Bureau of Infectious Disease Control

Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: March 11, 2020

The purpose of this document is to provide public health and community partners with frequently asked questions and
answers that may be used to assist in responding to inquiries from their communities.
PLEASE NOTE: Text in this color denotes information that has been updated or added since the last version of this
document was released.

General Information

What is a novel Coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness,
like the common cold.

A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-
19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

What is the source of COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline
coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and
can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) are two other
examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Is COVID-19 the same as the MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV-1 virus?

No. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people. Others cause
illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can spread to people.
This happened with SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 likely also originated in an animal and
spread to humans. The coronavirus most similar to the virus causing COVID-19 is SARS-CoV. There are ongoing
investigations to learn more. The situation is changing, and information will be updated as it becomes available.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19?

It is not yet known if weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common
cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but people can still become sick with these viruses during other
months. At this time, it is not known whether the spread of COVID-19 will decrease when weather becomes warmer.

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There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and
investigations are ongoing. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Illness

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms usually appear in about 3 or 4 days, but may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure
to a person with COVID-19. Symptoms of people with confirmed COVID-19 infections have primarily included:
 Fever
 Cough
 Shortness of breath
Read about COVID-19 Symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can
spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at
home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Current CDC guidance for when it is okay to release someone from isolation is made on a case by case basis. Someone
who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

How is COVID-19 spread?

Current understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads is largely based on
what is known about similar coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is more to learn about how it spreads,
the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
COVID-19 is thought to spread from person-to-person, most likely through respiratory droplets, including:
 Through the air by coughing and sneezing;
 Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;
 Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your
hands, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
This is similar to how flu and other respiratory infections spread. Until we learn more about how easily COVID-19
spreads between people, healthcare providers may wear special personal protective equipment (e.g., masks and eye
protection) when evaluating a patient if there is a possibility of infection with COVID-19.
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm

How sick are people with COVID-19?

Although the complete clinical picture of COVID-19 is still not fully known, reported illnesses have ranged from mild
symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Everywhere I go people are coughing. How do I know they don’t have this new virus?
There are many illnesses circulating this winter. For the general American public, including those living in NH, immediate
health risk from COVID-19 is considered low, but for anyone at higher risk, due to age or chronic medical conditions,
there are simple steps you can take to prevent illness.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very
sick from this illness. This includes:

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  Older adults
 People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
o Heart disease
o Diabetes
o Lung disease
If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of
people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community
actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact
of disease. If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious
long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the
disease.

What should I do if I am high risk?

There are a few key steps you can take to make sure you stay healthy during a COVID-19 outbreak:
 Have supplies on hand
o Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in
case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged
period of time.
o If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
o Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and
other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
o Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a
period of time.
 Take everyday precautions
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick
o Take everyday preventive actions
 Clean your hands often
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing
your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
 If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons,
door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your
hand or finger if you must touch something.
 Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
 Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
 Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched
surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks &
cell phones)
 Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses
like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are
people in the crowd who are sick.
 Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise
ships.
 If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other
people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus.
o Stay home as much as possible.
 Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial
networks

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  Have a plan for if you get sick:
o Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for
symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
o Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family,
neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
o Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick

Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

There are no specific antiviral treatments recommended for infection with COVID-19. People infected with COVID-19 can
receive supportive care at home to help relieve symptoms, such as taking pain or fever medications, drinking plenty of
fluids, and staying home and resting. Some patients who are very sick may need to go to the hospital for treatment,
including care to support their vital organ functions.

What if think I might have COVID-19?

If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after
travel from China or other counties with travel advisories for COVID-19, or have been in close contact with a person
known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread, you should call ahead
to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel and/or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with
our state public health department to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19. You can also contact the NH
Division of Public Health Services if you have questions or concerns at 603-271-4496.
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm

Can household members of people under quarantine leave their home?

Yes. Household members such as family members, including children, of quarantined individuals are not required to stay
home. As long as the person under quarantine doesn’t show any symptoms, and the household members are well, those
living in the home and not quarantined can leave the home and can go to public places like school and work. If the
person being quarantined develops illness, household members must then also stay home on quarantine.

