The number of new cases of COVID-19 in New Hampshire appears to be leveling off again, but at a higher rate than last month.
The state reported 27 new positive test results Wednesday but the two-week average of newly confirmed cases stated at 35, where it has been for almost a week. On July 13, that average was down to 26 following two months of slow decline.
State epidemiologist Dr. Ben Chan called this pattern “an uptick” rather than a surge at a briefing Tuesday, and cautioned that continued mask-wearing and social distancing is needed.
Other data on the pandemic in New Hampshire has remained at low levels. New hospitalizations are down to barely more than one a day; only 13 deaths have been reported in the past two weeks, tying the lowest number since reporting began; and the rate of positive PCR tests remains well below 5%.
Since the pandemic began in march, 88% of the 6,719 confirmed cases have recovered, 10% have been hospitalized and 6% have died. Virtually all deaths have been people over age 60, usually in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.
New Hampshire summer camps that temporarily shut down or limited operations because of the coronavirus won’t have to fear permanent closure for running afoul of zoning ordinances.
Gov. Chris Sununu issued an emergency order Thursday that affects camps that pre-date their local zoning ordinances and are allowed to operate as “pre-existing nonconforming uses.” In many towns and cities, however, properties can lose that status if they are closed for 12 months.
Sununu’s order prevents municipalities from discontinuing a camp’s status if it closed, shortened its season or opened at reduced capacity because of the virus. He said the order would protect camps from uncertainty, expensive litigation and potential closure.
Another New Hampshire community has passed an emergency ordinance requiring residents to wear face coverings, or face fines starting at $50.
The ordinance passed Wednesday night by the Town Council in Newmarket applies to employees at businesses and members of the public. Children under 5 are not required to wear masks, nor are people advised not to wear them for health-related reasons.
Similar to an ordinance passed earlier this week in nearby Durham, the measure stands for 60 days and can be renewed.