CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire plans to start breaking down most of its “flex facilities” to handle hospital overflow for coronavirus cases starting next week, saying that hospitals have created surge spaces of their own, if needed.
The state had set up 14 facilities around New Hampshire for about 1,600 beds. It plans to keep four facilities open in Manchester, Plymouth, Durham and Littleton.
“My job is to plan for the worst and hope for the best, and when we stood these surge sites up our hope was to never have to turn the lights on,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement Thursday.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Shibinette said the state is prioritizing resources on residents and staff at long-term care facilities.
Other developments in New Hampshire:
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THE NUMBERS
As of Thursday, 4,386 people had tested positive for the virus in New Hampshire, an increase of 101 from the previous day. Nine new deaths were announced, bringing the total to 232.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
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UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS
Nearly 7,000 initial unemployment claims were filed in New Hampshire last week, down more than 1,800 from the previous week, the U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday.
The latest number covers new claims through May 23.
The number of new claims in a week peaked at 39,000 in early April and has since been declining.
Adam DuPaul, owner of City Barber Shop in Keene, said he applied for unemployment benefits as soon as the state expanded eligibility to include self-employed workers.
“I still haven’t gotten a dime,” he said Thursday. “I still haven’t gotten a determination of how much they’re going to be paying me.”
DuPaul said he has found the Department of Employment Security’s website confusing — at one point he ended up with three open claims. It’s gotten easier to reach someone at the department by phone, he said, but the assurances he’s received that help is coming aren’t paying his bills. Though hair salons and barber shops were allowed to reopen earlier this month, he wanted to wait until later in June.
“I truly feel like I’m forced to open this coming Monday,” he said. “I really want to get back to what I love, but I don’t want to feel unsafe doing it.”
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RACES POSTPONED
The attorney general’s office will not take action against a New Hampshire racetrack that violated the state’s order prohibiting large gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Riverside Speedway in Groveton held races with spectators on Saturday despite being warned by police, the attorney general’s office said. After being told the state was prepared to take legal action, Riverside owner Michael Humphrey announced Wednesday the season has been postponed until further notice.
Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said Thursday that no further action was necessary.
“The objective of the Governor’s Orders is to protect the public health. Mr. Humphrey’s decision advances that important objective,” he said.
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DARTMOUTH COLLEGE-AID
Dartmouth College plans to apply for federal aid to help students during the pandemic.
The college is eligible for approximately $3.4 million through the coronavirus relief bill. President Philip Hanlon said in a weekly online forum Wednesday that the college will apply for the first portion — $1.7 million — which by law is designated for student aid.
“We certainly have students who have these needs,” he said.
Officials expect to announce on June 29 whether students will return to campus in the fall. A decision about first-year trips, a student-run pre-orientation program, is expected later this week.
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