Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces the fifth presumptive positive test result in New Hampshire for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. This person is an adult male from Rockingham County and is self-isolated at home. Any household contacts are self-quarantining. 

This person was identified as a contact to a case of COVID-19 in another state. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tested and notified NH DHHS of the presumptive positive case.

DHHS is conducting an investigation into this person’s activities and has determined they remained at home while ill except to seek healthcare. NH DHHS will notify any persons who may have been in close contact with this person while infectious.

Despite increased testing in our communities, the NH DHHS has not yet identified any widespread transmission in NH nor individuals who test positive without clearly identified risk factors (e.g. travel or contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case). Any person who develops a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) should stay home away from others and seek health advice by phone from a healthcare provider to discuss symptoms and any risk factors for COVID-19. Given the increasing numbers of infections globally and around the United States, all persons should:

·  Stay home and avoid public places when sick (i.e. social distancing)

·  Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

·  Wash hands frequently

·  Avoid being within 6 feet (close contact) of a person who is sick

·  Avoid sharing drinks, smoking/vaping devices, or other utensils or objects that may transmit saliva

·  Disinfect frequently touched surfaces

For more information, please visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm.