People across New Hampshire are coping and adapting to the harsh realities of the Corona Virus. Although Governor Sununu has issued a stay at home or essential services order #17 (https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-media/emergency-orders/index.htm) — people in New Hampshire had been doing essentially just that — and practicing the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control for ‘social distancing’. The Governor’s order #17 lists all the essential services that will remain open.
Governor Sununu had acted decisively enacting sixteen previous executive orders. Governor Sununu reacted quickly closing schools and places of gatherings to stem the spread of the insidious virus. Another executive order limits gatherings to no more than ten people per the CDC guidelines. He has also stopped utility disconnections and tenant evictions during the state of emergency.
Testing for the virus is expanding in New Hampshire especially as Dartmouth Hitchcock has instituted in-house testing. Health care workers, first responders, and people in hospitals are priorities for testing. It is important if people have the flu symptoms of fever, coughing, or shortness of breath that they contact their medical professional before going to the emergency room. Personal hygiene is critically important for each and every one of us to prevent spread of the virus and the best source of those guidelines can be found at www.cdc.gov
For anyone who needs a test, the cost will be covered by insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
People losing their jobs as well as businesses curtailing their operations through no fault of their own are huge problems across the Granite State. Last week 34,000 people registered for unemployment insurance. Governor Sununu temporarily suspended the one week waiting period to receive a first check. Governor Sununu also suspended the increase in rating for any business that lays off employees. Both of these actions by the Governor will make it easier to for hard hit workers and small businesses.
If someone has lost their job due to the virus, quarantine orders, or caring for affected family members they may apply for unemployment benefits on line at www.nhes.nh.gov Due to the heavy volume of filing the Department of Employment Security has instituted different filing times based on the first letter of your last name. The red box on the left side of the Department’s home page is where to file and the times to file are listed right next to the red box. If someone does not have internet access call 603-271-7700. Please don’t go to an Employment Security office as interactions are being done electronically or by phone only.
People should receive their first unemployment check within eight days after applying. You may also apply for partial unemployment benefits if you have had your hours reduced.
People who have lost jobs may also have lost insurance coverage. Someone who has lost coverage may qualify for Medicaid and can apply at www.nheasy.nh.gov/#/ or by phone at 844-275-3447.
Job loss also allows someone to purchase health care on the Exchange at www.healthcare.govor by phone at 800-318-2596. For questions about purchasing a policy someone can access the New Hampshire navigator at www.acanavigator.com/nh/homeor by phone 603-931-3853.
Lastly as a possibility for loss of health insurance if you worked at a company with twenty or more employees you can choose to continue your insurance coverage through COBRA. You will have to pay for that coverage and information can be obtained at www.nh.gov/insurance/consumers/cons_hi_cont_cov.htm or 271-2261.
Many people need to get drivers licenses renewed. Instead of going to the Department of Motor Vehicles you can get a temporary six-month extension by calling 603-227-4020. If you are trying to register a vehicle bought on March 1 or later your temporary plate will be valid until April 30th.
Small businesses, the backbone of the New Hampshire economy can access information about resources during the crisis at www.nheconomy.com/covid19 Small businesses may be eligible for low or no interest loans from the Small Business Administration and can apply at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance or by phone at 800-659-2955.
As of this writing the United States Senate and the White House have reached a tentative agreement on a $2 trillion recovery piece of legislation. Not all details are known yet but the broad outlines have emerged. If the deal holds together there could be direct payments to people with $75,000 of income or $150,000 for a couple. Enhanced unemployment benefits are likely to be approved and funds for critical industries such as airlines. Funding for hospitals and states is also likely.
This is a staggering price tag but the consequences to our economy and hard-working families and small businesses could be catastrophic if we don’t meet the economic challenges our nation faces.
Across New Hampshire and across America people are stepping up to the challenge of providing for equipment needed to deal with the virus. Two local companies Tamworth Distillery and Flag Hill Distillery and Winery are manufacturing hand sanitizer which is in short supply.
It is incredibly important to say THANK YOU to the many people across our state who are working more than overtime to keep hospitals, supermarkets, banks, gas stations, hardware stores and many other essential services functioning as well as possible. The same THANK YOU applies to all first responders and state and local employees responding to this crisis. A THANK YOU also to every New Hampshire resident practicing social distancing!!
Governor Sununu has also announced two websites to encourage volunteer efforts across New Hampshire. The first www.nhresponds.org will encourage former health care providers to volunteer at hospitals and clinics. The second website www.volunteerNH.org is the existing website for volunteers across our state.
Please contact me at 603-387-2365 with any questions. Please Stay Well and Be Safe.