WNTK Local News

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expects to see a “huge surge” in COVID-19 confirmed cases with increased testing capacity, reports CBS Boston.

According to Sununu, NH will be tripling the number of tests the state can do in the next few days. As of reporting, there are 101 confirmed cases in the state with one death. Citizens who recently traveled out of state are encouraged to self-isolate as a precaution upon returning to NH.

Officials also announced the launch of NHresponds.org, which allows all medical and non-medical volunteers the opportunity to sign-up to become short notice help.

20 new COVID-19 cases were announced in Vermont Tuesday, along with two more deaths, reports Seven Days Vermont.

These results were announced by the VT Department of Health. The 20 new cases brings VT’s confirmed number of coronavirus victims to 95. According to Tuesday’s data, the state processed a total of 362 tests in one day, up from 32 just two weeks ago. VT has now tested a total of 1535 people, with 340 currently being monitored for symptoms and 316 having already passed monitoring.

The demographics of Tuesday’s announced victims have yet to be released.

A fire in Hartford, Vermont is suspected to have been caused by a maple sugaring operation, reports WCAX.

The fire, which took place Saturday evening, engulfed the two car garage and extended to the home about 10 feet away. According to the Hartford Fire Department, the main flame was extinguished in around 10 minutes, but the garage and the vehicle inside, were destroyed.

The cause is still under investigation.

The Sunapee, New Hampshire Fire Department are asking for equipment donations due to the coronavirus outbreak, reports E-Ticker News of Claremont.

The virus has caused a national shortage of protective equipment that keeps first responders safe. They are asking for donations of; N95 masks, disposable surgical gowns or covers, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer.

If you have a surplus of or access to these items, please contact Austin Brown at 603-867-8288 or at his email brown.t.austin@gmail.com.

New Hampshire State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan has announced the first COVID-19 related death in the state, reports WCAX.

The victim was a man over age 60 in Hillsborough County, who had multiple chronic health conditions. He passed over the weekend. At this time, more than 100 NH citizens have tested positive for the virus. 12 are hospitalized. Governor Chris Sununu announced the creation of eight “clinical flex areas”, which will be locations for virus victims who no longer need intensive medical treatment to recover.

The first will be at Southern New Hampshire University.

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire can now process COVID-19 tests in their on-site lab, reports WCAX.

DHMC can now administer as many as 1000 tests a day, with a 24 hour or less turnaround time on results. Right now, testing is only for patients, medical staff, and first responders who have come into contract with the virus. DHMC is currently one of only a handful medical centers country wide with on-site testing capability, and are in the process of expanding staff members to combat the increasing number of cases.

DHMC is following all CDC and FDA protocols.

The River Valley Workforce Investment Board have made the decision to postpone their employment fair due to the COVID-19 outbreak, reports The Vermont Journal.

The 2020 River Valley Employment Fair which was originally scheduled for April 1 has been postponed to Wednesday, June 24 from 3-6 PM. The event is to be held at Riverside Middle School in Springfield, VT.

For further information on the event call Derek Williams at 802-885-8302 or at rivervalleyemploymentfair.org.

Due to potential health risks, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has banned the use of reusable grocery bags, reports WCVB.

The emergency order was given in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19. The order applies to convenience stores, grocery stores, supermarkets and other retails shops. Sununu gave the order at a press conference where he announced 10 more coronavirus positive tests in the states, bringing NH up to 65.

He states that one is currently in the hospital, while the other nine are quarantined at home.

As of late Saturday afternoon, 20 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Vermont, reports The Chester Telegraph.

The 20 new cases raises VT’s case count to 49, with 30 coming between Friday and Saturday. Seven of the new cases came from the Burlington Health and Rehab Center in Burlington, VT, bringing Chitenden County up to 22 confirmed cases of the virus. After Chitenden, Windsor County has the second highest total in the state with nine. Earlier Saturday, Governor Phil Scott announced the closure of all “close-contact” businesses, which includes places like gyms, nail salons, tattoo parlors, etc.

All these businesses have until 8 PM on Monday, March 23 to close for the foreseeable future.

Hannaford Supermarkets have announced new hours for high-risk shoppers during the current COVID-19 outbreak, reports Fosters.com.

Beginning Tuesday, March 24, Hannaford stores will be open from 6-7 AM, Tuesday through Thursday for elderly citizens and those will compromised immune systems, as these are the most high-risk populations to COVID-19. This is also to create a less busy shopping environment, to help with social distancing.

All stores will also shorten general shopping hours to 7 AM to 9 PM starting Saturday, March 21 to allow for more clean-up and shelve stocking time. People over the age of 60 will be considered elderly.

Clerks will not be checking ID’s and running based on an honor system for the duration of the temporary changes.