'It's Going To Be A Very Good Summer': New Hampshire Eases COVID Restrictions For Travelers, Restaurants And Bars
CONCORD, N.H. (CBS/AP) --New Hampshire is easing some of its coronavirus restrictions as Gov. Chris Sununu looks ahead to a "very good summer" for the state.
The state will no longer require out-of-state travelers to quarantine when they arrive in the Granite State, but it is still recommended. Sununu said New Hampshire's tourism industry is in for a much-needed boost this summer and he doesn't want to discourage anyone from visiting.
"We want to help businesses plan for the summer. We know it's going to be a very good summer," Sununu said at a Thursday news conference. "A lot of folks in the region are planning now. . . we don't want the tourism industry to suffer. They took the brunt of the hit, if you will, last year."
The governor also said retail stores can now operate at full capacity. Salons and barbershops can have walk-in customers and use their waiting rooms, and bars and restaurants can hold karaoke, pool, and darts.
The mask mandate, however, will remain in effect.
"Things are going in a good direction," Sununu said. "We're not just going to rip the Band-Aid off and open everything up wide open, that would not be a very smart thing to do. "We're just not there yet."
The capacity limit for wedding venues and functions halls is also back up to 100%. It's allowing places like the Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, New Hampshire to bring on more staff and start booking larger events.
"The phone calls and inquiries are already coming in as of yesterday afternoon so we were very excited," said Tuscan Kitchen General Manager Jillian Rosa.
Sununu also approved new guidance for overnight and day camp operators that includes keeping children in small groups and more preparation for arrivals and pickups.
Earlier Thursday, the Governor's Economic Reopening Task Force recommended updated coronavirus-related guidance on performance arts venues, amusement parks and tourist trains.
Seating capacity at performance venues would allow at least 3 feet of distancing between associated groups, on the condition they wear masks. Audience members would not be able to face one another. Performers also would not be able to interact directly with the audience or go offstage unless a 3-foot distance could be maintained from audience members.
Game equipment, rafts, and tubes at amusement parks would have to be cleaned and disinfected between each use, and rides would have to be cleaned and disinfected at least every few hours and at the end of each shift.
On tourist trains, seating assignments would provide 6 feet of distancing within passenger cars, when possible, according to the recommended guidance. Family members and related parties could be seated together. Passengers would be required to wear cloth face coverings, except while consuming food or drinks, unless they are in compartmentalized seating.
The task force indicated it would address updated guidance for large outdoor performing arts venues soon.
All guidance is reviewed by the state Division of Public Health Services before it goes to Sununu for his decision.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
