NH officials report 47 COVID cases at Bedford facility
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — There have been 47 cases of COVID-19 reported among residents and staff at a long-term care facility in Bedford in the last 10 days, New Hampshire health officials said Thursday
Health Commissioner Lori Shibinette said 33 of the cases involved residents at the Bedford Hills Center and 14 involved staff members.
“That is a testament to how quickly COVID-19 moves,” she said during the regular virus briefing with Gov. Chris Sununu.
She also said the Ward Health Center in Windham has three cases among residents and one in a staff member.
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CHURCH CASES
The New Hampshire Attorney General's office says a COVID-19 outbreak at a Portsmouth church possibly came from the traditional practice of using shared items.
WMUR-TV reports that a letter to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston, said the church was first notified by Portsmouth health officials on July 25 that the Greek Orthodox practice of using a single, shared chalice and spoon was in violation of the state’s guidance for places of worship.
The letter says the practice seems to have continued and must be modified in order for the church to remain in compliance with state rules about coronavirus precautions.
During his briefing, Sununu said it was his understanding that church officials disagree with the state requirements.
“We don’t want our guidance to interfere with how people practice their religion,” Sununu said, but the state is going to work to make sure the church understand the risks.
An email to the church was not immediately returned on Thursday.
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WEARY OF COVID
New Hampshire health officials say some people are “weary” of personal restrictions imposed to help fight the...