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Government responses to and political effects of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 (New Hampshire)

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Responses by state

Ballotpedia’s coverage of COVID-19 includes how federal, state, and local governments are responding, and how those responses are influencing election rules and operations, political campaigns, the economy, schools, and more.

This article contains coverage of eight kinds of state government responses to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The article tracks developments in these areas that took place between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 through Dec. 4, 2020. The government responses covered here include:

Additionally, the article includes:

To view current coverage areas, including mask requirements, school responses, travel restrictions, and much more, click a state in the map below.

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Changes to election dates and procedures, March 16 through November 19

See also: Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

General election changes

New Hampshire modified its absentee/mail-in voting and candidate filing procedures for the November 3, 2020, general election as follows:

  • Absentee/mail-in voting: Any voter could request an absentee ballot based on concerns related to COVID-19. Voters could submit one absentee ballot application for both the primary and general elections.
  • Candidate filing procedures: The nomination petition signature requirements for the Libertarian Party's candidates in New Hampshire's general election was reduced by 35 percent.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Primary election changes

New Hampshire modified its primary election process as follows:

  • Voting procedures: Any voter may request an absentee ballot based on concerns related to COVID-19. Voters could submit one absentee ballot application for both the primary and general elections.

For a full timeline about election modifications made in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Click the gray bar below for more detailed information.


Statewide stay-at-home order, March 23 through December 4

See also: States with lockdown and stay-at-home orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

On March 26, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued Emergency Order #17, which directed individuals in the state to stay at home unless performing essential activities and placed restrictions on non-essential businesses.[5] The order was originally set to expire on May 4. On May 1, Sununu signed Emergency Order #40, which extended the stay-at-home provision through May 31.[6]

The state's stay-at-home order expired at 11:59 p.m. on June 15.[7]

Sununu's extension of the stay-at-home order included industry-specific guidelines outlining reopening dates and operating regulations. View those guidelines here.

Following the release of the original order, the Governor's Office released a list of essential businesses and industries that would be permitted to remain open. The document embedded below lists those businesses and industries.[8]

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Executive orders, March 30 through June 29

See also: Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020


Court closures, March 17 through November 4

See also: State court closures in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
  • August 25, 2020: The state's first jury trial since March began in Cheshire County as part of a pilot. The judicial branch required everyone in the courtroom to wear a mask, and jurors were spread out in the gallery.[9]
  • July 2, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and a suspension of jury trials through July 27, 2020.[10]
  • June 16, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings and the suspension of jury trials in the Circuit Court, Superior Court and Supreme Court through July 6.[11]
  • May 21, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions in circuit courts, superior courts, and the Supreme Court on in-person proceedings and suspension of jury trials through June 15.[12]
  • March 27, 2020: The New Hampshire Supreme Court extended restrictions on in-person proceedings in the Circuit Court, Superior Court, and Supreme Court through May 4.[13][14][15]

Legislative session changes, March 20 through October 1

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

The New Hampshire General Court suspended its session, effective March 14, 2020, through March 20, 2020. On March 17, 2020, lawmakers announced that the suspension would be extended through April 10, 2020. The suspension was subsequently extended further, first through May 4, 2020, then indefinitely. Legislative deadlines were postponed indefinitely. The New Hampshire House of Representatives reconvened June 11, 2020. The New Hampshire State Senate was set to reconvene June 16, 2020. The legislature adjourned on June 30, 2020.[17][18][19]

Proposed and enacted legislation, March 25 through August 19

See also: State laws in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

See below for a complete list of bills related to the coronavirus pandemic in New Hampshire. To learn more about a particular bill, click its title. This information is provided by BillTrack50 and LegiScan.

Rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies, April 9 through November 24

See also: Changes to rent, mortgage, eviction, and foreclosure policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020


  • July 1, 2020: Gov. Chris Sununu's (R) moratorium on evictions ended July 1. Sununu said he would use CARES Act funds to help people who were struggling to pay rent or make payments on a mortgage.[20]
  • June 11, 2020: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued Emergency Order #51, which would end protections granted in Emergency Orders #4 and #24 on July 1. Executive Order #4 prohibited landlords from initiating eviction proceedings and prohibited nonjudicial and judicial foreclosures during the coronavirus pandemic. Executive Order #24 provided exceptions for landlords to begin eviction proceedings for lease or law violations, property damage caused by tenants, or substantial adverse impact on the health and safety of the other person. The order also allowed for eviction proceedings to be started in cases where a tenant abandoned their rental unit or space.[21]
  • March 17, 2020: Gov. Chris Sununu (R) issued an executive order that prohibited landlords from starting eviction proceedings for any tenant unable to pay due to coronavirus. The order suspended foreclosures as well.[22]


Prison inmate release responses, March 30 through July 1

See also: State and local governments that released prison inmates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
  • Between March 30 and July 1, New Hampshire did not make an announcement concerning the release of incarcerated individuals due to coronavirus on a state level.


Debate in New Hampshire over responses to the coronavirus

See also: Debate in New Hampshire over responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Ballotpedia is covering the debate over continuing restrictions and closures in New Hampshire in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the links below to read more about these debates.

Status of industries, May 15 through July 31

Between May 15 and July 31, we conducted detailed tracking of industries and activities in each state daily.

  • "Yes" means an activity was allowed or an industry was permitted to open. "No" means an activity was not allowed or an industry was not permitted to reopen.
  • Some rules were applied regionally rather than statewide. Each cell shows the loosest restriction in place at the time, or the broadest level of an activity permitted in the state, even if that activity was only permitted regionally. Where applicable, we indicated that an activity was only permitted regionally, and provided details in a cell note. For example, if gyms were permitted to open in half of a state, the spreadsheet would say "Yes (regionally)," and differences between the regions would be explained in a note.
  • A lack of detail in a note or parentheses does not necessarily mean that an activity or industry was "back to normal." We did our best to capture caveats, exceptions, and modifications to activities. We acknowledge, though, that states put forth a large number of requirements for many industries and activities.

Initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures

New Hampshire released an initial reopening plan from March and April 2020 closures on May 1, 2020. An analysis of this plan appeared in our Documenting America's Path to Recovery newsletter on May 12. The sections below include an analysis of the plan, the details of the plan, and reactions from officials to the plan.

Summary from Documenting America's Path to Recovery

See also: Documenting America's Path to Recovery: May 12, 2020

On May 1, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) unveiled a phased plan to reopen businesses that had been closed during the state's original stay-at-home order, which took effect on March 24 and expired on May 4. Also on May 1, he issued a modified stay-at-home order which runs through May 31. The plan provided for businesses to resume operations in waves:

  • May 1: Campgrounds, manufacturing, state parks.
  • May 4: Certain health care facilities/services.
  • May 11: Retail stores, drive-in movie theaters, public and private golf courses, barbers and hair salons.
  • May 18: Restaurants.

Sununu released industry-specific guidance documents for each type of business. On announcing the plan, Sununu said, "The people of New Hampshire have taken this epidemic incredibly seriously. We have all played a small part in flattening the curve and slowing the spread of COVID19. We all know you are healthier at home, and that continues to be true, but we are also taking steps to reopen our economy in a smart, step-by-step approach that is supported by facts, science and data."

Context

  • As of May 11, New Hampshire had 3,160 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 133 reported deaths. As of July 2019, New Hampshire had an estimated population of 1.4 million residents. New Hampshire had 232.4 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents and 9.8 reported deaths per 100,000 residents as of May 11.
  • New Hampshire has a divided government, with a Republican governor and Democratic majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature.
  • Sununu's stay-at-home order took effect on March 24, directing individuals to remain at home (with exceptions made for carrying out essential activities) and placing restrictions on nonessential businesses. The original order was set to expire on May 4. Sununu issued a modified stay-at-home order to replace the original. The modified order was set to expire on May 31.

Plan details

Modified stay-at-home order (individual guidelines) New Hampshire's modified stay-at-home order is in effect from May 1 through May 31 and directs individuals to stay home, with the following exceptions:

  • Outdoor recreation, subject to social distancing protocols.
  • Essential errands (e.g., trips to the grocery, pharmacy, etc.).
  • Visits with spouses, parents, or children.
  • Providing care for others.
  • Going to a gas station.
  • Ordering and picking up take-out food.
  • Receiving deliveries.
  • Receiving medical or dental care.
  • Going to work.
  • Patronizing or seeking services from essential businesses or businesses authorized to resume operations.

Universal business guidelines The reopening plan outlined universal guidelines for all New Hampshire employers and employees. General guidelines for all employers:

  • Employers must require employees who are feeling ill to remain at home.
  • Employers must screen all employees reporting for work for COVID-19 symptoms. Employers must instruct any employee who exhibits or COVID-19 symptoms or answers "yes" to any of the screening questions to leave immediately and seek medical advice.
  • "Employers must strongly promote frequent hand hygiene and alcohol-based hand sanitizer must be made readily available." They must also "implement workplace cleaning and disinfection practices."
  • Employers must support the use of face coverings in areas where social distancing is not feasible, implement social distancing guidelines, and modify employee schedules to reduce physical interactions wherever possible. They must permit employees to work from home wherever possible.
  • Employers must, if necessary, update their employee illness policies to comply with current public health recommendations.
  • Employers must "communicate frequently with both employees and customers about steps being taken to prevent spread of COVID-19 in the workplace."

General guidelines for all employees

  • Employees must stay home if they are feeling ill and seek medical care as appropriate.
  • Employees must increase hygiene practices, wear cloth face coverings, practice social distancing, and abide by employer, local, and state guidelines.

Business reopenings and restrictions effective May 1 The following were permitted to reopen effective May 1, subject to the following sector-specific guidelines:

  • Campgrounds: Open only to members or New Hampshire residents; indoor and outdoor gatherings limited to a maximum of 10 people; swimming pools and playgrounds closed; group campsites closed; campsite occupancy limited to 6-8 people; no visitors allowed.
  • Manufacturing: Adjust processes to accommodate social distancing (including spacing out equipment, staggering shifts, etc.).
  • State parks: Playgrounds and boat rentals closed; water fountains turned off; public ocean beaches closed.

Business reopenings and restrictions effective May 4 The following were permitted to reopen effective May 4, subject to the following sector-specific guidelines:

  • Certain healthcare services: Some non-emergency healthcare services and procedures may resume, subject to sufficient capacity, COVID-19 screening and testing capabilities, and adequate supplies of personal protective equipment.

Business reopenings and restrictions effective May 11 The following were permitted to reopen effective May 11, subject to the following sector-specific guidelines:

  • Retail: Retail businesses may reopen their physical locations at 50% of their normal capacity.
  • Drive-in movie theaters: Minimum 10-feet spacing between cars must be maintained.
  • Public and private golf courses: pro shops and clubhouses remain closed; amenities such as pools, locker rooms, etc. remain closed.
  • Barbers and hair salons: Services available by appointment only; both customers and staff must wear face coverings; services are limited to haircuts and root touch-ups.

Business reopenings and restrictions effective May 18 The following were permitted to reopen effective May 18, subject to the following sector-specific guidelines:

  • Restaurants: Outdoor seating permitted with no more than six guests per table; indoor dining remains closed; bar seating remains closed

