NH to Sell COVID-19 Tests at State Liquor Stores
You'll soon be able to get a COVID-19 test along with your bottle of Jack, as New Hampshire will soon be selling at-home tests at cost at state liquor stores.
Gov. Chris Sununu made the announcement at his weekly COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday, as the number of active cases at first glance appear to be declining. That number may not be a true picture of the number of cases, however, as the state is working through a backlog.
"These daily counts are incomplete and numbers will be updated as we continue to process tests coming in, but we continue to have a high level of COVID-19," state epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said.
Although the federal government is making tests available for free, there is a 7-12 day wait to receive those tests. Sununu said that the Executive Council approved the funds to purchase one million tests at its meeting on Wednesday.
The tests will sell for approximately $13 per test, and will be available within the next two weeks according to the governor.
The cost of the test can be reimbursed through health insurance, although the amount depends on the company.
Feds Stay
Sununu also announced that federal strike teams that have been brought in to help have been authorized to remain in the state until March 7. Their time in New Hampshire has already been extended once per the state's request.
"We were very nervous that these folks might only be here for a couple of weeks, but seeing that the need is there, they've been very successful in providing a lot of flexibility for our hospital system," Sununu said.
The governor also mentioned new fixed testing sites in Belmont, Keene and Lincoln, but none on the Seacoast.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH