As Coronavirus Deaths Reach 500K, New Hampshire, The Nation Mourn

CONCORD, NH — Flags in the United States have been directed to half-staff to mourn the loss of more than 500,000 Americans and 1,154 Granite Staters due to or related to COVID-19.

After President Joe Biden issued a proclamation lowering the flags, Gov. Chris Sununu followed and directed the flags in the state to half-staff, too. The flags will remain at half-staff through Feb. 26.

"Today marks a solemn milestone in our nation's fight against COVID-19," Sununu said. "I join with my fellow Americans and Granite Staters in remembering the lives of those we have lost."

Members of New Hampshire's federal delegation also offered statements.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) said the death milestone underscored the need to swiftly deliver coronavirus relief to the public.

"My thoughts are with loved ones in mourning and those currently battling the virus," said Shaheen said. "As families grieve these losses and hold their loved ones a little tighter, they’re looking to Congress to deliver hope and relief during this crisis. Congress must move swiftly to pass a comprehensive relief package to ensure our hospitals, businesses, families, and communities have the resources needed to get through and respond to the pandemic, and to save lives. Bolstering vaccine administration efforts — a glimmer of hope that paves the way for a return to some normalcy — must continue to be a top priority. But that is one part of our robust strategy to get to the other side of the COVID-19 crisis, which is why our bipartisan efforts in Congress to deliver relief must go on. There must continue to be a bipartisan urgency to get this done and I’ll keep working to deliver federal relief that responds to the needs of Granite Staters and all Americans struggling."

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) likened the pandemic deaths to "eclipsing American deaths in World I, World War II, and the Vietnam War combined," and was too many to comprehend.

"But behind this staggering statistic is each and every Granite Stater and American who we lost too soon and whose families carry their memories, and their own grief," she added. "During this moment of silence, we must acknowledge this overwhelming tragedy while also recommitting ourselves to slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus and preventing further loss of life."

U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster said, "My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of the half-million Americans who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19" while adding that the "tragic loss of life is a solemn reminder that although we have made great strides towards crushing this virus, the pandemic is not over." Kuster called for Granite Staters to "continue to take precautions to slow the spread and keep our communities safe."

She stated, "There is light at the end of the tunnel, and while I am incredibly saddened by this grim milestone, I know that we will get through this, together."

Data Update For New Hampshire

The State Joint Information Center announced another 252 new positive test results including 34 children from more than 2,700 tests taken on Sunday.

The tests were about two-thirds polymerase chain reaction tests and one-third antigen test. The state said 53 percent of the positive cases were male. There are 2,883 active cases in New Hampshire while nearly 70,000 people or 95 percent have recovered from the virus.

Most of the new cases live in Hillsborough County outside of Nashua — 59, while 49 live in Rockingham County, 17 reside in Merrimack County, and 12 live in Nashua. About 109 people are hospitalized.

State health officials said there were 111 active cases connected to K-12 school settings in the state as well as 281 infections at colleges and universities.

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Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, usually through coughing and sneezing, and exposure to others who are sick or might be showing symptoms.

Health officials emphasize residents should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid any domestic and international travel, especially on public transportation such as buses, trains, and airplanes.
• Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from other people, including distancing while in waiting areas or lines.
• When you can't practice 6 feet of social distancing, wear a face covering.
• Anyone who is told to self-quarantine and stay at home due to exposure to a person with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 needs to not go out to public places.
• If you are 60 years or older or have chronic and underlying health conditions, you need to stay home and not go out.
• Avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.
• Employers should work from home as much as possible.
• There is increasing evidence that the virus can survive for hours or possibly days on surfaces. People should clean frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, grocery carts, and grocery basket handles, etc.

Take the same precautions as you would if you were sick:

• Stay home and avoid public places.
• Wear a face covering.
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

More information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services about coronavirus can be found here on the department's website.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Schools, Employers, Employees, and Businesses (Can your employer force you to get the vaccine? It depends).

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Healthcare Providers and Public Health Partners

• Guidance to schools can be found here.
• Instructions for returning travelers to self-observe for symptoms of COVID-19 are available here.
• For more information on COVID-19 in NH, visit its site here.
• For the latest information from the CDC, visit its site here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 data dashboard, click on this link here.
• To access the state's COVID-19 Interactive Map Dashboard, click on this link here.

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