New Hampshire doctors provided insight on Sunday into what may be behind the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.>> Download the FREE WMUR appThey told News 9 there are different factors that come into play when it comes to the recent increase. Doctors at Catholic Medical Center and the Elliot Hospital in Manchester said now that the weather is getting colder, more people are getting together indoors.They added that COVID-19 fatigue may be leading people to let their guard down, not wearing masks and not social distancing. Doing so is allowing the virus to spread, according to health officials.More testing is being done, which doctors said will lead to more cases. But, they note the percent positive rate among those tests is trending up. Hospitalizations have also increased. With less than 10 around Labor Day, there are now about 30 to 40 hospitalizations.Doctors said all of this indicates New Hampshire is approaching its second wave.But there are several things each person can do at home to help ease the burden on local hospitals.“Just remember all the basics,” chief medical officer at Catholic Medical Center Dr. Michael Gilbert said. “Wash your hands often, wear a mask whenever in public, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth and stay home if you’re feeling sick.”Gilbert said state regulations play a role as well. “As we loosen up some of the restrictions, there’s always going to be some increase in the number of cases,” he said.In the coming months, hospitals will be dealing with COVID-19 during flu season. So, to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with both, doctors encourage everyone to get a flu shot.
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
New Hampshire doctors provided insight on Sunday into what may be behind the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the state.
They told News 9 there are different factors that come into play when it comes to the recent increase. Doctors at Catholic Medical Center and the Elliot Hospital in Manchester said now that the weather is getting colder, more people are getting together indoors.
They added that COVID-19 fatigue may be leading people to let their guard down, not wearing masks and not social distancing. Doing so is allowing the virus to spread, according to health officials.
More testing is being done, which doctors said will lead to more cases. But, they note the percent positive rate among those tests is trending up. Hospitalizations have also increased. With less than 10 around Labor Day, there are now about 30 to 40 hospitalizations.
Doctors said all of this indicates New Hampshire is approaching its second wave.
But there are several things each person can do at home to help ease the burden on local hospitals.
“Just remember all the basics,” chief medical officer at Catholic Medical Center Dr. Michael Gilbert said. “Wash your hands often, wear a mask whenever in public, don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth and stay home if you’re feeling sick.”
Gilbert said state regulations play a role as well.
“As we loosen up some of the restrictions, there’s always going to be some increase in the number of cases,” he said.
In the coming months, hospitals will be dealing with COVID-19 during flu season. So, to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed with both, doctors encourage everyone to get a flu shot.