Reactions

  • Before the May 11 reopening of retail businesses, Mike Skelton, president and CEO of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said, "I think that for the retail sector it’s a step forward into a new normal that is going to be part of our daily lives for some time. While I’m sure it will not be without its hiccups or challenges, the sooner that businesses can start learning how to adapt to new guidelines and protocols, the better. I think they’re going to be able to learn from that and improve their operations and how they can most successfully operate in this environment."
  • Katherine Nevins, owner of an independent bookstore in Warner, said, "How do we determine who is safe to come in and who’s not safe? And after they leave, the environment is potentially not safe for the next customer. It’s just absurd. As a business owner and someone who cares immensely about my community, I would not risk any one."
  • Jim Roche, president of the Business and Industry Association, sent Sununu a letter urging him to issue an executive order establishing liability protections for businesses as they reopen: "On behalf of the thousands of enterprises we collectively represent in all corners of New Hampshire, we the undersigned respectfully request that you promulgate an emergency order under the powers conferred upon you during this pandemic to create a legal 'safe harbor' for employers to protect from COVID-19 related liability litigation. Absent such protection, business of all shapes and sizes will be deterred from reopening or returning to pre-pandemic operations, slowing New Hampshire's economic recovery."
  • State Senators Kevin Cavanaugh and Martha Hennesey, both Democrats, sent the governor a letter urging him against granting such liability protections: "Granting blanket immunity to businesses from liability as it relates to spreading the coronavirus would be a grave mistake. It would be a mistake, not only because of the physical danger that it presents to New Hampshire public health, but also the danger it poses to the intricate and complicated legal relationship between employee and employer."

Coronavirus resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

State resources

Twitter feeds for government officials and agencies appear below.

Federal resources

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire, "Libertarian Party of New Hampshire v. Sununu: Memorandum Order," July 28, 2020
  2. ↑ New Hampshire General Court, "HB1266," accessed July 27, 2020
  3. ↑ State of New Hampshire, "Memorandum Re: Elections Operations During the State of Emergency," April 10, 2020
  4. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  5. ↑ https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-media/emergency-orders/documents/emergency-order-17-1.pdf "State of New Hampshire Office of the Governor", "Closure of non-essential businesses and requiring Granite Staters to stay at home", March 26, 2020
  6. ↑ Governor of New Hampshire, "State of New Hampshire -- Emergency Order #40," accessed May 2, 2020
  7. ↑ CBS Boston, "New Hampshire To Lift Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order," June 11, 2020
  8. ↑ Governor.nh.gov', "EXHIBIT A to Emergency Order #17," accessed March 27, 2020
  9. ↑ New Hampshire Public Radio, "Coronavirus Update: State Says Ventilation Study at Nursing Homes With Outbreaks Shows No Pattern," August 25, 2020
  10. ↑ [https://www.courts.state.nh.us/press/2020/Covid19-July2.htm Judicial Branch, State of New Hampshire, "Supreme Court Extends Emergency Orders Limiting In-Person Court Proceedings through July 27," July 2, 2020]
  11. ↑ National Center for State Courts, "Coronavirus and the Courts," June 18, 2020
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named May22
  13. ↑ New Hampshire Judicial Branch, "RENEWED AND AMENDED ORDER SUSPENDING IN-PERSON COURT PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE CIRCUIT COURT AND RESTRICTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSES," March 27, 2020
  14. ↑ New Hampshire Judicial Branch, "RENEWED AND AMENDED ORDER SUSPENDING IN-PERSON COURT PROCEEDINGS RELATED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT AND RESTRICTING PUBLIC ACCESS TO COURTHOUSES," March 28, 2020
  15. ↑ New Hampshire Judicial Branch, "RENEWED AND AMENDED EMERGENCY ORDER GOVERNING NEW HAMPSHIRE SUPREME COURT PROCEEDINGS AND RESTRICTING ACCESS TO THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING," March 28, 2020
  16. ↑ The Eagle-Tribune, "NH courts to halt most case work through April 6," March 16, 2020
  17. ↑ CTPost, "6 new cases of virus in New Hampshire; broad school shutdown," March 15, 2020
  18. ↑ New Hampshire Union Leaders, "NH legislative activity suspended through April 10," March 17, 2020
  19. ↑ The General Court of New Hampshire, "General Court News," accessed April 10, 2020
  20. ↑ Patch, "$35M More For People Facing Eviction Due To COVID-19: Sununu," June 30, 2020
  21. ↑ State of New Hampshire, Office of the Governor, "Emergency Order # 51 Pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04 as Extended by Executive Orders 2020-05, 2020-08, 2020-09 and 2020-10, An order terminating Emergency Orders #4 and #24," June 11, 2020
  22. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named EvictMA
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