As coronavirus numbers decline in New Hampshire, more restrictions are being eased for some businesses.
During a news conference Thursday, Gov. Chris Sununu said beginning Monday, June 29, hotels, lodging and campgrounds in the Granite State will be able to operate at 100% capacity. They have been allowed to be open for more than three weeks but at decreased capacity.
Places may still accept out of state visitors but only those who have met New Hampshire's 14-day quarantine requirement, Sununu said.
The governor also announced the New Hampshire Motor Speedway is on track to host Nascar fans for the Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 on Aug. 2.
"It won't be the 60,000 fans we normally see," Sununu said.
The speedway will be allowed to operate at 35% capacity in the grandstands to allow for social distancing requirements and other health and safety protocols.
Sununu also announced Thursday the New Hampshire Self-Employment Livelihood Fund (SELF) for self-employed Granite Staters who were ineligible for the Main Street Relief Fund.
More on the Coronavirus in New Hampshire
Under the SELF program, applicants must have gross receipts of under $1M and they must not be in bankruptcy. Unemployment benefits paid out from the program will be credited against any self-employment grants, Sununu said. The maximum award amount an applicant might be able to receive is $50,000.
The SELF application won't be available until July 6 due to the upcoming holiday, the governor said.
The governor also announced the allocation of an additional $1.5 million in CARES Act funding to Volunteer NH for their efforts in connecting Granite Staters with those in need.
As of Thursday, there were 10 additional COVID-19 related deaths reported by the Department of Health and Human Services for a total of 357. There were 40 new cases for a total of 5,638.
State epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said Tuesday that despite improving numbers, COVID-19 is still around and New Hampshire residents remain at risk. He reiterated the need for social distancing, hand washing and using cloth face masks.
