InDepthNH.org (https://indepthnh.org/page/373/)
The Senate Ways and Means Committee had a more optimistic outlook for the state’s economy than the House when it met Wednesday to finalize revenue estimates for the next two fiscal years.
On Thursday, members of the House of Representatives will be asked to reconsider a bill related to gaps in child protection laws and House Democrats held a press conference Wednesday to urge their colleagues to support it and to protect New Hampshire’s children.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she believes a lease option rather than a sale of the Hampton Interstate 95 rest areas and liquor stores is a better bet because the state can control a lot more about the messaging rather than selling it outright, and have a long-term source of income.
The state’s Executive Council approved a land transfer in Conway that one councilor called an “insider” deal, rejected a contract for TASERS at the prisons, approved a $9 million contract for behavioral crisis intervention and approved funds for new conservation land in New Boston, among other business Wednesday.
ACLU-NH and the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers started in mid-March urging prison and jail superintendents to use their authority to release some COVID-19 vulnerable inmates to Administrative Home Confinement or pretrial services when appropriate.
“We look forward to welcoming you back in New Hampshire when this public crisis is abated.”
But far more importantly, even 621 “official cases” reported by NH DHHS means that community transmission is happening across NH and that the number of “true” COVID cases in NH may be 10x (6,210 people) to 100x (62,100 people).
Attorney General Gordon J. MacDonald announces that officials are responding to an officer-involved shooting incident on Lake Shore Road, in Manchester, New Hampshire.
“This decision was made in consultation with local partners and is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, shortages in available personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing swabs and the need to clean and service equipment at the testing site,” Manchester Emergency Operations Center officials said.
The state Department of Health and Human Services didn’t announce any new deaths leaving the total at nine deaths in New Hampshire.
The cloth coverings do not have to be the same grade as surgical masks for hospital use that have certain specifications by hospital. An old bandanna will do.
The forced isolation is difficult for most people, but for the infected, and their families and friends, and for those who died and their loved ones, it is far, far worse.
The unidentified man was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his wounds.
So, as I look around my quarantined casa, I am grateful for all of the stuff I have accumulated from thrift shops. Yes, you read that right; I’m grateful.
The two new deaths were both men older than 60 who lived in Hillsborough County
The order says municipalities and counties are now authorized to grant blanket abatements of the interest charged on all property taxes not paid after their assessment for the duration of the state of emergency.
“In addition to this case, we have also asked ICE to release detainees from Strafford County Department of Corrections, as public health experts have warned that failure to do so endangers the lives of everyone in the facility, including staff, and the broader community.”
“At the conclusion of the state of emergency all tenants and property owners will be subject to eviction and foreclosure if they have not remained current with rent and mortgage payments,” AG Gordon MacDonald said.
Rockingham and Hillsborough counties continue to have the highest numbers. The state says 144 patients have recovered.
There are over 1,600 beds ready if they are needed at the surge facilities with an overall hospital bed capacity of more than 5,000 in the Granite State.
Sleepovers and casual sports activities in this state have got to stop now to slow the spread of COVID-19, but driving by someone’s house on their birthday is okay, said Dr. Michael Calderwood, a Dartmouth-Hitchcock epidemiologist and infectious disease expert.
The state announced the fifth death related to COVID-19, a man who lived in Hillsborough County. He was under the age of 60 with underlying medical conditions.
In other words, business owners refund requests outstripped any increase in tax revenue. Not a good sign.
Glenn Normandeau: “I have offered to stay on as director while the search for my successor at New Hampshire Fish and Game continues.”