New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19

Current Situation An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China has now been detected in multiple locations internationally, including in the ...

Current Situation
An outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China has now been detected in multiple locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19").There are reports of human to human transmission through close contact with individuals confirmed to be ill with COVID-19 in countries outside China, including the United States. Please check the CDC webpage for the most up to date situation summary.

Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). However, limited information is currently available to characterize the full spectrum of clinical illness associated with COVID-19. Based on what is known about MERSCoV and SARS-CoV-1, signs and symptoms may appear any time from 2 to 14 days after exposure to 2019-nCoV virus.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, especially its Division of Public Health Services, is working with all healthcare organizations and physicians in the State as well as other partners to help ensure all those involved have correct and up-to-date information about this outbreak. As an organization we rely on the best available science and evidence-based practices. In rapidly evolving situations, such as this, we will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Providers should familiarize themselves with the developing COVID-19 outbreak and review the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/coronaviru...
Review the most recent NH DPHS Health Alert Network (HAN) message(s)
Immediately report any suspect cases to the DPHS Public Health Professional on call at 603-271-4496 (after hours 603-271-5300).
COVID-19 Case Reporting Form pdf file
NH Health Alert Network (HAN) Messages
03/16/2020: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Update #8 pdf file
03/13/2020: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Update #7 pdf file
03/11/2020: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak Conference Call Number Updated pdf file
03/06/2020: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Update #6 pdf file
03/02/2020: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Update #5 pdf file
02/26/2020: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Update #4 pdf file
02/01/2020: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #3 pdf file
01/27/2020: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update #2 pdf file
01/21/2020: Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019) Identified in Wuhan, China pdf file
Healthcare Facilities
CDC Information for Healthcare Professionals
CDC COVID-19 Infection Control Guidance
CDC Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: www.cdc.gov/coronaviru...
CDC Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (PUI)
Self-observation guidelines pdf file (03/06/2020)
Self Quarantine Guidance pdf file (03/08/2020)
03/03/2020 Webinar: Covid-19: Global, U.S. and N.H. Update
01/29/2020 Webinar: 2019-nCoronavirus: What is Relevant for Clinicians?
Long-Term Care Facilities
NH DHHS COVID-19 Information for Long-Term Care Facilities pdf file
Laboratory Testing
The New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories (PHL) now has testing capacity for COVID-19. Results take a minimum of 24 hours from receipt of clinical specimens.

To submit specimens to the NH PHL for COVID-19 testing, the guidance below for "Laboratory Testing for COVID-19" should be followed, including completion of the NH PHL Requisition: www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/l.... pdf file
For specimens being sent to New Hampshire Public Health Lab: Collect NP swabs and place into tube of viral transport media (VTM).

CDC Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling, and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
COVID 2019 Fact Sheet – Healthcare Providers pdf file
COVID 2019 Fact Sheet – Patients pdf file

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