NH State Representative Steven Smith

Many Updates

In addition to the reopening efforts ramping up, the Sullivan County Delegation is working through the budget timeline. We will meet next week as required by statute to set salaries for elected county officials. There will be no raises. ~ Steve

Cyber Criminals Take Advantage of COVID-19 Pandemic to Target Teleworking Employees through Fake Termination Phishing Emails and Meeting Invites

In response to the recent increase in teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber criminals are targeting teleworking employees with fraudulent termination phishing emails and VTC meeting invites, citing COVID-19 as the reason.

See Fake Termination Scam from the FBI.

Governor Sununu issued Emergency Order #46, #47, and Exhibit I to Emergency Order #29

Emergency Order #46: Further expanding access to medical providers

https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt336/files/2020-05/emergency-order-46.pdf

Emergency Order #47: Expanding access to COVID-19 testing via licensed pharmacists

https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt336/files/2020-05/emergency-order-47.pdf

Exhibit I to Emergency Order #29: Boating safety education

https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt336/files/files/inline-documents/emergency-order-29-ex-i.pdf

The Governor also announced that Seacoast beaches would reopen June 1 under certain restrictions.

Ocean Boulevard in Hampton will be closed to vehicular traffic from A to O streets from June 1 through Labor Day, allowing pedestrians to keep their distance in the area and for some restaurants to expand outdoor seating areas until Labor Day.

Guidance Released.

• Amateur and Youth Sports: Phase 1; Small group practices are permitted, but no competition or contact sports activities will be allowed.
• https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-amateur-youth-sports.pdf
• Health and Fitness – Phase 1; Health and fitness centers will also be able to open June 1 for small group fitness classes and one-on-one training.
• https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-health-fitness.pdf
• Acupuncture, massage and tattoo shops. businesses will be able to open June 1 if they can meet the new guidelines.
• https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-acupuncture.pdf
• Guidelines for childcare services
• https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-child-care.pdf

 

Click to access covid-19-update-05222020.pdf

 

Can I open or not?

There has been a lot of speculation about what the rules actually mean, and to whom they apply. It is always better to ask the source. Many businesses can be operating right now if they comply with the safety regulations. Much of this can be found in exhibit C to order 40 https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt336/files/documents/emergency-order-40-c.pdf If you have a doubt, let me know an I will get the answer from the Governor’s office and/or the task force. ~ Steve

Sullivan County Budget

The county budget is being worked on right now, which is especially challenging with the economic uncertainty we are living in. You should weigh in on it. Should we continue proceeding with the nursing home renovation or pump the brakes? Should we freeze salaries?

Homeowners Firewood Program

Spending some down time laying in wood for next winter? On occasion, Sullivan County may enroll designated areas of County lands in Unity, NH, into the Sullivan County Homeowners Firewood Program.About the Program (PDF)

AP: Rural health clinics get money to expand virus testing

“New Hampshire health clinics are getting nearly $700,000 to expand coronavirus testing in rural communities.

The money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can be used for planning a testing program program, purchasing supplies, training providers and reporting data on testing activities. It can also be used to build temporary structures or retrofitting existing facilities.”

Link: https://apnews.com/b59f26ae5fe824bb97c348264aeadd13

WMUR: New Hampshire beaches to remain closed during Memorial Day weekend

“Gov. Chris Sununu again insisted on Tuesday that New Hampshire beaches are not ready to open for Memorial Day weekend.

Last weekend, cars drove up Hampton’s Ocean Boulevard while people lined up for food at the few spots that have opened. But the boardwalk was still largely empty, and barricades continue to block off parking lots.””

Link: https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-beaches-to-remain-closed-during-memorial-day-weekend/32605333

Union Leader: Outdoor weddings, camps, youth sports take a step towards reopening

“Outdoor weddings, summer camps, low-contact youth sports practices, museum visits, and the practice of acupuncture took giant steps toward resuming Tuesday.

