Patrons of a bar and grill in Plaistow may have been exposed to COVID-19 this month, New Hampshire health officials warn.
Three recent cases of the virus are associated with Grumpy's Bar & Grill, located at 20 Plaistow Road, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
The exposures occurred in the bar and pool table areas during the evenings of Tuesday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 14. The public health investigation into these potential exposures is ongoing, health officials said.
The state Attorney General's Office is also investigating allegations of multiple violations of the state's virus safety guidelines at the establishment, according to the health department.
The restaurant said on its Facebook page that they conducted a "deep sanitizing clean" of the entire establishment after they learned of the positive cases, but they also questioned the cases being linked to them specifically, as opposed to other local bars.
The agency says it is conducting contact tracing and will notify close contacts directly, but warns that other patrons may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms and get tested.
On Sunday, health officials announced 322 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, pushing the state's total number of cases to 17,598. Among new cases was a positive test from an individual at Iber Holmes Gove Middle School in Raymond.
Four more deaths were also reported Sunday. There have now been 512 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the state since the pandemic began.
Coronavirus Coverage in New Hampshire
COVID-19 can present with a wide range of symptoms including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell.
Anyone who develops new symptoms should stay home, limit their contact with others, contact their healthcare provider and get tested for COVID-19, health officials say.
There are multiple testing options throughout the Granite State. Click here for more information.
The state Department of Health and Human Services says the virus continues to circulate in New Hampshire communities and is asking residents to help prevent further community spread by taking the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, practice social distancing -- keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others.
- Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
