Cases explode for two weeks, yet hospitalizations drop by 40 percent

CONCORD - State DHHS officials have reported a rising tide of COVID-19 cases in the past couple of weeks, including 856 identified since Oct. 11, but since that time the number of current hospitalized cases - the key metric that shows our state health system's ability to care for those who take ill - has dropped about 40 percent.

On Oct. 11 there were 22 current hospitalizations, while today that number - despite voluminous case counts this month - current hospitalizations have dropped by eight down to just 14.

The numbers reflect what appears to be a burgeoning number of infections with absolutely no uptick in cases displaying severe symptoms that require hospitalization.

On Wednesday the trend continued with DHHS announcing 92 new positive test results with no new hospitalizations.

DHHS did announce one additional death related to COVID-19, a Hillsborough County man 60 or older.

DHHS officials were not immediately available for comment.

Current Situation in New Hampshire

NH Persons with COVID-19 9,917

Recovered 8,650 (87%)

Deaths Attributed to COVID-19 469 (5%)

Total Current COVID-19 Cases 798

Persons Who Have Been Hospitalized for COVID-19 763 (8%)

Current Hospitalizations 14

Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time) 4,075