Guardsmen in Rochester say those wanting tests are few and far between

Army National Guard Lt. Michael Canavan and his detail will be available to perform COVID-19 testing again today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Rochester Voice photo)

CONCORD - No surprise. As statewide testing ramps up a lot more positive tests are being recorded.

And there were good news numbers on Saturday, too. While the number of cases surged and three Granite Staters were added to the death count, the percentage of hospitalizations vs. total confirmed cases continued to drop, now down to 11 percent.

The single-day record of 121 new positive test results for COVID-19 came just two days before segments of New Hampshire's economy are to begin a slow reopening process on Monday.

In all there have now been 2,429 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in New Hampshire. Of those with complete information, there are four individuals under the age of 18 and the rest are adults with 60 percent female and 40 percent male. The new cases reside in Rockingham (50), Hillsborough County other than Manchester and Nashua (11), Merrimack (6), Strafford (4), Grafton (2), and Belknap (1) counties, and in the cities of Manchester (27) and Nashua (9).

DHHS also announced that more than 1,500 individuals were tested for COVID-19 on Friday, May 1, the state's highest one-day total.

But even with a record number of tests, only seven had to be hospitalized for a cumulative total of 277 (11%) of 2,429 cases.

DHHS also announced three additional deaths related to COVID-19, a woman from Hillsborough County 60 or older, and a man and woman from Rockingham County, both 60 or older.

Meanwhile, Guardsmen stationed at the Armory on Brock Street continued their 11 a.m.-7 p.m. COVID-19 testing schedule on Saturday, but had no takers in the first hour.

No numbers on how many had come through for testing since they opened on Wednesday were available at the site on Saturday, but Guardsmen said it has been "very light."

Anyone who thinks they have symptoms or wants to be tested can call their health provider or 603.271.5980 to sign up to go down to the Armory to get one at no cost.

In Maine, confirmed cases rose to 1,152, with a total of 181 hospitalizations and 23 deaths. Thirty-six are currently hospitalized.