several states that enacted a moratorium last year halting eviction proceedings. The measure expired last summer, leaving only the CDC moratorium. The state also has a measure requiring landlords to give tenants 30 days to pay back rent, up from the previous seven days. But that measure applies only to unpaid rent during a short stretch of 2020 — form March 17 to June 11.

WHAT'S BEING DONE TO HELP PEOPLE FACING EVICTION?

New Hampshire will get $352 million in federal money to help tenants with outstanding rent, utility payments and other expenses. Last year, it dedicated $20 million from the federal CARES Act and ended up providing $15.6 million to 4,611 tenants. It reallocated the remaining money to other programs. This year, the state has begun allocating $180 million in federal emergency rental assistance. Rockingham County was allocated an additional $20 million. The money can go toward 15 months of rent and other expenses, including internet access. Renters who pay 30% of their income toward rent and have 80% of the area median income qualify. So far, the state estimates it has distributed about $18 million to 3,000 tenants, acknowledging the process has been slowed by federal requirements for a range of documents.

HOW ARE THE COURTS HANDLING EVICTION HEARINGS?

Eviction hearings in New Hampshire continue to be held remotely, and the CDC moratorium has meant that most eviction lawsuits have been stayed. But Stephen Tower, a staff attorney with New Hampshire Legal Assistance, said some district courts have been allowing eviction lawsuits to proceed while staying a ruling until after the moratorium ends. As a result, evictions dropped dramatically in 2020 and so far in 2021. According to the New Hampshire Finance Authority, evictions were down in 2020 by about half — to just over 2,000 statewide. They dropped to several hundred so far in 2021.

- Michael Casey, Associated Press

Coos County sees uptick in cases

Update: Friday, July 16, 11:01 a.m.

New Hampshire's least populated county is seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases.

A hospital in Berlin, in Coos County, began to see an increase in cases late last week when the city's COVID-19 count jumped from zero cases to eight.

A spokesperson tells WMUR-TV the cases are believed to be associated with a local day care center. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 52% of the county's residents are fully vaccinated, and 57% of residents have received at least one shot. Gov. Chris Sununu said such upticks are expected.

- Associated Press

NH new cases up slightly

Update: Thursday, July 15, 4:41 p.m.

The state today announced 45 new coronavirus cases and 238 active overall cases.

Thirteen people are hospitalized with the virus.

New Hampshire has averaged 31 new cases per day over the past week, which is a 28% increase compared to the previous week, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services.

- NHPR Staff

State reports 46 new coronavirus infections

Update: Saturday, July 14, 4:10 p.m.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced 46 new positive test results for COVID-19 Wednesday, the highest single-day case report since mid-June.

Related: Visit NHPR's COVID data tracker here

According to health officials, thirteen of the new cases are patients younger than 18. The state is tracking 213 active COVID-19 cases, and twelve Granite Staters are hospitalized with the virus.

- NHPR Staff

Get COVID updates and other NHPR headlines in your inbox - sign up for our daily newsletter The Rundown today.

One additional COVID-19 death in N.H.

Update: Tuesday, July 13, 5:01 p.m.

The state announced 27 new coronavirus cases and 200 current cases Tuesday.

There are currently 13 people hospitalized with COVID-19. Health officials also announced one more COVID-19 death - a man from Belknap County.

Since the pandemic began, New Hampshire has recorded 1,381 deaths and just under 100,000 positive cases.

- Dan Tuohy

79 new infections identified in New Hampshire this weekend

Update: Monday, July 12, 4: 30 p.m.

State health officials reported 79 newly-identified coronavirus infections Monday, a number that includes test results from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Of the new cases, twenty-five patients are younger than 18.

The state is tracking 197 active COVID-19 cases. Fifteen Granite Staters are hospitalized with the virus. 

- NHPR Staff

Dartmouth College task force to end its work Aug. 1

Update: Saturday, July 10, 8:22 a.m.

A COVID-19 task force at Dartmouth College is planning to end its work by Aug. 1. The task force has guided the college's pandemic-related decisions. It stopped making recommendations as of Tuesday. The Valley News reports Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon says the the task force is expected to be disbanded, "assuming that public health conditions continue to remain favorable."

Decisions on campus operations now fall to to the offices of the provost and the executive vice president.

- AP

30 new cases, 1 additional COVID death

Update: Friday, July 9, 6 p.m.

The state announced 30 new confirmed cases of COVID 19 on Friday.  That brings the total number of active cases to 210,  slight uptick over the past week.  The test positivity rate has also increased this week from .8%, the lowest it’s been this year, to 1.1%.  Around 72% of the state’s eligible population has received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Health officials confirmed one additional COVID-19 death - a male resident of Rockingham County.

- NHPR Staff

How Common is the Delta Variant in New Hampshire?

Update: Friday, July 9, 10:01 a.m.

The CDC estimates the more contagious Delta variant (B.1.617.2) now accounts for 34% of new COVID-19 cases in New England, and just over half of new cases nationally.

