ROCHESTER — Rochester Mayor Caroline McCarley provides an update on the City of Rochester’s response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Following new guidance by Governor Sununu today to close all restaurants and bars in the State of NH through April 7, except for take-out, delivery, and drive-through, residents are being encouraged to continue to support local business through this time period while still adhering to the safe social distancing practices in response to the pandemic.
“These are difficult times and livelihoods are being impacted by these drastic changes to our way of living. What’s important is that we rally together as a community to get through this,” Mayor McCarley said. “Please consider supporting local restaurants that remain open to take out and delivery so we can work to ensure that our main streets and local businesses survive the economic impact of this pandemic.”
Rochester is implementing the following measures:
- Per White House recommendations made today, residents are encouraged not to gather in groups of 10 or more; but continue to support local restaurants by ordering take-out or delivery where available and buying gift cards now that can be used at a later date.
- Residents are encouraged to limit any non-essential shopping except necessary trips to the grocery store or pharmacy. Residents are reminded that the grocery supply chain remains stable and there is no food shortage, so residents should feel comfortable following their regular grocery shopping routines.
- As of Wednesday morning, city offices will be closed to the public. Staff will still be required to report to work.
- Public meeting schedules will be adjusted based upon necessity so residents should keep checking meeting calendars. Staff are working on interim technology solutions that would allow meetings to be conducted virtually.
- All requests for public use of meeting space is canceled.
- The Rochester Public Library and recreation facilities are closed, and all associated programming is cancelled or postponed until further notice.
Several organizations have canceled large events including: Free Comic Book Day, Beer in the Barn, the Chamber Annual Meeting, and the Rochester Main Street Annual Meeting.
All schools in Rochester are closed to students through at least April 3 as per a decree by Gov. Sununu. All school employees are required to report to work during the week of March 16 for professional development and organizational preparation for remote learning.
On Friday, March 13, Gov. Sununu issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency for New Hampshire. Gov. Sununu said the COVID-19 risk in New Hampshire remains low, but the new restrictions are necessary to remain proactive in preventing the spread of the virus. The order spans 21 days and bans nearly all visitors to the state’s nursing homes and residential elder care facilities. Non-essential out-of-state travel for state and municipal employees is also prohibited.
Prevention and What to do if you Feel Sick
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that seniors and those with chronic health conditions are the most at-risk for serious illness caused by the coronavirus; they urge that those in this vulnerable population take appropriate precautions to mitigate their risk of becoming sick.
- Practice social distancing (at least six feet away from others) and avoid large crowds and large-scale events.
- Families should not hold “play dates” and those in need of childcare should limit the number of families involved as much as possible.
- Seniors and those with underlying health conditions are urged not to babysit or attend gatherings with children.
As has been widely suggested, any person who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care physician.
Reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and respiratory illness, including pneumonia in severe cases.
If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should stay home and they are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure.
If you feel sick, the CDC recommends:
- Call your primary care physician before visiting them in person
- Stay home and limit your contact with others
- Wear a facemask if you are sick. Masks are not recommended for widespread use by healthy people.
The CDC recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
For more information, visit the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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