New Hampshire no longer recommends masks in most indoor spaces as COVID-19 declines

New Hampshire is no longer recommending that face masks be worn in indoor public spaces, including schools, as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to decline.

State health officials said that even though COVID-19 is continuing to circulate, the risk of serious illness has declined to the point that masks are no longer routinely necessary.

"As the risk decreases, we can pull back on some of the recommended prevention strategies," said Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist. "We are no longer recommending universal face masks for people in indoor public locations, unless required in specific situations."

>> COVID-19 in New Hampshire updates: Important information

New Hampshire schools hold vaccination clinics as COVID-19 surge continues

MANCHESTER, N.H. —

Some New Hampshire school districts are still struggling to keep students in class, but officials are hopeful that the COVID-19 winter surge is nearing an end.

The Department of Health and Human Services dashboard currently lists more than 1,000 active COVID-19 cases in New Hampshire schools, with 299 clusters, although the dashboard is not always up to date.

School officials said they're not only trying to control the spread of COVID-19, but also trying to keep children in school in the future. Woodsville Elementary School is closed through Wednesday because of 30 active cases, making up more than 10% of the students in the school.

"I am hopeful that the three days of school closure will provide time for some of our positive cases to clear and allow for deep cleaning," Superintendent Laurie Melanson said. "We are providing student meals during these three days for pick up at the school."