Another Grim Coronavirus Milestone In New Hampshire: 1,006 Deaths

CONCORD, NH — Another 12 New Hampshire residents have died due to or related to COVID-19 bringing the fatality count in the state to more than 1,000, according to health officials.

The fatalities included a man from Carroll County, two women from Cheshire County, a woman each from Coos, Grafton, and Merrimack counties, three women and a man from Hillsborough County, and two women from Strafford County. Seven of the 12 lived in long-term care settings while 10 were 80 years of age or older, one was in the 70 to 79 age bracket, and another was 50 to 59. Only 18 Granite Staters — less than 2 percent of deaths were in this age category.

Fatalities in the state are now at 1,006 or about 2 percent of all infections.

Federal Officials Respond

Three federal officials responded to the news that New Hampshire had reached more than 1,000 deaths during the nearly 11 months of the pandemic.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said the number was more than a statistic — it was families missing loved ones and a tragic, gutting loss.

"My thoughts are with all those grieving the lives of their loved ones taken too soon and with those who are fighting to recover from this virus," she said. "There is a bipartisan urgency in Congress to deliver the assistance our communities need to address the pandemic head on by prioritizing vaccine distribution, testing and personal protective equipment for those on the frontlines, and to respond to the long-term needs that families, small businesses and our workforce need to survive the duration of this health and economic crisis … families and frontline workers can’t wait much longer, nor should they have to."

U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) also said that her thoughts were with the families who had lost family members.

"Days after the one-year anniversary of our first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in the United States, the tremendous loss we have endured as a nation continues to grow every day," she said. "No words can fill the hole left in those who have lost a family member, friend or community member to this virus … the effects of this pandemic are being felt across the Granite State and throughout the country. We are facing unprecedented economic and health crises that require bold, comprehensive solutions. As the Biden-Harris administration prioritizes getting more shots into the arms of Americans, we all have a role to play in slowing the spread, protecting our communities, and saving lives."

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) said she was heartbroken by all the lives lost in New Hampshire.

"The virus has taken too many too soon, and my prayers are with every Granite Stater who has lost a loved one," she said. "To all who are struggling right now, whether because you have lost a family member, are newly unemployed, or are facing mental health challenges brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic — please know that you are not alone. As we mourn together as a state, I urge all Granite Staters to continue to support one another, and, even as vaccines become more available, remember that it is still critical that we wear masks and practice social distances to prevent the spread of the virus and save lives."

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440 More Infections

State health officials also announced 440 new positive coronavirus test results from specimens collected Monday and Tuesday.

One hundred cases were from specimens collected on Monday while 340 were from Tuesday. The state said 266 people who tested positive were by polymerase chain reaction tests while 174 were from antigen. The positivity rate for PCR tests was 3.4 percent for today while the seven-day all test rate was 5.5 percent.

Of the new tests, 59 were children and there were slightly more women than men, 55 percent to 45 percent.

Hillsborough County outside of Nashua had the most new cases — 123, while 94 reside in Rockingham County, 30 were from Nashua, and 28 lives in Merrimack County.

About 223 people are hospitalized.

There are 63 cases connected to K-12 school settings in New Hampshire. Only one new case was reported in a Patch community, at Concord Christian Academy.

There are seven cases connected to colleges and universities including four at UNH in Durham, one at Dartmouth College, one at Colby-Sawyer College, and one at Plymouth State University.

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Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• When you can't practice 6 feet of social distancing, wear a face covering.
• Anyone who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 needs to not go out to public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic and underlying health conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers should work from home as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that the virus can survive for hours or possibly days on surfaces. People should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places.
• Wear a face covering.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Schools, Employers, Employees and Businesses (Can your employer force you to get the vaccine? It depends).
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Healthcare Providers and Public Health Partners

• Guidance to schools can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 data dashboard, click on this link here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 Interactive Map Dashboard, click on this link here.

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