Prevention

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

Not yet. Scientists are working on developing a vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/coronaviruses-therapeutics-vaccines

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick from viral respiratory infections, and help prevent
transmitting infections to others, including:
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap
and water are not available.
 Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and
wash your hands.
 Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
 Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
 Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
 Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

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  Get a flu shot - it is not too late to be protected from flu.
https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm

Should I Plan for COVID-19?

Yes! Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and keeping yourself, your family and your community healthy! Check
out these easy to follow recommendations from the CDC:

Resources for Preparedness in the Home

Resources for Preparedness in the Workplace
Resources for Community Preparedness

Should I buy masks or wear one in public?

Masks are not recommended for the general public as a way to prevent infection. Facemasks should be used by people
who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also
crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care
facility). Buying unnecessary masks depletes the supply for health care professionals who do need them to reduce the
spread of disease and keep you safe. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

What should businesses be doing?

Many business organizations within New Hampshire are concerned about how the current outbreak of COVID-19 will
impact their communities and are seeking ways to stay healthy. The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services
(NH DPHS) is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support our communities by
developing guidance and education materials, such as the COVID-19 Information for Businesses, which can be found on
the NH DPHS COVID-19 website.

Businesses play a key role in stopping the spread of disease, including COVID-19, by encouraging employees to stay
home when they’re sick and preparing for staffing shortages in advance.

Is there specific guidance for schools, colleges and universities?

Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 into NH communities.
Schools can play an important role in this effort. Through collaboration and coordination with local health departments,
schools are taking steps to disseminate information about the disease and its potential transmission within their school
community. The New Hampshire Division of Public Health Services (NH DPHS) is working with the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support our communities by developing guidance and education materials,
such as The COVID-19 Information for Schools, which can be found on the NH DPHS COVID-19 webpage.

Are there recommendations for Faith-Based and Community Organizations?

Yes. The CDC provides an excellent guide online at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-
community-faith-organizations.html

Risk-related concerns

I have not traveled to China, but I have been around people in my community who are from China. Am I at risk?
People in the U.S. may be concerned about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is
spreading. Some people are worried about catching the disease. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example,
towards Chinese or other Asian Americans or people who were in self-quarantine.

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Stigma is discrimination against an identifiable group of people, a place, or a nation. Stigma is associated with a lack of
knowledge about how COVID-19 spreads, a need to blame someone, fears about disease and death, and gossip that
spreads rumors and myths. Stigma hurts everyone by creating more fear or anger towards ordinary people instead of
the disease that is causing the problem. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Am I at risk for novel coronavirus from a package or products shipping from China?
There is still a lot that is unknown about the newly emerged COVID-19 and how it spreads. Two other coronaviruses
have emerged previously to cause severe illness in people (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1). The virus that causes COVID-19
is more genetically related to SARS-CoV-1 than MERS-CoV. While we don’t know for sure that this virus will behave the
same way as SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV, we can use the information gained from both of these earlier coronaviruses to
guide us. In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of
spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to
support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in
the United States associated with imported goods. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

What risks do animals or animal products imported from China pose?

CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for
spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it
becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) play distinct but complementary roles in regulating the importation
of live animals and animal products into the United States. CDC regulates animals and animal products that pose a
threat to human health, USDA regulates animals and animal products that pose a threat to agriculture; and FWS
regulates importation of endangered species and wildlife that can harm the health and welfare of humans, the interests
of agriculture, horticulture, or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and COVID-19?

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person. There is no
reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new
coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this
time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can
spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more
information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets,
livestock, and wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People website. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/faq.html

What if I’m sick with COVID-19 and have pets?

You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around
other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still
recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the
virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick
with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you
must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets
and wear a facemask. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#animals

Are there special cleaning procedures that should be followed in response to COVID-19?