State variant testing has found rates to be much lower in New Hampshire, at around 2%.

While geographic differences are expected, and the CDC's estimates, which are forecasts, could change slightly, the difference is still striking. The reason why is not entirely clear.

Sampling is one probable factor.

A spokesperson for the state says specimens sequenced by the state and their partners are not representative of the whole state, whereas the CDC draws from national reference laboratories which may be more representative of regional populations.

In two weeks ending in July 7th, a total of 51 positive COVID cases were tested for variants in New Hampshire, one of which was identified as the Delta Variant.

Increasing rates of vaccination, keeping numbers of infections low, and preventing spread of COVID-19, can limit introduction and spread of more infectious variants like the Delta variant.

— Alli Fam

Latest COVID numbers show continued low transmission rate

Update: Thursday, July 8, 5:01 p.m.

The state reported 36 new coronavirus cases Thursday, with 212 active infections being monitored statewide.

While transmission remains low in New Hampshire, new cases are slightly up. The state has averaged 26 cases a day over the past week, which is a 23% increase from the previous seven-day period.

Fifteen people are hospitalized with the virus. No additional COVID-19 deaths were announced.

- NHPR Staff

Credit NH.gov/covid19
Twelve hospitalized due to COVID-19

Update: Wednesday, July 7, 4:41 p.m.

State health officials today reported 31 new coronavirus cases and one additional COVID-19 death.

There are 195 active infections statewide and 12 people hospitalized with the virus.

The Department of Health and Human Services said that a man from Strafford County, who was older than 60, was the lone death announced.

The state has recorded 1,374 deaths during the pandemic.

- NHPR Staff

Up to 2,000 Dartmouth-Hitchcock employees to remain remote

Update: Wednesday, July 7, 10:31 a.m.

Up to 2,000 Dartmouth-Hitchcock employees will keep working remotely in some capacity after the coronavirus pandemic.

Brenda Blair of Dartmouth-Hitchcock tells the Valley News that positions will be affected in human resources, information technology, finance and clinical secretary services. The total includes about 13% of the health system's employees overall and almost 20% of workers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

She characterized the current shift as one from "remote by necessity," which the health system adopted in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic to "remote by design," in which Dartmouth-Hitchcock has taken the time to think through how best to approach remote work.

- AP 

State reports one COVID death, 78 new COVID-19 infections identified this weekend

Update: Tuesday, July 6, 5:10 p.m.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services announced the death of another Granite Stater Tuesday. The patient was a male resident of Strafford County.

Get COVID updates and other NHPR headlines in your inbox - sign up for our daily newsletter The Rundown today.

State health officials reported 78 newly-identified coronavirus infections, reflecting totals from the long holiday weekend. Twenty-eight new positive test results were attributed to Friday, 26 were identified Saturday, 8 on Sunday, and 16 on Monday.

Since the start of the pandemic, 1,373 residents have died from the virus. Thirteen residents are currently hospitalized. 

- NHPR Staff

Hassan seeks help for those seeking stimulus checks

Update: Tuesday, July 6, 8:11 a.m.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan is seeking help for constituents who haven't received their third federal stimulus payments.

Hassan wrote to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig last week urging the agency to ensure checks are sent as soon as possible.

The Democrat said she has heard from constituents who were told they were eligible for the third round of payments but haven't received them and are only being told the delay is caused by a "system issue."

The IRS has said it may take until December to process all payments, which were part of a COVID-19 relief bill passed in March. Hassan said residents can't afford to keep waiting.

- Associated Press

35 new cases reported in N.H.

Update: Friday, July 2, 5:45 p.m.

COVID-19 numbers in the state have slightly increased, though they remain low. The state had 35 new coronavirus cases Friday. No new deaths were reported.

There are 181 active infections across New Hampshire. Seventeen people are hospitalized with the virus.

Since the pandemic began, New Hampshire has recorded nearly 100,000 cases and 1,372 COVID-19 deaths.

- NHPR Staff

DHHS reports 27 new cases

Update: Thursday, July 1, 3:21 p.m.

The state announced 27 new coronavirus cases and 169 current cases on Thursday. Fifteen people are hospitalized with COVID-19.

New Hampshire has averaged 22 cases a day over the past week.

New Hampshire Closed 11 Fixed Vaccination Sites

- NHPR Staff

State announces one more COVID-19 death

Update: Wednesday, June 30, 4:41 p.m.

There were 28 new coronavirus infections reported today, which brings the seven-day test positivity in New Hampshire to .8%. There are currently 162 active cases statewide.

Fifteen patients are currently hospitalized with the virus, as of 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The state announced a woman from Sullivan County has died due to COVID-19. She was older than 60, and was the 1,372nd resident to die from the virus, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Over 96% of the COVID-19 deaths in New Hampshire are residents 60 and older.

- NHPR Staff

Credit NH.gov
State emergency operations center to close today

Update: Wednesday, June 30, 10:41 a.m.

