The city of Concord will not open its outdoor pools this summer, the latest disappointment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have made the difficult decision not to open the outdoor pools this summer. This decision was made with the best interest and safety of both the pool users and employees,” the city said in a short statement.
The seven swimming pools in Concord city parks traditionally open mid-June, after public schools have closed, but many public swimming pools around the country are not opening this summer out of concern that crowds will spread the novel coronavirus, particularly because it’s difficult to wear a cloth mask while swimming.
The city also canceled its Fourth of July fireworks. It is not alone in that decision: Manchester and Nashua made the same announcement this week.
However, Concord will begin reopening government offices on Monday in what it calls a “phased approach.”
Starting on Monday a number of offices and departments in city hall, 41 Green St., will be open, as will Concord General Services, 311 N. State St., and Code Administration, 37 Green St., but by appointment only.
Please note that people will be required to wear a mask (one will be provided) and answer basic screening questions before entering the buildings. City employees are expected to wear masks as well.
Informational videos about accessing City Hall & Code Administration and General Services are available on the City of Concord’s YouTube channel.
Residents are still encouraged to utilize online services whenever possible. A table with a drop box, applications, and other information will be inside the Code Administration lobby. There is also a mail slot in the front door of City Hall.
The Concord Public Library, 45 Green St., will offer curbside pickup starting Tuesday, June 9. Items can be placed on hold via library cards online at www.conconcordpubliclibrary.net or by calling 225-8670.
Library materials can be returned to the Prince Street book drop behind City Hall but only during open curbside hours. Book bins will be locked when the library is closed so that items that were returned can be quarantined appropriately. No fines will be accrued.
The Fire Department headquarters and Concord Police Department’s lobby will continue to be closed to the public.
The Everett Arena remains closed at this time.
Brides, grooms, and wedding planners told a task force on reopening New Hampshire’s economy Thursday they need to know if they can go ahead with their plans, or risk losing thousands of dollars.
“It is killing us mentally and emotionally to not know,” one bride told the group during a public comment session. One groom who was supposed to get married in May asked if the state could allow social distancing for dining outside of restaurants, why couldn’t the same be done for weddings?
Speakers said the events would easily allow for contact tracing, if needed.
“We are running out of time to save the 2020 season, which also means we are running out of time to save this industry without significant financial help,” said Hilary Gallagher, of the New Hampshire Coalition of Wedding Vendors.
The task force sent its recommended guidance for how weddings and other large catered events could be held to public health officials and Gov. Chris Sununu on May 19. But they did not include a start date for such events, and officials have yet to act on them.
New claims for unemployment benefits dropped for the seventh straight week in New Hampshire, the state Department of Employment Security said Thursday.
Just under 7,000 individuals filed new claims during the week ending May 23, down 21% compared to the previous week. While new claims continue to be added at higher than prepandemic rates, the number of ongoing claims has dropped, indicating that the easing of restrictions has resulted in more people returning to work, officials said.
But as the economy recovers, the fallout likely will be felt for years, said Sarah Mattson Dustin, executive director of New Hampshire Legal Assistance. The organization is handling 10 times its usual number of cases involving unemployment claims, she said Thursday during a call organized by NH Campaign for Legal Services.
“That number could be 20-fold a month from now,” she said.
As of Wednesday, 4,795 people had tested positive for the virus in New Hampshire, an increase of 47 from the previous day. Nine deaths were announced, for a total of 265.
For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause more severe illness and can lead to death.
(Staff writer David Brooks contributed to this report.)