Covid-19 news

On May 19, state health officials reported 3,889 new positive Covid-19 test results between Friday, May 13, and Wednesday, May 18. Moving forward, all weekly updates will cover Thursday of the previous week through Wednesday of the following week, according to a press release. As of May 19 there were 36 people statewide that were hospitalized with Covid.

On May 20, Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed HB 1131, which would have prohibited schools in the state from creating their own mask-wearing policies for students, teachers and faculty. “Just because we may not like a local decision does not mean we should remove their authority,” Sununu said in his veto message. “The State must remain steadfast in protecting local control as decisions like this are best left to authorities closest to parents and families where they can work with their neighbors to decide what is right for their children.”

Manchester budget

On May 17, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 11-3 to approve a Fiscal Year 2023 General Fund budget that allocates $187,097,818 to the school district and $169,867,998 to the city. According to a press release, the budget adheres to the expenditure cap and includes a 3.52-percent property tax increase, for a total tax rate of $18.30. Compared to the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, expenditures increased by $5,296,413 and include funds for a Residential Assessor; staff salary increases at the Mayor’s Office; Fire Department training; an additional sergeant in the Juvenile division and an evidence technician for the Police Department; increases in utility costs for the Department of Public Works; a security officer and library clerk at the library; severance pay and contingency funds. Expenditures decreased total $3,863,368 and came from anticipated health insurance savings; Fire and Police Department retirement savings; and savings due to a bill that will bring $5.2 million to the Manchester School District in FY23, the release said. “Manchester is a growing city with a strong economy as evidenced by the more than $83 million in new growth generated over the last year.” Mayor Joyce Craig said in a statement following the vote.

Recovery-friendly

Last week, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Dr. Rahul Gupta visited New Hampshire to hear about the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative that launched in 2018. According to a press release, since its inception here, the program has been adopted in 28 states across the country, as well as in Washington, D.C., and Canada. In New Hampshire, more than 300 businesses have been designated as Recovery Friendly Workplaces for about 84,000 employees. “New Hampshire led the nation in addressing our opioid crisis head-on with innovative programs like Recovery Friendly Workplaces,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in the release. “Through this program, we’ve worked hard to change the culture around addiction by engaging employers as part of the solution. Ensuring access to tools and resources is easier than ever before.” Gupta met with Recovery Friendly Workplace employers to hear about their experiences with the program, which is part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to reduce the number of overdose deaths. Unlike most other states, the release said, New Hampshire is projected to reduce the number of lives lost to drug overdoses by nearly 14 percent from 2017 to 2021. There were 490 overdose deaths in 2017, 471 in 2018, 415 in 2019 and 417 in 2020. Preliminary data suggests there were roughly 425 overdose deaths in 2021.

Affordable internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program lowers internet costs for eligible families, and the New Hampshire Department of Education is encouraging families to take advantage of the program in order to stay connected to reliable broadband services. According to a press release, students approved to receive benefits under the National Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program and school breakfast program are typically eligible for the program, as are those with an income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or those participating in certain assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC or Lifeline. These families may receive up to a $30-a-month discount for internet service and a one-time $100 discount for purchase of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. “Consistent and reliable internet access is an important tool to help students thrive throughout the summer months and the entire school year, and is a necessary resource for learning. We are pleased that this service is available for low-income families, and we urge Granite State residents to take advantage of this opportunity,” Frank Edelblut, education commissioner, said in the release. Families can complete the application at ACPBenefit.org.

A two-day regional public safety summit for first responders was held at UNH in Durham last week, offering first responders health and wellness training workshops. According to a press release, first responders experience higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress, burnout, anxiety and other mental health issues. The event offered guidance, statistics and best practices for all members of the public safety community, the release said.

Hannaford Supermarket at the John E Devine Drive location in Manchester unveiled New Hampshire’s first Volta Elective Vehicle charging stations with a ceremonial “first charge” May 12. Hannaford and Volta company leaders will participate in the ‘first charge’ and celebrate the sustainability initiative.

Nashua is holding its Household Hazardous Waste Collection Thursday, June 2, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Nashua City Park & Ride, 25 Crown St. According to a press release, residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham can drop off their hazardous waste for $15 per vehicle (quantities exceeding 10 gallons or 20 pounds will have an additional fee). Cash or checks will be accepted. Latex paint, electronics and medications will not be accepted. Visit nashuarpc.org for a list of accepted items.