Updates for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

There’s a lot of updates, but they are broken into categories here.  Updates for New Hampshire.  Updates for nation.

School

Gov Sununu has ordered all K-12 schools closed and moved to online instruction for the time being.  If you have DHH children and need assistance with lessons at home and accessibility for online content from their schools, you can call Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (603-224-1850).  At the moment, SERESC’s website seems to be down so no phone number available for that one (NDHHS may have it).  Schools are still required to comply with IDEA and ADA.

Colleges have also been closed and moved to online instruction as well.  For access for their online content, campuses are still required to follow ADA.  You can contact NDHHS to request assistance with accessibility.

Entertainment and Travel

Gov Sununu has also ordered restaurants and dining establishments to close off the dine-in sections and provide only take-out and delivery.  You can still pull up to the take-out window and show the employees your order.

Many events have been cancelled, and hotels, theaters, auditoriums, etc have limited capacity or closed.

Travel is restricted for air, especially to and from other countries.  Many states have recommendations that people stay in their homes.  NH currently does not mandate quarantine or prohibits travel on the road.

Health

Some dentists are cancelling surgeries and normal appointments but will stay in office for emergencies like broken teeth, major swelling, etc.

Results are variable for doctors, but if you can hold off on annual check-ups, follow-ups for minor conditions, etc, please postpone your appointments.

If you think you may have COVID-19, call your doctor.  Don’t just show up at the doctor’s office or ER.  They will ask about your symptoms and tell you what to do next (i.e. go to the ER or stay home and use what you have like Tylenol).

If you have conditions that may have worse results if infected with COVID-19, like asthma, heart problems, COPD, are immunocompromised, etc, please stay home and limit interactions with people who come and go.

Food and Necessities

Do not take more than what you need; two weeks should be sufficient.  Stores are currently dealing with empty shelves.  If you need baby formula or food, call the number on these packages and request assistance.  If you are elderly and unable to stock up, call your local food banks and churches.  It is not necessary to stock up on cases of water bottles; use tap water like normal.

Rent, Mortgage, Utilities

The Congress is working on a bill that involves many measures to provide financial assistance for people who have lost wages or business income.  The bill also requires that lenders cannot penalize people for being late on their loan or mortgage payments and that homeowners cannot evict tenants for being late on their rent.

Employment/Income

Many businesses have closed down or limited services, and that can affect income for many people.  The federal bill (linked above)  includes protection like expanding unemployment benefits, prohibiting termination of people who miss work due to COVID-19 or quarantine, etc.

For more information that is specific to your situation, you can call 211 (voice), 1-866-444-4211 (TTY through 711, VP, CapTel, etc), or 603-634-3388 (TTY).