Rochester chamber chief optimistic after Sununu pledge to help

Gov. Chris Sununu ... says he'll find a way to help chamber of commerce

CONCORD - Gov. Sununu on Monday pledged that the state's chambers of commerce, thus far left out of pandemic aid bills, will soon be getting some monetary relief.

Sununu said he recognized the vital work that chambers of commerce do in helping the business community in the state's cities and towns, however he was unclear exactly what the funding mechanism would be.

"Yes, there are funds and they are available," Sununu said in response to a question from The Rochester Voice. "We can do something for them and in the next week we'll find some way to help."

Laura Ring, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said she was happy with the governor's response.

DHHS Commissioner Lori Shibinette also had some welcome news for families of elderly relatives in nursing and assisted living facilities, saying that in the coming weeks guidelines will be released that allow for outdoor visitation.

Earlier during Tuesday's press conference, state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan reported 53 new positive test results among Granite Staters with four new hospitalizations and eight deaths, six of whom were residents in elder care facilities. He reiterated that 80 percent of all New Hampshire deaths were in such residences.

Dr. Chan also noted that infection rates among those tested is now down to 2-3 percent.

"The percentage of positive cases continues to go down," echoed Gov. Sununu, who again encouraged anyone who hasn't to go get a test.

Sununu did so over the weekend. He said it took him just 10 minutes to schedule a test and less than two minutes to have it administered at a local Rite Aid. To schedule a test at no cost go to nh.gov/covid19/.

Sununu also advised that it is very likely that Stay at Home 2.0 will be lifted on Monday, but whether the maximum number of people who can gather together will be raised from 10 he couldn't say though he is hopeful.

COVID numbers in NH

NH Persons with COVID-19 5,132

Recovered 3,501 (68%)

Deaths Attributed to COVID-19 294 (6%)

Total Current COVID-19 Cases 1,337

Persons Who Have Been Hospitalized for COVID-19 496 (10%)

Current Hospitalizations 80

Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time) 3,950