New Hampshire Governor Orders Retailers To Move To Single-Use Bags

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire retail stores are being ordered to temporarily transition to the use of single-use paper or plastic bags because reusable bags could pose a risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

In the order issued late Saturday, Gov. Chris Sununu directed all grocers and retail stores in New Hampshire to transition to use only new paper or plastic grocery bags provided by stores "as soon as feasibly possible."

"Our grocery store workers are on the front lines of COVID-19, working around the clock to keep New Hampshire families fed," the governor said in a statement. "With identified community transmission, it is important that shoppers keep their reusable bags at home given the potential risk to baggers, grocers and customers."

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough, and the vast majority recover. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.

More than 65 people have tested positive in New Hampshire for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Three people in the state have been hospitalized.
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