CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A racetrack that violated state orders is being allowed to reopen ahead of other similar businesses, and face coverings are now required on the Dartmouth College campus.
Coronavirus-related developments in New Hampshire:
(SOME) DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES:
A New Hampshire racetrack that violated state orders during the coronavirus pandemic will be allowed to reopen this weekend ahead of other similar businesses.
Riverside Speedway in Groveton held races in late May despite being warned by police that doing so would violate the state’s order prohibiting large gatherings. After being told the state was planning legal action, the owner postponed the rest of the season and then sued Gov. Chris Sununu over the restrictions.
A judge held a hearing on the speedway’s request for an emergency order blocking the restrictions Friday, a day after Sununu announced that racetracks would be allowed to reopen Monday. While the case proceeds, lawyers for both sides agreed that Riverside could hold races this weekend if it follows rules regarding limited capacity, social distancing and cleaning.
Joe Bassett, general manager at Lee USA Speedway in Lee, said he doesn’t think it’s fair that Riverside is getting special treatment after violating the order.
“But he’s between a rock and a hard place, as all short tracks are,” he said. “We have limited time in summer to make our money, yet we have bills 12 months of the year.”
Bassett said his track will likely reopen June 19, though it will be a scramble. He asked fans to be patient.
“I’ve got three weeks’ worth of planning to make it work in a week,” he said. “But we’ll get things rolling.”
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CAMPUS COVER UP:
All employees and students who have been approved to be on campus at Dartmouth College are now required to wear cloth face coverings to contain the coronavirus.
Access to the Hanover campus remains highly limited, and officials have not yet announced plans for the fall semester.
The college’s COVID-19 task force announced the new face covering policy Friday, saying the masks will be required when using shared or communal spaces and when it is difficult to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing space.
Cloth face coverings also will be required at Colby-Sawyer College in New London when classes resume there Sept. 7. The college has adjusted its schedule to include a 12-week semester ending Nov. 24, with final exams held remotely. Students will be tested for the virus upon arrival.
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THE NUMBERS
As of Friday, 5,251 people have tested positive in New Hampshire, an increase of 46 from the previous day. Seven new deaths were announced, for a total of 315.
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.
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