NH Coronavirus: Sununu Extends 'Stay At Home 2.0' to May 31

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire is upgrading its stay-at-home order. On Friday, Gov. Chris Sununu announced "Stay at Home 2.0," a modification of the current stay-at-home order that is scheduled to "flex out" across the state in phases, Sununu said. The new order expires May 31.

The first phrase begins May 4, which begins a "responsible, phased-in approach to resuming healthcare services" that were halted in March after medical facilities stopped performing elective and non-urgent procedures, according guidance released Friday the New Hampshire Hospital Association.

On May 11, the modified guidance will expand to retail stores, drive-in theaters, hair salons and golf courses. Sununu said that cloth masks will be mandated for both customers and employees.

Finally, on May 18, the updated stay at home guidance will hit restaurants, which will be permitted to offer outdoor dining under several conditions. The guidance released by the governor's reopening included mandatory reservations for all dine-in customers "to promote social distancing and prevent groups of guests waiting for tables.

The guidance also notes:

"Restaurants are permitted to expand outside wherever an outdoor area can be set up safely, such as parking spaces close to entrances, sidewalks, existing patios, lawn areas. Outdoor areas must
be able to be cleaned and disinfected, as appropriate. The outdoor space must be clearly delineated and distanced from the general public. If expansion is in a shared space, restaurants must coordinate and seek approval from local authorities."

During the news conference, Gov. Sununu said that the "2.0" guidelines may become "3.0" depending on course of infection in the next weeks.

"We're not taking giant leaps forward," Sununu said. "We're just not at that point."

Guidance documents released by the Governor's Office as part of Friday's announcement can be read in full here.

RESTAURANTS: While many restaurants continue to operate with takeout and delivery, we are announcing today that restaurants may choose to start offering outdoor seating at their restaurants starting on May 18. All health and safety guidelines must be met.
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) May 1, 2020

RETAIL: Effective Monday, May 11, retail locations may open in accordance with new public health guidelines. Additional retail-industry specific guidance will be made available shortly.
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) May 1, 2020

HAIR: Starting Monday May 11 barbers & hair salons may open in accordance with strict guidelines developed in coordination with the NH Association of Cosmetologists. PPE will be made available to those that wish to open. More info available at https://t.co/JT86ebp4si this weekend
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) May 1, 2020

GOLF: Effective Monday, May 11, private and public golf courses may open in accordance with new health guidance. Participants are limited to NH residents and club members only.
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) May 1, 2020

Effective immediately, campgrounds across the state may choose to stay open in accordance with new health guidelines - but access is limited only to NH residents and members.
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) May 1, 2020