NH’s Epidemiologist Issues Dire Warning On Long Term COVID Surge

Every evening, the updates on active NH COVID-19 cases become more and more scary. On this WMUR-TV report, NH's Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan clarifies why that is and what that could mean in the long term.

"These increases are due to people likely relaxing restrictions too quickly. If people fully let their guards down, this pandemic will be more difficult to control in the long term."

 

- Dr. Benjamin Chan, NH State Epidemiologist

Since the very first NH COVID-19 press conference over a year ago, I have found Dr. Chan to be a very calming presence as he answers all questions pertaining to COVID-19 and the safety measures we need to adhere to as Granite Staters to stop the spread of this hideous virus.

It is only recently that I've noticed more than a hint of frustration from Dr. Chan, especially on the subject of 'COVID fatigue'.

It is true that New Hampshire residents are being vaccinated at a remarkable pace and the State is leading the way in the category of vaccine distribution.

However, herd immunity will never be fully achieved if people are too quick to go back to the pre-COVID days of crowds with no masks and no social distancing.

After 13 months of very dark times, the finish line is right in front of us. Yet, every night, another 400 or so active cases will be recorded and the hospitalizations will likely increase as well.

Stomping out this viral forest fire will never happen if people continue to stop being careful. It's as simple as that.