Gov. Sununu issues stay-at-home order beginning Friday at midnight

Gov. Chris Sununu speaks at news conference earlier this month. (Paula Tracy photo/file)

CONCORD - Gov. Chris Sununu this afternoon issued a stay-at-home order to further reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

The order begins Friday at midnight and is scheduled to run till May 4.

The order means all nonessential businesses must end any interaction with the public when the clock strikes midnight on Friday.
The directive would apply to businesses like hair salons, barbershops and clothing stores, many of which have already voluntarily closed.

Exempt from the ban are supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations. The list also includes hardware and liquor stores as well as news media outlets.

The governor stressed this is not as stringent a measure as a shelter-in-place order.

"It will not prevent you from leaving your home to go on a walk or to the store or if you need groceries or simply going to work," he said. "But beyond essential necessities you should not be leaving your home."

New Hampshire is the last New England state to issue the stay-at-home directive.