Coronavirus (COVID-19)

"A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and which continues to expand. Cases have been identified in the United States, as well as many other countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State and local health departments, including the New Hampshire (NH) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services' (DPHS), are monitoring this rapidly developing situation. Information about this outbreak will be available here and continuously updated."

"CDC is responding to a pandemic of respiratory disease spreading from person-to-person caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The disease has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). This situation poses a serious public health risk. The federal government is working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as public health partners, to respond to this situation. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness; most severe illness occurs in older adults."

The World Health Organization focuses on the health and well-being of the world. They have additional resources on their website and updated cases worldwide. 

Here you can find updated information on guidance from the federal government on waivers through the states, frequently asked questions and more state/federal information. 

Here you can find updated information related to emergency orders announced by Governor Sununu, updated info from DHHS and guidance 

The Department of Education has provided information and guidance to support students receiving remote instruction during this time. They continue to address the needs of all students, including students with disabilities. For more information you can review their website. 

All of the emergency orders from Governor Sununu can be found here. 

Below are some general resources related to COVID-19 that may be helpful to help others understand and to prevent the spreading of the virus. 

• Here is a resource of COVID-19 Information By and For People with Disabilities.  
• Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities by the CDC. 
• Supporting Individuals with Autism through uncertain times resource guide. 
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Many school districts in New Hampshire have started remote learning since the closure of schools has been ordered. There has been a lot of information shared from the US Department of Education and the NH Department of Education. Below are some things that may be of interest. 

• Special Education Guidance to NH Schools. (March 16, 2020)
• The Parent Information Center has developed a page for COVID-19 and the education for students with disabilities. 
• The US Department of Education released a webinar and fact sheet for Protecting Students' Civil Rights During COVID-19 Response. (March 17, 2020)
• The Commissioner of Education answers questions related to remote instruction.  (March 19, 2020)
• The US Department of Education provides Supplemental Fact Sheet, Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities (March 21, 2020)
• The US Department of Education provides clarification around Urging States to Continue Educating Students with Disabilities, Secretary DeVos Publishes New Resource on Accessibility and Distance Learning Options. (March 21, 2020.)

The Bureau of Developmental Services has been working closely with the leadership at DHHS and the area agency system to ensure people with disabilities continue to receive the essential services they require. Below are some memos released by BDS, DHHS and other important departments.