Sununu to schools: Get a big list of substitute teachers, aides, bus drivers

Gov. Chris Sununu during his Tuesday press conference in Concord. (WMUR screenshot)

CONCORD - A PR push for mask wearing, the future of health care and the business of getting back to school were among Gov. Sununu's bullet points laid out at his Tuesday press conference in Concord.

The multifaceted public service ad campaign will take place mostly on social media, he said, explaining it will target the 15- to 40-year-old age group who are seen as less likely to wear face covering.

"I am very encouraged to see mask usage rising, but we need to do more," the governor said. He said there will also be added distribution points throughout the state including at local DHHS offices and through the schools once they reopen.

While continuing to push for schools to reopen, he conceded it is likely to be a bumpy road with some teachers, aides and bus drivers possibly contracting the virus, leading to gaps in personnel during the school year.

"I would get a big list of substitute teachers, because there could be quarantines, some teachers may retire, and they'll need substitutes who can handle things like remote and classroom learning as well as hybrids," Gov. Sununu said. "Same thing for bus drivers, get a big list."

The governor also touted the passing of HB 1623, which expands telemedicine allowing doctors and nurse practitioners to receive in-office compensation for telehealth or online visits.

"This expanding of telemedicine has been a great opportunity, giving citizens access to medical care during the pandemic," Sununu said. "It's a huge benefit for New Hampshire."

The governor also announced a Gap fund to help businesses unable to obtain pandemic relief from other CARES ACT funding due to restrictions or even just making a mistake on an application.

The program is being administered by the Business Finance Authority. Applications can be entered at goferr.nh.gov

He also announced that some 8,500 applications came in for the self-employed relief program (SELF) and that those applications were now being certified. He said checks for those deemed legit should be going out late this week or next.

Meanwhile, state DHHS Commissioner Lori Shibinette announced 16 new COVID-19 cases, with four new hospitalizations and two new deaths that both occurred at elderly long-term care facilities.

More NH COVID numbers

NH Persons with COVID-19 6,262

Recovered 5,316 (85%)

Deaths Attributed to COVID-19 400 (6%)

Total Current COVID-19 Cases 546

Persons Who Have Been Hospitalized for COVID-19 677 (11%)

Current Hospitalizations 23

Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time) 3,400