Outbreak linked to restaurant, patrons may have been exposed

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — At least 17 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in an outbreak linked to a restaurant in Hudson, and more patrons may have been exposed, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.

The cases include a person who went to the Fat Katz Food and Drink restaurant while aware of their COVID-19 diagnosis when they were supposed to be in isolation, and a second person who went there when they were knowingly supposed to be on quarantine. Both potentially exposed others, the department said in a news release.

Anyone who visited the restaurant from Oct. 2-9 may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should seek testing, the department said. The department said it conducted a contact investigation and notified close contacts directly.

The attorney general’s office also is investigating multiple violations of New Hampshire Food Service guidance at the establishment, the department said.

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EDUCATION FUNDING

An advisory board to Gov. Chris Sununu on Friday recommended an additional $30 million be set aside in a fund for public school districts to assist with coronavirus-related expenses.

The recommendation from the Governor’s Office For Emergency Relief and Recovery Legislative Advisory Board came a day after Sununu announced $45 million in funds for schools.

The original amount was insufficient, said state Rep. Mary Jane Wallner, D-Concord, and Sen. Lou D'Állesandro, D-Manchester, both board members. They also chair their respective legislative finance committees.

“Our existing schools need immediate, guaranteed help in order to ensure the continuation of our children’s education,” they said in a statement.

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THE NUMBERS

As of Friday, a total of 9,514 people had tested positive for the virus in New Hampshire, an increase of 90 from the previous day. Two new deaths were announced, bringing the total to 463.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire has risen over the past two weeks from 39 new cases per day on Oct. 1 to 78 new cases per day on Oct. 15.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia or death.