Letter to the Editor: What you should know about the coronavirus outbreak

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is an evolving situation and there is much that scientists and doctors still need to learn about this new virus. But we also know it can be hard to sort through all the information – and misinformation – so we wanted to share a few of the top things that public health professionals believe all Granite Staters should know about this issue.

It is important to know that state health officials are in constant communication with federal counterparts. The New Hampshire Division of Public Health is working around the clock to ensure that New Hampshire remains on top of this developing situation.

Public health experts advise that sick individuals should stay home from work or school. Unfortunately, we understand that this can be difficult or impossible for some individuals. In the long-run, this will require legislative action, and in the short-run, we are urging employers to make accommodations for any sick workers.

This past week, members of both parties in the Senate and House passed an emergency funding package to ensure that state and local workers on the front lines of this crisis have the resources and support they need. The emergency funding bill provides $8.3 billion for the national effort to respond to the coronavirus and will direct resources to New Hampshire, including an initial $4.9 million to support state response efforts.

This bill gives federal, state, and local governments, as well as health care professionals, more resources to detect and respond to this outbreak. The funding can be used for masks, protective equipment, and other medical supplies to distribute to state and local hospitals. It also provides funding to reimburse states for expenses stemming from coronavirus response efforts.

Protecting the health and safety of the American people is not a partisan issue. We are pleased that Congress came together swiftly to deliver more resources and support, and we will continue working across party lines as this crisis evolves to ensure effective coordination across all levels of government.

While you should not be unduly alarmed, it is important to take the coronavirus outbreak seriously, and if you have any additional questions, visit www.cdc.gov, or https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm for live updates from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Maggie Hassan, Annie Kuster, Chris Pappas, Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Sununu

Concord, NH