The New Hampshire state emergency operation center will close at 4 p.m. today, Governor Sununu announced.

The state’s “joint operation center,” which was also launched March 9, 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, will be closing as well. The emergency operations center opened March 13, 2020, the day Sununu declared a state of emergency in response to COVID-19.

The state of emergency in New Hampshire expired on June 11, 2021.

- Dan Tuohy

State reports 30 new infections

Update: Tuesday, June 29, 4:25 p.m.

Thirty newly-identified COVID-19 infections were reported by state health officials Tuesday. The new cases include eleven patients younger than 18.

According to officials, most of the new cases were the result of close contact with an infected person, which indicates community transmission of the coronavirus continues to occur across the state. 

No new deaths were announced Tuesday. The state's death toll since the start of the pandemic is 1,371.

- NHPR Staff

State announces 1 COVID death, 59 new cases

Update: Monday, June 28, 3:45 p.m.

New Hampshire health officials reported one new COVID death Monday. The patient who died was a female resident of Coos County.

The state also saw 59 newly-identified COVID-19 infections over the weekend, with fourteen new positive test results on Friday, twenty-six on Saturday, and nineteen on Sunday.

Sixteen Granite Staters are currently hospitalized with the virus. The state is tracking 155 active coronavirus infections.

- NHPR Staff

Two additional COVID deaths announced Friday

Update: Friday, June 25, 4:06 p.m.  

COVID-19 infections in New Hampshire continue to steadily decline.

State health officials reported 167 current cases of COVID Friday, the lowest number since the early days of the pandemic in March of last year.

[Are We There Yet? Packed N.H. Highways Are Back After Pandemic Lull]

But the coronavirus is continuing to prove fatal for some New Hampshire residents, with the state reporting an average of one death a day for the past month.

Two new deaths tied to COVID-19 were reported Friday: A woman from Grafton County and a man from Rockingham County, both older than 60.

To date, there have been 1,371 COVID-19 deaths in the state.

There were 13 new cases Friday, and hospitalizations also keep trending downward. Thirteen people were hospitalized, as of Friday morning.

- NHPR Staff

State reports 30 new infections

Update: Thursday, June 24, 5:12 p.m.

The state announced 30 new coronavirus cases on Thursday. There are 185 active infections and 14 people are currently hospitalized with the virus.

New Hampshire health officials have confirmed 99,392 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

- NHPR Staff

Dartmouth relaxes COVID rules, requires worker vaccination

Update: Thursday, June 24, 10:41 a.m.

Dartmouth College has relaxed many of its COVID-19 rules, such as no longer requiring people who are fully vaccinated to wear masks, and lifting physical distancing, and dining restrictions.

The Valley News reports that Provost Joseph Helble said Wednesday that Dartmouth was easing restrictions in light of the fact that 83% of the students who will be on campus this summer have been vaccinated.

The college announced in April that all students will be required to be vaccinated ahead of the fall term. Dartmouth also is requiring employees to be vaccinated by Sept. 1.

- Associated Press

Rescue Plan funds to support child care programs, workers

Update: Thursday, June 24, 8:26 a.m.

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services says funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act are going to support child care programs and workers in the state.

Over the next 30 to 60 days, the department plans to launch stabilization grants to child care programs, workforce recruitment and retention efforts, and market rate increases for the New Hampshire Child Care Scholarship Program.

Starting July 12, the grants will be open to all licensed and enrolled license-exempt child care providers.

The scholarship market rate for tuition costs for enrolled families will increase as much as 10% for infants through preschoolers, and an average of 40% for school-age children.

- Associated Press

 

N.H. announces one additional COVID death

Update: Wednesday, June 23, 4:17 p.m.

An additional Granite Stater has died due to COVID-19. State health officials identified the deceased as a man from Rockingham County, who was older than 60.

The state overall has had 1,369 COVID-19 deaths.

There were 22 new cases, 15 current hospitalizations, and 180 active infections statewide on Wednesday.

- NHPR Staff

DHHS: 25 new cases, 182 active infections

Update: Tuesday, June 22, 4:36 p.m.

The state announced 25 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, one of the lowest daily case counts in about six months.

There are 182 active infections and 17 current hospitalizations.

New Hampshire health officials have recorded 1,368 COVID-19 deaths and nearly 100,000 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

- NHPR Staff

Mental health support for kids preparing for summer camp

Update: Tuesday, June 22, 4:01 p.m.

As children get ready for summer camp, federal COVID-19 response funds are being used to offer mental health training for camp counselors.

The Department of Education is partnering with the New Hampshire Community Behavioral Mental Health Association to provide the training.

Also, the 10 community mental health centers around the state will have staff on site at camp locations weekly to provide mental health support for children.

The effort is a part of the department's "Rekindling Curiosity: Every Kid Goes to Camp" program, which offers families camp tuition support.

Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut said in spite of the heroic efforts by so many over this past year, many children have experienced anxiety and trauma during the pandemic.

- AP

DHHS new cases see another big drop

Update: Monday, June 21, 4:00 p.m.

State health officials today reported 54 new COVID-19 cases and 18 current hospitalizations.

Of the 54 cases, 10 were from Sunday, 15 from Saturday, and 29 from Friday. The latest stats show a continued decresae in transmission of the virus in New Hampshire.

There are 196 active infections in New Hampshire.

- NHPR Staff

Hospital Assoc.: Masks still required in health care settings

Update: Saturday, June 19, 9:07 a.m.  

The president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association says wearing a mask is still required in a health care setting and is still one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Federal regulatory requirements from both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services  and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration state that health care settings must require masks be worn by both visitors and staff.

Association President Steve Ahnen said Friday that we all want to get back to doing the things we've missed out on over the past year, but we need to continue to protect loved ones in the hospital.

- AP 

New Hampshire reports one additional death

Update: Friday, June 18, 3:42 p.m.

The state announced another COVID-19 fatality today: a man from Rockingham County, who was older than 60. 

There have been 1,367 coronavirus deaths recorded in New Hampshire since the pandemic began. 

State health officials reported a continued decrease in new infections. There were 25 new cases, 265 active cases statewide, and 19 people in the hospital due to the virus.

- NHPR Staff

State loosens mask guidance at most locations

Update: Thursday, June 17, 4:00 p.m.

Two more Granite Staters have died as a result of the coronavirus, state health officials announced Thursday.

There are 30 newly-identified infections, and 17 residents are hospitalized with the virus.

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According to state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan, New Hampshire's test positivity rate for COVID is 1.3%. Chan says the state’s new case numbers, deaths, and test positivity rates are continuing to drop.

Community transmission is also continuing to decline across the state, Chan says, with most New Hampshire counties at a "low or minimal risk" of transmission.

New guidance on masks

New Hampshire is relaxing its mask guidance, health officials announced Thursday. Going forward, people who have been fully vaccinated or who are symptom-free may choose to go without a mask in most locations.

State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan says residents should continue to follow mask rules at businesses and facilities that require them. He also says that federal regulations continue to mandate masks at certain locations, including health care facilities and on public transportation.

Quarantine no longer required in all cases of exposure

New Hampshire residents will no longer be required to quarantine after being exposed to someone outside their home who has tested positive for COVID-19, Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette announced Thursday. Those exposed to an infected person with whom they share a residence will continue to be required to follow quarantine rules.

According to Shibinette, transmission when exposed to the coronavirus outside of the home is rare.

The new guidance means the state will no longer conduct contact tracing for public COVID-19 exposures. Shibinette says the state will continue to investigate new COVID-19 infections.

- NHPR Staff

Visit NHPR's COVID case and data tracker here.

N.H. case average drops 28% from a week earlier

Update: Wednesday, June 16, 5:33 p.m.

State health officials reported 25 new COVID-19 cases today, as transmission data continues to show improvement statewide.

New Hampshire has had an average of 35 cases per day over the pat week, which is a 28% decrease compared to the previous seven-day period, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Eighteen people are currently hospitalized and there are 269 active infections.

Since the pandemic started, the Granite State has recorded 99,196 coronavirus cases.

- NHPR Staff

41 new COVID cases in New Hampshire

Update: Tuesday, June 15, 7:15 p.m.

State health officals reported 41 newly-identified COVID-19 infections Tuesday. Officials are monitoring 283 active cases of the virus across New Hampshire.

No new deaths were announced. There are eighteen residents currently hospitalized with the virus, continuing a declining trend of hospitalizations in recent weeks.

Since the start of the pandemic, 1,364 Granite Staters have died as a result of the coronavirus.

- NHPR Staff

Weekend numbers include three deaths, 54 new infections

Update: Monday, June 14, 4:15 p.m.

New Hampshire has lost three more residents to the coronavirus, state health officials announced Monday. In a report that covers Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, the state says the patients who died were residents of Carroll, Coos, and Hillsborough counties.

Health officials reported 54 newly-identified infections, with 280 active cases being tracked. 

Twenty residents are currently hospitalized with the virus.

- NHPR Staff

State House to reopen after nearly 15 months

Update: Friday, June 11, 1:59 p.m.

The New Hampshire Statehouse and Legislative Office Building will reopen to the public Monday after being closed for nearly 15 months during the coronavirus pandemic.

House Speaker Sherm Packard says the state must provide physical access to committee of conference meetings now that the governor's state of emergency declaration is expiring Friday night.

Remote access will continue to be provided, and the public is strongly encouraged to view the livestreams as room capacity will be limited and standing will not be allowed.

- AP

Sununu says he will not renew state of emergency

Update: Thursday, June 10, 3:12 p.m.

Gov. Chris Sununu announced that the state of emergency will end Friday, June 11th, at midnight. The state of emergency was first issued March 13, 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor said the state of emergency was needed since that time to support state-federal response to COVID-19. "Every day we're vaccinating more people, every day cases are dropping," he said at a news conference Thursday.