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Clean any visibly dirty surfaces and then follow with a disinfectant for the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral
respiratory illnesses. Public and private spaces should be routinely cleaned including all frequently touched surfaces
such as desks, tables, chairs and doorknobs. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this
time. Use cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. Have disposable
wipes handy so that commonly used surfaces can be wiped down before each use. For more information on household
cleaning, resources from the CDC, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-
disinfection.html

How should I clean if someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 has been in an area or a room?
For detailed instructions on what and how to clean after a possible COVID-19 exposure, visit the CDC’s
recommendations here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-
disinfection.html

Travel-related concerns

What are the different recommendations for travelers returning from countries with a level 3, 2, or 1 travel advisory?

 Level 3, Self-Quarantine Recommendations: Travelers from countries with a level 3 travel advisory are
advised to self-quarantine by staying home and monitoring their health for 14 days following travel. (Self-
Quarantine Guidance)
 Level 2, Self-Observation Recommendations: Travelers from countries with a level 2 travel advisory are
advised to monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United
States. (Self-Observation Guidance)
 Level 1: No movement restrictions. Take normal precautions to keep yourself healthy.

What if I recently traveled to an area affected by COVID-19 and am sick?

If you were in a country with COVID-19 and feel sick with fever or a respiratory illness (e.g. cough, or difficulty
breathing), within 14 days after you left you should:
 Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them
about your recent travel and your symptoms.
 Avoid contact with others. Try to stay 6 feet from other people.
 Not travel while sick.
 Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
 Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
CDC does have additional specific guidance for travelers available online at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/travelers/index.html

What about families of people who have been in China?

There is no public health reason to exclude family members of people with no symptoms who were in China or a country
with active community spread of disease in the previous 14 days. Family members who did not travel may go to school
or work if the person who traveled has no symptoms.

I am traveling to a country with a travel notice. Should I cancel?

Travel notices are based on assessment of the potential health risks involved with traveling to a certain area. A list of
destinations with travel notices is available on the CDC website.

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  Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel: CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to
destinations with level 3 travel notices because of the risk of getting COVID-19.
 Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions: Because COVID-19 can be more serious in older adults and those
with chronic medical conditions, people in these groups should talk to a healthcare provider and consider
postponing travel to destinations with level 2 travel notices.
 Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions: CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to
destinations with level 1 travel notices because the risk of COVID-19 is thought to be low.

If you must travel, take the following routine precautions:

 Avoid contact with sick people.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
 Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
o It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing,
sneezing or blowing your nose. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html
If you travel to a location with any level of travel advisory for COVID-19, when you return, you should remain alert for
fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath). An informational handout on self-observation is
available online and can be provided to travelers.

Is it safe to go on a cruise?
The CDC recommends travelers, particularly those with underlying health issues, defer all cruise ship travel at this time.
Cruises put large numbers of people, often from countries around the world, in frequent and close contact with each
other. This can promote the spread of respiratory viruses, such as the virus that causes COVID-19. You may get sick from
close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. To reduce spread of respiratory viruses,
including COVID-19, CDC recommends that if you are thinking about traveling:
•Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues should avoid situations that put them at increased risk
for more severe disease. This entails avoiding crowded places, avoiding non-essential travel such as long plane
trips, and especially avoiding embarking on cruise ships.
•Discuss cruise ship travel with your healthcare provider prior to travel.
•Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom;
before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. ◦If soap and water are not readily available,
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
•Stay in your cabin when you are sick and let the onboard medical center know immediately if you develop a
fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), begin to feel feverish, or have other symptoms (such as cough, runny nose,
shortness of breath, or sore throat).

What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on an airplane?

Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on
airplanes. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, travelers should try to avoid contact with sick passengers
and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contain 60%–95%
alcohol.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html

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Are layovers included in CDC’s recommendation to avoid nonessential travel?
Yes. Layovers at airports in destinations with level 3 travel notices are included in CDC’s recommendation to avoid
nonessential travel. If a layover is unavoidable, CDC recommends that travelers not leave the airport. Travelers with
layovers may still be subject to screening and monitoring when entering the United States. For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html

What precautions should be taken by people who travel internationally?

