Active COVID-19 cases in New Hampshire have surged to almost 3,000, according to the New Hampshire COVID-19 Dashboard.
The Dashboard reports that the state is averaging 303 new cases daily, and while the state has suggested using face masks, no mandate has been put into place. This includes schools, colleges and universities; Gov. Chris Sununu (R) has stated it is up to each school to mandate whether they will require masks.
“Please, Gov. Chris Sununu, allow colleges and universities in New Hampshire to require the COVID-19 vaccine just like they require other immunizations. It’s the only way to stay safe and on campus without losing more time to remote learning,” Jason Boucher, radio host for WSCA radio, Tweeted on Aug. 18.
New Hampshire is in the top-ten states with the highest vaccination rates; however, it is among the lowest in New England.
According to New Hampshire Public Radio, the state has access to approximately $40 million to increase COVID-19 testing in schools and other institutions, but not many schools have applied for the money as of yet.
The state of New Hampshire reports that there are currently 2,798 active cases with 125 hospitalizations. The infectious surge, according to health officials, included 5,427 daily tests and a seven-day positivity test rate of 5.9%.
The governor has announced the rollout of a second mobile vaccine van that can be booked for events, which has already administered 200 doses, with 75 more events currently on the books, NHPR reported.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 1,415 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in New Hampshire, according to state data.
