In an interview with Chris Ryan, Governor Chris Sununu discusses today’s reopening of New Hampshire’s economy, steps to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus in long term facilities, and the possibility of having summer camps and programs for children.
The Governor expressed confidence that enough planning has gone into the guidelines which businesses will be using as they reopen. He stated that because the guidelines were put together with consultation with healthcare experts and are designed to mitigate the spread of the virus, New Hampshire residents should patronize these reopening businesses without fear of contracting the Coronavirus.
Governor Sununu feels that New Hampshire is ready for a modified stay-at-home order because the state’s health care system now has the capability to handle an increase in COVID-19 cases and that the state’s testing capacity is at a higher level. The Governor describes how more anti-body testing is now available and that it is easier for individuals to be tested for the virus. There are over 1,200 tests being performed each day.
The places which are the hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus have been long term care facilities. The Governor says that of the over 200 nursing homes in New Hampshire, about 20 have had outbreaks of the Coronavirus. He hopes that increased use of the Abbott Test, which gives accurate results in ten minutes, will help to control the spread of the disease in long term care and assisted living facilities. So far, in Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties, all patients and workers in these types of facilities have been tested. The same is true in the twenty facilities which have had an outbreak of COVID-19. The Abbott Testing machines have also been placed in hospitals, so patients needing elective surgery can be screened.
The last part of the interview dealt with the possibility of summer camps and youth baseball being made available. The Governor feels that these programs are very important for young people, and he hopes, that in some form, recreation programs, camps, and baseball can take place.