Dr. Benjamin Chan, state epidemiologist, said new cases and positivity rates continue to fall. He did announce three additional COVID-19 deaths, with one of them associated with a long-term care facility.

Fifty-one new cases were confirmed as well. The state is now averaging about 50 cases per day.

Vaccination rates continue to slow, with supply exceeding demand. More than 800,000 people have now received their first shots in New Hampshire. Shots are available at more than 450 locations, including many walk-in options.

- NHPR Staff

Congressional delegation urges for swift reopening of U.S.-Canadian border

Update: Thursday, June 10, 12:42 p.m.

The U.S. representatives from Northern New England are urging the Department of Homeland Security to safely reopen the U.S.-Canadian border, noting that Canadian tourists are vital contributors to the region's economy.

The Democrats, led by U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, wrote to Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday.

They said Canadian tourists spend $19 billion on average in the United States, including $500 million across northern New England.

They said allowing vaccinated tourists to travel between the two countries will spur job creation on either side of the border and keep both economies on the path to recovery.

- AP

N.H. case numbers remain low

Update: Wednesday, June 9, 3:51 p.m.

State health officials reported 57 new coronavirus cases today, and an average of 50 new cases per day over the past week, a 9% decrease from the previous seven-day period.

There are 328 active infections statewide, and 29 people hospitalized due to the virus.

No new deaths were reported for the second day in a row. Since the pandemic began, the state has recorded 1,357 COVID-19 deaths, and 62% of the fatalities were residents over 80, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

- NHPR Staff

Millions to help communities of color, rural areas

Update: Wednesday, June 9, 9:01 a.m.

New Hampshire's congressional delegation says the state is getting more than $24.5 million in health-related COVID-19 funds to assist medically underserved communities.

The funds are coming from the federal relief package approved in December and will help communities of color and rural areas. The funds will allow the state Department of Health and Human Services to boost COVID-19 testing and contact tracing capabilities.

[The Shot And A Shave: Inside A Vaccination Clinic At A Nashua Barbershop]

It will also go toward improving data collection and empowering community partners to address health disparities.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen says the pandemic has exacerbated serious barriers and inequities in the state's health care system that face rural families and communities of color.

- AP

New cases drop to 28 in N.H.

Update: Tuesday, June 8, 5:45 p.m.

New Hampshire's latest public health update shows dramatic improvement in COVID-19 infections. The state reported just 28 new cases Tuesday. It's the lowest number of new cases reported in a single day since September.

Active infections decreased to 322.

Twenty-eight people are currently hospitalized due to the virus. No new deaths were reported.

- NHPR Staff

Durham rescinds mask mandate

Update: Tuesday, June 8, 1:39 p.m.

The mask mandate is over in Durham.

The town's emergency ordinance first took effect Aug. 3. It was rescinded Monday. The town council voted unanimously to end it. READ the policy.

Other communities with local ordinances for face coverings have taken similar steps. Enfield town leaders voted Monday to end their policy. The Valley News reports the policy will be rescindeded, effective June 18.

- NHPR Staff

Portsmouth rescinds city mask mandate

Update: Tuesday, June 8, 10:33 a.m.

The city of Portsmouth has ended its mask mandate.

The city council voted unanimously Monday night to rescind the policy. Gov. Chris Sununu lifted the state's mask mandate in April. 

In another development, Portsmouth's Health Officer, Kim McNamara, announced declining COVID-19 positivity rates in Rockingham County has allowed Portsmouth's indoor dining and food service to return to normal 100% capacity - while still complying with applicable city codes.

- Dan Tuohy

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NH high court lifting mask requirement

Update: Tuesday, June 8, 10:01 a.m.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court is allowing people to go without a mask in courts, with some exceptions.

The state House of Representatives has also rejected an attempt to make infectious diseases like COVID-19 a qualifying condition for absentee voting.

In Maine, health officials on Sunday reported nearly 80 new coronavirus cases and zero new deaths from the virus. In Massachusetts, officials reported four additional deaths and more than 100 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. And in Vermont, the Bellows Falls Opera House is expected to reopen next weekend after the beloved movie theater in Rockingham was shut down during the pandemic.

- Associated Press

2 new COVID deaths in New Hampshire

Update: Monday, June 7, 4:40 p.m.

New Hampshire health officials announced two new COVID-19 deaths Monday, bringing the state's toll since the start of the pandemic to 1,357. The patients who died were both female, residing in Cheshire and Hillsborough Counties.

Sign up for NHPR's Coronavirus Newsletter to get near-daily updates in your inbox.

The state reported three days of newly-identified infections data: 36 new cases today, 46 on Sunday, and 52 on Saturday. Officials are tracking 353 active infections, and hospitalizations continue to decline, numbering just 27 patients, the state announced.

- NHPR Staff

Concord to release students early Monday, Tuesday

Update: Monday, June 7, 9:20 a.m.

