Governor says move will allow state to act as needed to prevent spread of coronavirus

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THE CORONAVIRUS. >> UNDER NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE LAW AND CONSTITUTION, I’M DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. JESSICA: GOVERNOR CHRIS SUNUNU USING THE POWER OF HIS OFFICE TO ADDRESS THE CORONAVIRUS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE WHILE TRYING TO PROVIDE ASSURANCE WITH PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES. >> THE RISK TO NEW HAMPSHIRE REMAINS VERY LOW. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NIMBLE, WE CAN ACT QUICKLY, RAPIDLY AS THE SITUATION MAY EVOLVE RAPIDLY. WE’VE SEE THAT HAPPEN IN OTHER STATES. WE WANT TO BE PREPARED. JESSICA: THE GOVERNOR SAYS THEY’RE NOT BANNING LARGE GATHERINGS AND THEY’RE ALLOWING LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO MAKE DECISIONS ON TOWN MEETINGS THIS WEEKEND. WHILE THE GOVERNOR EXPRESSED THE NEED TO STAY CALM, HE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THE GROWING ANXIETY SOME ARE EXPERIENCING. >> WE UNDERSTAND PEOPLE’S CONCERN. THEY’RE WORRIED IF THEY THEMSELVES ARE IN A QUARANTINE SITUATION, THEY WANT TO BE PREPARED. BUT THE SUPPLY CHAINS WILL BE THERE. AGAIN, IT’S NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. WE SYMPATHIZE WITH THOSE FOLKS THAT ARE FEELING THAT ANXIETY, BUT THIS IS A TIME FOR CALM. JESSICA: THE ISSUE OF TESTING COSTS FOR PEOPLE WITHOUT INSURANCE WAS RAISED. THE GOVERNOR SAID HE DOES NOT WANT MONEY TO BE A FACTOR FOR ANYONE. >> I’M LOOKING TO THE FEDERAL CONGRESS TO PROVIDE A GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FOLKS ACROSS THIS COUNTRY. IN THE SHORT TERM, WE’LL BE WORKING WITH FOLKS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS TO MAKE SURE THAT COST IS NOT A BARRIER TO WHETHER THEY’RE IN A QUARANTINE SITUATION OR NEED A TEST. JESSICA: AND THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAYS STARTING AT MIDNIGHT THIS SUNDAY ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS, WILL NOT ALLOW VISITORS. THE STATE’S EPIDEMIOLOGIST SAYS EVERYONE DOES NOT NEED TO BE TESTED, BUT IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS, YOU SHOULD CAL

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New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu declared a state of emergency Friday over the COVID-19 outbreak.>> Download the FREE WMUR appSeven people in the state have tested positive for the coronavirus. Sununu said there is low public risk to people in New Hampshire and no evidence of any community transmission in the state.>> COVID-19 coronavirus in New Hampshire: What you need to know"We want to make sure we are nimble. We can act quickly, rapidly as the situation may evolve rapidly. We've see that happen in other states. We want to be prepared," Sununu said.He said the emergency declaration will ensure resources are ready so the state is able to respond and deploy them at a moment's notice.Sununu ordered that all residential facilities for elderly patients prohibit visitors, with some exceptions, including for medically necessary personnel, end-of-life care and necessary psychological care.All nonessential out-of-state travel for state employees was suspended, and Sununu ordered that all nonessential out-of-state school travel be suspended. Sununu said he's not banning large gatherings and is allowing local officials to make decisions on school closures and this weekend's town meetings.The governor said he doesn't want cost or lack of insurance to be a barrier for anyone who wants a coronavirus test. "I'm looking to the federal Congress to provide a global opportunity for folks across this country," he said. "In the short term, we'll be working with folks on an individual basis to make sure cost is not a barrier to whether they're in a quarantine situation or need a test."A state of emergency in New Hampshire lasts for 21 days. Sununu said the decision will be reviewed at the end of that period to determine whether it will need to be declared again.Anyone with questions about COVID-19 in New Hampshire can visit a special website set up by the state or call 211.