In a 1pm press conference with Governor Sununu, Commissioner of Education Edelblut, Commissioner Shibinette, and Benjamin Chen, we learned that New Hampshire now has 13 positive cases of COVID-19 and schools must close effective immediately.
All schools in the State are ordered to move to distance learning beginning March 23, and the week of March 16 through March 22 will be used for teachers and districts to get distance learning models up and running. Commissioner Edelblut said that most districts are set up and ready for this type of transition, but his department will work with those that are not ready.
For parents that now have children at home – unemployment insurance will be available so they can remain home. Rules around daycare facilities will be loosened so that employers can offer childcare to their employees if they’re needed to work.
School meal programs will continue for free & reduced lunch program and others. Districts may utilize bus drivers, who would otherwise be driving students, to drop meals off.
The thirteen cases in New Hampshire are all presumed to be travel related or close contact with persons who travelled. There are no confirmed cases of community infection at this time, according to Chen. There are 450 persons under watch for symptoms, and 90 to 100 outstanding tests awaiting results.
In the next few days there will be more executive actions coming from Governor Sununu’s office or his various executive departments. If you have any questions about COVID-19, you can call 2-1-1.
It is reported that events are being cancelled, with 80-90% already cancelled through the end of April. The state will not mandate cancellations or ban large events, but strongly encourages hosts to use best judgement and minimize risk.