This page will be updated regularly to keep Sandwich residents and visitors informed of how COVID-19 is impacting the Town of Sandwich and our community.
Governor Sununu Issues Stay at Home Order: Requiring all non-essential businesses to close and distance learning to continue until May, 4.
PDF Files below:
Emergency Order #17 Closure of non-essential businesses and requirig Granite Staters to stay at home.
Emergency Order #17 Exhibit A: NH list of industry sectors that provide essential services
Link To All Governor Sununu's Emergency Orders (NH.Gov)
The Selectmen met with Town Department Heads and our Emergency Management Team on Monday, 3/16 to review the evolving COVID19 guidelines from state and federal agencies. Our challenge is to provide Town services with GREATLY reduced direct contact. This is essential to protect all members of our community, especially the most vulnerable.
Sandwich residents have always taken good care of each other. We ask that this continue in terms of sharing transportation, home supplies, and even internet access. Checking in with neighbors will help all of us get through this together.
New Hampshire residents with questions should call the following phone numbers:
General questions on COVID-19: 2-1-1
Callers will reach a phone menu, and then select the ‘COVID’ option to reach a live operator. Callers should expect to wait patiently for many minutes to reach an operator.
To immediately report any suspect cases of COVID-19 (via exposure or travel) to the DPHS at: During the day, call 603-271-4496 (office hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) or 603-271-5300 (only after hours).
Caller should expect to leave a message with an operator, or leave a voice mail, and wait patiently for a return call within a few hours.
Direct sick people (i.e. symptomatic with fever, cough or shortness of breath) should call their healthcare provider. If they don’t have a provider, they can call an urgent care clinic and ask for an evaluation.
Information about COVID-19
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Includes:
- How to protect yourself
- What to do if you feel sick, including a list of COVID-19 symptoms
- Actions to take for older adults and those at high risk
- Guidance for: travelers, businesses, schools, communities, healthcare professionals
- Frequently Asked Questions (Will warm weather stop the outbreak? Should I wear a facemask? Should I be concerned about pets?
World Health Organization
Includes:
- Travel advice
- How to protect yourself, including details on social distancing
- Situation updates
New Hampshire Health and Human Services
Includes:
- Number of COVID-19 cases in New Hampshire
- Map of counties with confirmed COVID-19 cases
- Information for residents (Guidance for first responders, health care facilities, information about Medicare, and more)
- Link to understanding COVID-19 testing and management recommendations Here
Johns Hopkins Map
Interactive map showing number of COVID-19 cases and other statistics related to the pandemic.
Federation of American Scientists “Ask a Scientist”
Answers from scientists on questions related to COVID-19. If a question is not answer, it can be submitted and a response will be emailed in the following days.
For All Of Governor Sununu Emergency Orders: Click Here
(Below are some of the Governor's Emergency Orders)
Unemployments Benefits
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #5: Individuals who are unable to work or who have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have immediate access to unemployment benefits. Anyone in the following situations will now be eligible for state unemployment: New Hampshire Unemployment Security Link Click Here
- If your employer temporarily closes due to COVID-19;
- Individuals that need to self-quarantine or are directed to quarantine at the instruction of a health care provider, employer or government official;
- Individuals that need to care for a family member that has COVID-19 or is under quarantine;
- Individuals that need to care for a dependent because of school closures, child care facility closures or other similar types of care programs;
- Self-employed individuals that are temporarily unable to operate their business because of any of the above listed situations will also be eligible.
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #3: All providers of electric, gas, water, telephone, cable, VOIP, internet service, and deliverable fuel services will be prohibited from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payments for the duration of the State of Emergency.
Evictions and foreclosures prohibited
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order $4: Landlords will not be allowed to start eviction proceedings for those unable to pay due to their financial situations. To do so would be against the law. All judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions will also be prohibited during the state of emergency.
Public Meetings impacted
Governor Sununu's Emergency Order #12: Temporary modification of public access to meetings under RSA 91-A.