The state Economic Reopening Task Force unanimously approved reopening guidance for all of these activities, subject to review and approval from the Division of Public Health Services and Gov. Chris Sununu.

“This is another important phase of our work,” said D.J. Bettencourt, Sununu’s policy director and staff liaison to the task force.”

Link: https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/coronavirus/outdoor-weddings-camps-youth-sports-take-a-step-towards-reopening/article_39a5b401-3dfd-5c03-b775-1e8991827d5f.html?block_id=664693

DHHS Update

On Thursday, May 21, 2020, DHHS announced 67 new positive test results for COVID-19. There have now been 3,935 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in New Hampshire. Several cases are still under investigation. Additional information from ongoing investigations will be incorporated into future COVID-19 updates. Of those with complete information, there are two individuals under the age of 18 and the rest are adults with 51% being female and 49% being male. The new cases reside in Rockingham (19), Merrimack (9), Hillsborough County other than Manchester and Nashua (7), Carroll (2), Grafton (2), Cheshire (1), and Strafford (1) counties, and in the cities of Manchester (16) and Nashua (7). The county of residence is being determined for three new cases.

Hospitalizations

Eight new hospitalized cases were identified for a total of 393 (10%) of 3,935 cases.

Community Based Transmission
Six of the new cases have no identified risk factors.

Deaths

DHHS has also announced nine additional deaths related to COVID-19. • 5 male residents of Hillsborough County, 60 years of age and older• 3 female residents of Hillsborough County, 60 years of age and older
• 1 male residents of Rockingham County, 60 years of age and older

Click to access covid-19-update-05212020.pdf

Main Street Relief Fund Prequalification Application

Prequalification Form for the Main Street Relief Fund

Must be completed by May 29, 2020 follow the link to the form.

https://new-hampshire.secure.force.com/support/GOV_GOFERR_Business_Survey

You Can Participate

I was talking with someone who had the impression that Governor Sununu is in an office with a few staffers making all the decisions that are affecting us. We probably have not done a good enough job explaining what really happens. There are multiple stakeholder and industry meetings, and opportunities for those parties to provide input. How does an industry or organization get attention, or rise to the top of the list? I have observed the Governor’s work style to favor self-motivation. Industries and groups who come forward with a safety plan rise to the top. We do need ideas from as wide a spectrum as possible, so encourage people to participate.

Economic Re-Opening Task Force

• Thursday, May 21, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
• Friday, May 22, 9:00 am – 11:00 am Public Comments
• Friday, May 22, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Call-In Information: 1-800-356-8278 or 1-857-444-0744 Pin: 194499 or 600744

If anybody has a problem getting on the call, please call 603-271-0670 or email at hilary.ryan@livefree.nh.gov

Task Force Public Comments Email: nhreopen@nheconomy.com

GOFERR Stakeholder Advisory Board

Thursday, MAY 21 2:00 PM

Meeting of the Stakeholder Advisory Board

Call-in: 800-356-8278

PIN: 194655

Pursuant to RSA 91-A:2, this meeting is open to the public.

https://www.goferr.nh.gov/

Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19.

USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

See the attached press release and links below.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box

https://www.farmers.gov/cfap

Movie theater, bowling alley owners propose guidelines for reopening
https://www.wmur.com/article/movie-theater-bowling-alley-owners-propose-guidelines-for-reopening/32619779

Averting shutdown, Executive Council approves Sununu’s COVID-19 relief spending plan

https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/coronavirus/executive-council-sununu-end-stalemate-over-spending/article_e3bb271c-184b-5b90-85cb-1ceee0fd7149.html

https://www.wmur.com/article/averting-shutdown-executive-council-approves-sununus-covid-19-relief-spending-plan/32619172

https://www.nhpr.org/post/nh-treasury-releases-14-billion-covid-relief-funds-after-council-vote

NH task force votes for more reopenings, but lodging facilities are still in limbo
https://www.nhbr.com/nh-task-force-votes-for-more-reopenings-but-lodging-facilities-are-still-in-limbo/

Click to access covid-19-update-05202020.pdf