WNTK Local News

New Hampshire residents will now be required to wear masks at gatherings of 100 or more, reports WCAX.

On Tuesday, Governor Chris Sununu issued an executive order requiring face masks to be worn at events of 100 or more people. He has repeatedly resisted mandating face coverings until now.

Recently, Sununu formed a task force that aimed to find ways to ensure safety at Laconia Motorcycle Week, an event that typically brings thousands of people into the state. The new mask order’s effectiveness will be tested by the event, set to take place from August 22-30.

With Sununu issuing this order, all six New England states now have some form of mask mandate in place. 

The pilot of an ultralight aircraft that crashed and sunk into Meredith Bay on Sunday has escaped with minor injuries, reports WMUR.

At approximately 3 PM on Sunday afternoon, an aircraft crash landed across from Grouse Point. The plane was reportedly 1000 feet above the water when its engine failed, leading to 78-year-old pilot David Grapes’ decision to crash land in the water.

Shortly after landing, the plane began to sink. Grapes was able to make it out prior to this occurring.

Multiple boaters came to his aid, including an off-duty policeman from Massachusetts, who pulled the elderly man from the water and took him on his boat. Joe Ponzo, the officer, brought Grapes to shore, where he was taken to Lakes Region General Hospital by ambulance.

Salvage divers will reportedly recover the sunken craft this week, and the FAA has been notified of the crash.

There will be some form of a fall sports season in New Hampshire, reports the Associated Press.

The New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletics Association (NHIAA) has approved a plan that would allow fall high school sports teams to begin practices next month, and games after that.

Practices can begin on September 8th. Competitions for Bass Fishing and Golf can begin on September 10th, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball can begin on the 18th, with Football and Spirit beginning competition on the 25th.

The NHIAA is moving towards approving an “open tournament” format for the Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball playoffs.

Individual school districts will have to decide for themselves if they wish for their student-athletes to participate. 

New Hampshire health officials have announced the state’s latest COVID-19 statistics for Sunday, August 9, 2020, via nhpr.

Officials reported 14 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, down from the 40 reported on Saturday. The total number of cases since reporting began is now at 6,831.

Another hospitalization was announced today as well, bringing the total to 701 linked to COVID-19 for the duration of the pandemic. Right now, there are 23 citizens in hospital for the virus. There are currently 349 active COVID-19 cases in NH.

There were no new COVID-19 related deaths announced on Sunday, keeping the total number of deaths at 419. 

A New Hampshire company is set to launch an app that assists in COVID-19 contact tracing, reports NBC 5.

The app, named Wellbility, asks users if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms through a self-assessment test. The app will also reportedly alert users if they have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, if the person also has the app and has reported their results.

According to Jeff Mitchell, Vice President of OnSite Medical Services/Wellbility, “It’s not going to give you a name, it’s not going to give you any of their information. It’s going to tell you you’ve come in contact with that infected individual.” Mitchell also states that the app can trace back 14 days. Wellibility operates through Bluetooth technology.

Cybersecurity experts state that if the company implements the random identifiers correctly, it should be a safe approach to not expose someone’s personal identity and information.

Mitchell stated that the app is launching for the company on August 15th, but that “it will be available for the general public very soon.”

New Hampshire is set to phase-out fixed COVID-19 testing sites in the near future, reports WMUR.

This decision, according to health officials, is partially due to the ramping up of test sites at hospitals, pharmacies, and urgent care centers. 56 new testing sites are planning to open in the coming weeks.

Those who need COVID-19 tests are able to make appointments in their area by going to https://www.nh.gov/covid19/ and clicking on the Get Tested button.

NH Health Commissioner Lori Shibinette stated that the National Guard run fixed testing sites will begin closing down as the 56 new ones come online.

However, if health officials determine that too many NH residents are having to drive far away for testing, fixed sites could come back. 

There were no new COVID-19 related deaths or hospitalizations in New Hampshire announced on Wednesday, reports WMUR.

According to health officials, there were no new deaths to report in the state, which leaves the total for the duration of the pandemic at 418.

While 698 Granite Staters have been hospitalized due to COVID-19, there were no new hospitalizations announced today. There are 20 citizens still in hospital for the virus.

27 new cases were announced today, bringing NH’s total up to 6,719, with 378 cases still active.

Tropical Storm Isaias forced multiple testing sites to be closed on Tuesday, which led to fewer than 2,000 COVID-19 tests being conducted. Hospitals and healthcare providers were still capable of testing on Tuesday. 

The Town of Enfield, New Hampshire has announced their adoption of a face mask ordinance via a press release.

According to the release, the ordinance, which requires citizens to wear face masks in public spaces, went into effect on August 3rd. On Monday, the Enfield Select Board listened to the public’s opinions on the necessity for a mask mandate amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The people of Enfield’s strong support, coupled with strong evidence and the CDC’s guidance led the board to vote in favor of the mandate.

The ordinance will reportedly only be in effect under a public health pandemic/state of emergency as specified by Governor Chris Sununu. Initial infractions will result in a written warning on first offense, a $50 fine on second offense, a $100 fine on third and all subsequent offenses. The ordinance gives enforcement power to the Enfield Police Department and Town Health Officer.

 “The Enfield Board of Selectmen and other town officials feel strongly that everyone has a role to play in getting this disease under control,” said Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth. “We recognize that wearing a face mask can be somewhat cumbersome, but the inconvenience of wearing a mask in a variety of settings will help us minimize exposure, avoid sickness and deaths, and lessen economic disruption associated with COVID-19,” he added. 

Vermont health officials have released the state’s latest COVID-19 statistics, via WCAX.

As of Tuesday, August 4, 2020, there have been 1,431 confirmed COVID-19 cases. These have been linked to 57 deaths in VT. A total of 98,801 tests have been conducted to date. There are currently 1,005 travelers being monitored for COVID-19 symptoms, while 5,639 have completed the monitoring process.

So far, 1,249 people have recovered from the virus. 

According to New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, the state will help provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to schools in need, reports WMUR.

Sununu stated Tuesday that any districts struggling to find PPE supplies should reach out to the state. “It’s a lot easier for the state to replenish our stockpile than to ask a school to wait and hope for the best,” he said.

As of now, state guidelines for schools reopening do not mandate masks for when students are seated in the classroom, however they are recommended.

Teachers and staff who work closely with students are encouraged to wear masks as well. Individual school districts are allowed to enforce their own mask mandates if seen fit.

Any outside visitors will be required to wear masks.