The mask policy played a part in the decision by at least one New Hampshire school district to release students early Monday because of 90-degree-plus temperatures and humidity.

“Making matters more difficult, students are still expected to wear masks in classrooms and outdoors is not a suitable option," Kathleen Murphy, interim superintendent at the Concord School District, wrote in a letter to families on Sunday. “I am sorry for the imposition on families, but for the overall safety and health of the students I felt it was a prudent decision."

The district was releasing students early Tuesday, as well. The Manchester school district canceled classes for Monday and said it would re-evaluate for Tuesday. In Londonderry, cooling areas were being made available.

Temperatures in New Hampshire were expected to get well into the 90s on Monday and Tuesday.

- Associated Press

New Hampshire reports one COVID-19 death

Update: Friday, June 4, 5:00 p.m.

New Hampshire health officials announced one coronavirus death Friday. The patient who died was a resident of Carroll County. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,355 Granite Staters have lost their lives to the virus.

The state, which is tracking 402 active cases, also announced 61 newly-identified COVID-19 infections. Thirty-two residents are hospitalized with the virus.

- NHPR Staff

Sununu willing to trade vaccines for border reopening

Update: Thursday, June 3, 5:40 p.m.

With the summer tourism season fast approaching, Governor Chris Sununu says he’s been in talks with Canadian officials and other local governors about reopening the border. The decision is ultimately up to the governments of both countries, not local officials.

Sununu says he’s willing to share the state’s COVID-19 vaccine supply with Canada if it will help speed the border opening.

He said, “So if the Federal government and I’ve made this plea to Washington, we’re waiting to hear from the president, can we give our vaccine to Canada? Will that help open the border?”

In New Hampshire, supply of the vaccine is now far outpacing demand.

- Alli Fam

New Hampshire reports one more COVID death

Update: Thursday, June 3, 5:15 p.m.

One more Granite Stater has died from the coronavirus, state health officials reported Thursday. According to state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan, the patient who died was not connected with a long-term care facility.

In the past week, the state's COVID deaths have averaged fewer than one per day, Chan said, adding that declining death and case numbers indicate a "dramatic decrease" in levels of community transmission across the state.

Seventy-four newly-identified infections were announced. The state is currently tracking 423 active infections, including 26 patients who are hospitalized. 

Since the start of the pandemic, New Hampshire has lost 1,354 residents to the virus.

- NHPR Staff

MORE FROM TODAY:

State will pull back funds from business relief program

Governor Sununu reaffirmed that the state will be recouping Main Street Relief funds from businesses that ended up making money this year, or lost less money than they expected.

Sununu said the state had been in talks with federal treasury officials following questions around whether or not the collection was required by the federal government.

While the Main Street Relief Program was set up by the state, the funds came from the federal CARES Act.

“They sent us an email saying they would not allow business to keep a grant for lost revenue if those losses did not occur,” Sununu said.

Sununu said the state still has plans to re-allocate the funds into several new programs, one of which will cover businesses' COVID-19 related expenses.

- Alli Fam

Home-bound vaccination program to continue

State health officials say an effort to vaccinate home-bound residents from COVID-19 will continue through the end of the month. The state has provided about 4,700 vaccines to people unable to leave their homes. Anyone looking to enroll in the program is asked to call 211.

- Todd Bookman

Lawmakers to weigh Rescue Plan spending

State lawmakers next week will discuss how to allocate the first installment of money from the $1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Plan.

The state has identified what it is calling shovel-ready initiatives worth about $150 million dollars. That includes $22 million dollars for state parks, $50 million dollars for water infrastructure and an additional $13 million dollars on mental health services.

- Todd Bookman

State reports 48 new infections, no new deaths

Update: Wednesday, June 2, 6:40 p.m.  

New Hampshire health officials announced 48 newly-identified COVID-19 infections Wednesday, reflecting a trend of declining case numbers in the state. No new deaths were announced.

Of the new cases, fifteen patients are younger than 18. There are 25 Granite Staters hospitalized with the virus.

- NHPR Staff

Long-term care facilities rethink rules around visitation

Update: Wednesday, June 2, 5:05 p.m.  

As community transmission levels of COVID-19 drop - and vaccinations tick up -  assisted living facilities and nursing homes continue to rethink their own rules around visitation and activities

On a call with providers today, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan fielded questions around a variety of different, specific scenarios from indoor, live entertainment with a fully vaccinated performer, to the number of visitors allowed in a resident's room in an end of life visitation.

Chan’s message remained consistent - that the most recent guidance and regulations from the CDC, CMS, and the state, offer facilities flexibility.

“I think what you’re hearing us express over and over, is there are ways to do a great many of this things with built in protection," Chan said.

Protection includes things like masking, social distancing and vaccination.

- Alli Fam

State's hospitalizations drop to lowest number since October

Update: Tuesday, June 1, 5:45 p.m.