Links for information regarding economic relief:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Eligible Emergency Protective Measures: Fact Sheet
FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT Emergency Paid Sick Leave
FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Proper way to remove gloves: Town of Bristol Fire Chief Ben LaRoche demonstrates the proper and safe way to remove gloves to ensure contamination does not spread to skin. Click here for video: https://youtu.be/tT5N_LMIGhI
U.S. Small Businesses can apply for Economic Impact Disaster assistance: Click Here
U.S. Small Business Actionable Scenarios to Address Operational & MarketingPotentials During Pandemic: Here
- This document covers:1.Immediately available operational assistance for small businesses. 2.List of actionable scenarios centered around the 7 Ps of Marketing. 3.Expert tips and practices(by Warren Daniel; NH SBDC)to manage cash flow during a downturn
Protect yourself and your business from increased cyber attacks
Fortune: How hackers are exploiting the coronavirus - and how to protect yourself
The Straits Times: Coronavirus-themed cyber attacks surge as more employees forced to work from home
US Department of Homeland Security: How to protect from cyber attacks
Public Community closures
The following organizations and departments are currently reporting closures, reduced hours, or remote-only services:
Remote Learning has begun for students at SCS and Inter-Lakes Middle and High School. If you have questions contact:
Sandwich Central School: 284-7712
Inter-Lakes Middle/ High School: 279-7947
Sandwich Town Offices: Closed to the public. Staff will work in office Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays. Residents to file applications by mail or drop-box at rear of building. Residents can call and schedule an appointment if business requires in-person review or discussion. Selectmen's office: 284-7701
Cathy Graham - tos@cyberpine.net
Jennifer Wright / Kelly Cox - tos2@cyberpine.net
Town Clerk & Tax Collector: Alison will be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Residents to register their motor vehicles and dogs by mail or by drop-box. For those residents who must register in person, they can call to schedule an appointment. 284-7113
Alison Gage: tctcsandwich@cyberpine.net
Vehicle Registration Information: TROOP E DMV CLOSED. Read the important information Here
From the director of Motor Vehicles - Department of Safety:
"For new transactions, the Governor has authorized us to extend all temporary plates issued after 3/1 until April 30, 2020.”
Samuel Wentworth Library: The Library building is closed, but curbside pickup will be available. For available library services click here.
(603) 284-6665
sandwichlibrary@gmail.com
Transfer Station:
Transfer Station operating hours will remain as usual. SWAP SHOP CLOSED. Residents encouraged to visit on Wednesday or Friday to reduce traffic on Sunday. Attendants can take trash directly from car to minimize contact – residents do not need to leave vehicle. For the time being, if possible, please limit drop-off to household trash and recyclables to keep the traffic flow moving.
Parks & Recreation: All Activities Cancelled
Public Safety (Fire & Police) – Emergency services as before, other duties to minimize direct contact.
- The Fire Department Recommends getting fire permits online. *When the ground where you are burning is completely covered with snow, no fire permit is required. However, be sure to check local ordinances that might restrict winter-time burning. There is a Three (3$) dollar fee for get a permit online, and permit must be printed. Link Here
Highway Department: Service to continue while working to minimize direct contact
Boards & Committees: Committtees and Boards will only meet if they have to conduct essential town business. If Town meetings are happening, all meetings will occur virtually with members connecting via the Zoom video conferrence app.
Area Community Closures
Sandwich Federated Church - Going to on-line only worship starting this Sunday 3/22. Currently encouraging our church community to keep some extra non-perishables on hand to be able to share by leaving on someone's doorstep should the need arise. Pastor Deb: 284-6151
Sandwich Fair Association - We have closed our office until further notice. We will be checking our answering machine and responding to everyone as soon as possible. 603-284-7062 also at office@sandwichfair.com. If all that fails or if you need instant assistance you may call my cell phone at 603-344-6244. Thank you in advance for helping all of us work towards better health for our world. Sincerely, Dan Peaslee, President, SFA
For updates or questions about this page please email: Ole Anderson