City Health Department Advisory for July 9, 2020

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE NH STATE EPIDEMIOLOGIST
On a call yesterday morning, Dr. Benjamin Chan, NH State Epidemiologist reiterated his three recommendations for precautions throughout the pandemic:
1. Wear a mask.
2. Maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 6-feet.
3. Avoid mass gatherings.

The NH Department of Health & Human Services reiterates:

·         As with any large gathering, organizers and attendees at the rally in Portsmouth on Saturday should adhere to best practices and follow NH-specific guidance to prevent possible spread of COVID-19.
·         The rally will be held outdoors and organizers will provide masks to all attendees. Participants should wear a face mask or cloth face covering during the event because people will be in close proximity of each other. Up to one-third of people who contract COVID-19 will not have symptoms but can still spread the virus. Cloth face masks are important to preventing spread of the virus and protecting our communities.
·         Older adults and people with chronic medical problems should continue to stay at home as much as possible (“safer at home”).
·         While at the event, participants should practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from other people at all times, including while entering and exiting the venue, and while seated and attending the rally. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be made readily available, and everybody should be practicing frequent hand sanitizing.
·         Any person who is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home.
·         NH’s communities have done a great job bringing COVID-19 under control, but the pandemic is accelerating in other states outside of New England. We want to continue to protect our residents and communities from another COVID-19 surge and we can do that if attendees follow this guidance.
 
THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVISES PORTSMOUTH RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE PRACTICING PRECAUTIONS AND AVOID:

• Close spaces
• Crowds
• Close contact with others

CITY OF PORTSMOUTH HAS NO JURISDICTION OVER PEASE AIRPORT STATE PROPERTY -- The City has received Pease Development Authority permission and will place "WEAR A MASK" electronic signboards at all entrances. 

RALLY ORGANIZERS REQUIRE HEALTH EXPOSURE RISK WAIVER -- The registration site includes the following notice:

"By registering for this event, you understand and expressly acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. In attending the event, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, and waive, release, and discharge Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; Portsmouth International Airport at Pease; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers from any and all liability under any theory, whether in negligence or otherwise, for any illness or injury.​"