State health officials announced 77 newly-identified COVID-19 infections, reflecting positive test results from Sunday and Monday, when no numbers were reported. The state is currently tracking 499 active cases of the virus.

Of the new cases, ten patients are younger than 18. According to officials, the new infections span all New Hampshire counties, reflecting continuing community spread. Just 26 Granite Staters are hospitalized with the virus, the lowest number of hospitalizations since October of 2020. (Visit NHPR's COVID case tracker here.)

- NHPR Staff

State announces one more COVID-19 death

Update: Sunday, May 30, 6:15 p.m.

One more Granite Stater has died as a result of the coronavirus, state health officials announced Sunday. The patient was a resident of Strafford County. Since the start of the pandemic, 1,353 residents have died from COVID-19.

Health officials reported 48 new COVID-19 infections, including thirteen patients younger than 18. The state is tracking 476 active coronavirus infections; 40 Granite Staters are hospitalized with the virus.

- NHPR Staff

N.H. announces 73 new COVID cases

Update: Saturday, May 29, 3:33 p.m.  

New Hampshire health officials reported 1 additional COVID-19 death Saturday, and 73 new positive coronavirus cases. Sixteen of the new cases are under 18.

There are currently 500 active infections and 46 people hospitalized due to the virus.

- NHPR Staff

Governor extends N.H. state of emergency

Update: Saturday, May 29, 9:59 a.m.

Gov. Chris Sununu has again extended New Hampshire's state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

This is the 21st extension of the order, which was first issued March 13, 2020.

In announcing the 14-day renewal of the emergency order, Sununu pointed out that New Hampshire has no business restrictions in place and has no statewide mask mandate.

- NHPR Staff

Two additional COVID-19 deaths announced

Update: Friday, May 28, 4:06 p.m.

State health officials announced two additional COVID-19 deaths today: a man and a woman, both older than 60, from Hillsborough County.

There are 53 people hospitalized with the virus and there are 480 active infections statewide.

The state reported 64 new cases May 28, part of a continuing decline in new infections. The state has tracked 81 cases per day over the past week, which it says is a 36% decrease from the previous seven-day period.

- NHPR Staff

Senate passes three COVID-related bills

Update: Friday, May 28, 11:57 a.m.

The state Senate has passed three bills related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The legislation approved Thursday includes a bill aimed at curtailing the governor's authority during future pandemics, establishing "medical freedom in immunizations" and designating churches as essential services during a state of emergency.

The bills now go back to the House, which had passed different versions of the proposals. In other coronavirus-related news, the state announced Thursday that all state-managed COVID-19 vaccination sites will be closing at the end of June.

-AP

Nashua Mask Mandate Ends

Nashua officials have approved ending the city's mask ordinance.
The Board of Aldermen opted to end the ordinance on Tuesday, and it awaited a signature from Mayor Jim Donchess, The Telegraph of Nashua reported.

Local businesses could still require workers and patrons to wear masks.

The city's Board of Health voted to recommend that the city lift its mask mandate. The city has had an ordinance in place since May 2020. 

- AP

67 new cases, 2 deaths

Update: Thursday, May 27, 10:00 a.m.

Daily new case totals remain under 100 per day. Last night, the state announced 67 new cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday, May 26. They also announced two new deaths, a man from Cheshire County and a woman from Merrimack County.

There are 416 active cases and 49 hospitalized in the state.

Cases continue to fall

Update: Monday, May 24, 7:11 p.m.

The state announced just 52 new positive test results for COVID-19 on Monday, a sharp drop from new cases over the past weeks and months.

No new deaths were reported for the second straight day.

There are 411 current cases, and 48 people hospitalized due to the virus.

New cases in N.H. lowest in nearly seven months

Update: Monday, May 24, 8:38 a.m.

State health officials reported 79 new cases of COVID-19 in New Hampshire on Sunday. That's the lowest one-day count of new infections in almost seven months.

Fifty-four people were hospitalized in New Hampshire due to COVID-19 complications. 

The state is tracking 513 active infections, a data point that has also dropped significantly. 

- NHPR Staff

3 new COVID-19 deaths announced

Update: Saturday, May 22, 4:59 p.m.

Three additional COVID-19 deaths were announced Saturday.

State health officials said two residents of Rockingham County, and a man from Strafford County, died from the virus. To date, the state has recorded 1,344 COVID-19 deaths. 

The latest update shows more promising news in the decline of new coronavirus cases. The state reported 109 new cases, and active infections fell below 1,000 -- there were 954 active cases, as of May 22 at 9 a.m.

Fifty-three people are currently hospitalized for treatment related to COVID-19.

- NHPR Staff

New cases in N.H. continue to decrease

Update: Friday, May 21, 4:01 p.m.

New coronavirus infections continue to decrease. The state announced 127 new cases Friday, 36 of them individuals under 18 years old.

No new deaths were reported.

There are currenlty 51 people hospitalized due to the virus and 1,047 active infections statewide.