People should avoid all travel to any locations for which CDC has issued a Level 3 travel notice. Given the rapidly evolving
outbreak and frequently changing travel advisories, people should also consider postponing any nonessential travel to
countries with a Level 2 travel advisory. See CDC travel notice website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

People who have returned from countries with a Level 3 travel advisory are advised to self-quarantine by staying home
and monitoring their health for 14 days after returning to the United States (See self-quarantine guidance). Travelers
from countries with a Level 2 level travel advisory are advised to monitor their health and limit interactions with others
for 14 days after returning to the United States (See self-observation guidance).

If symptoms develop after travel to a country with a COVID-19 related travel advisory, the individual should:
• Take their temperature with a thermometer
• Stay home and avoid close contact with other people
• Seek health advice by phone from either a healthcare provider or the NH DPHS at 603-271-4496 (after hours
603-271-5300).
• Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, the individual should call ahead and tell the provider or
office about recent travel and symptoms.
• Practice strict respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene including covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when
coughing or sneezing and washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Symptomatic individuals should wear a surgical mask when traveling outside of the home (e.g., to a doctor’s
office) to protect others.

Questions from Medical Providers

Please refer all medical providers with questions specific to a patient or situation to contact the NH Division of Public
Health Services, Public Health Professional on call 24/7 at 603-271-4496 (business hours) or 603-271-5300 (after
business hours).
 Laboratory Testing

 Sample collection: OP (oropharyngeal) and NP (nasopharyngeal) specimens can be collected and put
into the same tube of viral transport media (VTM) for COVID-19 testing.

 Cost of Testing: NH has issued an order that requires health insurers to cover services associated with
testing for COVID-19. Health insurance companies must provide coverage, prior to application of any
deductible and without cost-sharing, for the initial health care provider visit and test for their members
who meet the CDC criteria for testing, as determined by the insured’s health care provider. For more
information, visit: https://www.nh.gov/insurance/documents/press-release-governor-sununu-
announces-insurance-department-order-insurers-cover-testing-co.pdf

NH DPHS Response

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We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of the people of NH. We are committed to sharing accurate information
with the public to ensure the optimal health and wellbeing of all NH residents while also ensuring we uphold the highest
privacy standards for individual patients. 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.
NH DPHS has been working closely with CDC since the first case of COVID-19 was detected in the United States. We are
working with our healthcare and public health partners to ensure readiness to identify and respond to potential cases of
COVID-19.
To date, NH DHHS key activities have included:
 Activation of our Incident Management Team to coordinate our public health response with emergency services,
homeland security officials, and other public health partners
 Identifying and investigating people with suspect COVID-19 and their close contacts
 Implementing illness monitoring and quarantine for travelers returning from mainland China
 Preparing and shipping specimens to CDC for testing while simultaneously working with CDC to implement the
testing locally here in the NH Public Health Laboratories
 Providing technical guidance and information to healthcare and public health partners through health alerts,
written guidance and webinars
 Planning for future potential for community transmission in the United States including addressing needs for
medical surge, community mitigation, and providing housing, transportation, and wrap-around services (e.g.
food) for people under isolation or quarantine due to illness or exposure
 Maintaining situational awareness for COVID-19 across the globe and providing updates to stakeholders
 Maintaining daily communications with federal partners including the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and
other national organizations
 Maintaining regular communications with other state agencies, local health departments, and other partners
 Informing the public on respiratory disease prevention measures through media interviews and social media
posts

In outbreaks such as this, public health recommendations may change. We encourage you to check these key resources
frequently for updates:
• U.S. CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
• NH DPHS website: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/2019-ncov.htm

Key NH DHHS Contacts

1. For COVID-19 general or clinical questions: Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at 603-271-4496.
2. For questions about healthcare surge or personal protective equipment (PPE) supply issues: Leigh Cheney at The
Emergency Services Unit: 603-573-6319.
3. For media inquiries or requests for media support related to COVID-19, contact the SONH Joint Information Office:
Phone: 603-223-6169
Email: JIC@dos.nh.gov
Web: www.nh.gov/covid19

NH Department of Health and Human Services FAQ COVID-19

Division of Public Health Services March 11, 2020
Bureau of Infectious Disease Control -10-