- NHPR Staff

New England College requiring vaccination for fall return

Update: Friday, May 21, 3:31 p.m.  

New England College in Henniker says it will require that students attending classes on campus this fall be fully vaccinated, as well as faculty and staff. President Michele Perkins said in a statement Friday that with the COVID-19 vaccine now widely available throughout the country, the college will add it to its list of required vaccinations.

Perkins said vaccination of the on-campus community will allow more face-to-face classes, field trips, athletic competitions, and opening up its galleries and theater.

In April, Dartmouth College Provost Joseph Helble announced that all students must be vaccinated before returning to campus for the fall, or must be vaccinate shortly after arrival.

- AP

N.H. has 149 new cases - 1 additional COVID death

Update: Thursday, May 20, 3:49 p.m.  

State health officials today report 1 additional COVID-19 death and 149 new infections.

A man from Strafford County, who was older than 60, died due to the virus, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The state has now had 1,341 COVID-19 deaths.

Other stats from the latest public health update:

  • 53 hospitalizations
  • 1,086 active infections
  • 48 of the new cases are under 18 years old

- Dan Tuohy

Pollyanna Glad Day back on in Littleton

Update: Thursday, May 20, 1:07 p.m.

A celebration in honor of an orphan girl who remains optimistic in spite of the many challenges she faces is back on schedule in New Hampshire after it was canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. "Pollyanna Glad Day" is a a go for June 12 in Littleton, with a few adjustments. It pays tribute to the classic 1913 children's book, "Pollyanna," and author Eleanor Porter, who was from Littleton.

Gatherings will be scaled down a bit from activities such as the traditional big group photograph at a bronze Pollyanna sculpture at the Littleton Public Library.

There will be music, food, and souvenirs, such as a "Pollyanna Power" T-shirt depicting Pollyanna as a superhero in a cape.

- AP

N.H. announces one new COVID death

  

Update: Wednesday, May 19, 3:09 p.m.

The state announced one additional COVID-19 death today: a male resident of Hillsborough County, who was younger than 60.

The latest public health update shows a continuing decline in the number of new coronavirus infections. The state reported 124 cases on Wednesday, with 26 of them individuals under 18 years old. There are 1,104 active infections statewide and 50 people in the hospital for treatment.

Since the pandemic began, the state has recorded 1,340 deaths and nearly 100,000 cases.

- NHPR Staff

Sununu ends $300 benefit, announces bonuses for those who obtain jobs

Update: Tuesday, May 18, 4:00 p.m.

Gov. Sununu is announcing changes to the state’s unemployment benefits system. Sununu is ending the extra $300 in enhanced benefits on June 19th. At a press conference Tuesday, Sununu cited hiring struggles some industries are having as they prepare for the summer tourist season.

To spur sidelined workers, the state is offering a $500 one-time bonus for those who obtain a part-time job, and $1000 for those who obtain a full-time job. The bonus program will run for eight weeks.

The state’s unemployment rate stands at 2.8%

- Todd Bookman

State announces 1 new death; case numbers trending downward

Update: Tuesday, May 18, 3:10 p.m.

One more Granite Stater has died from the coronavirus, state health officials announced Tuesday. According to state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan, the death was not associated with a long-term residential facility, but the result of community transmission of the virus.

Chan says that key New Hampshire COVID-19 metrics - including new cases, hospitalizations, and test positivity rates - are trending downward. The state reported 139 newly-identified infections Tuesday, and Chan says that in the past week, about 150 new infections have been identified daily.

Since the start of the pandemic, 1,134 New Hampshire residents have died from the virus. The state is currently tracking 1,118 active infections.

- NHPR Staff

State announces one new death, 104 new COVID cases

Update: Monday, May 17, 3:35 p.m.

New Hampshire health officials announced one new COVID-19 death Monday. The patient who died was a female resident of Carroll County.

The state also announced 104 newly-identified infections, which continues a pattern of declining case numbers in the Granite State. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been nearly 98,000 diagnosed COVID cases in the state; 1333 residents have died.

Forty-six residents are currently hospitalized with the coronavirus.

- NHPR Staff

State plans vaccine clinic for deaf/hard of hearing residents

Update: Monday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.

The state is holding a clinic for deaf people and residents with hearing loss this weekend in Manchester.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services says it's partnering with Elliot Health System to administer first doses the Pfizer vaccine on Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the hospital's Mammouth Road location. Second doses of the vaccine will be scheduled for June 12.

The clinic is available to residents twelve years of age and older. (Click or tap here for details.)

- NHPR Staff

State announces one more COVID-19 death

Update: Sunday, May 16, 5:05 p.m.

Another Granite Stater has succumbed to the coronavirus, state health officials announced Sunday. The state's death toll since the start of the pandemic now stands at 1,332.

The state also reported 139 newly-identified COVID-19 infections, and is currently tracking 1,274 active cases of the virus. Fifty residents are hospitalized with the virus.

- NHPR Staff

Earlier updates

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