CONCORD (AP) – New Hampshire is expecting 12,000 doses in its first shipment of a coronavirus vaccine as early as next week, state officials said Thursday.

Gov. Chris Sununu said Perry Plummer, the former Department of Safety assistant commissioner, is helping to oversee the distribution.

The state’s vaccination plan prioritizes health care workers, nursing home residents and first responders. Together, they add up to about 100,000 people, but the initial shipments are expected to include enough vaccines for 10,000 to 40,000 people, Sununu said last week.

The state is seeking volunteers to help with administering the vaccine, such as interpreters, helping with transportation, and security. Those interested can visit the website nhresponds.org.

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VETERANS HOME

The New Hampshire Veterans Home is getting help from medical staff at the federal VA agency, including workers to help take care of residents and staffers who have tested positive for COVID-19, Gov. Chris Sununu said Thursday.

Since Nov. 10, 87 residents and 81 staff have tested positive, and 27 residents have died, health officials said.

Sununu said his office remains in daily contact with the home administration to assess their needs and provide them with personal protective equipment, cleaning materials, and testing resources.

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CURFEW CONCERNS

Nashua is considering a nightly curfew because of rising COVID-19 cases and a similar curfew in nearby Massachusetts.

Supporters propose a 9:30 p.m. curfew, saying the Massachusetts curfew and other restrictions will drive people north.

“We do need to do something to protect the vulnerable populations in our community,” Bobbie Bagley, director of Nashua Public Health and Community Services, said during a city health board meeting Wednesday “Nashua is right on the border of Massachusetts and so, when things shut down in Massachusetts we do see an increase in activity in our state.”

But some restaurant and bar owners said that they have felt targeted by the restrictions and that closing early would not be fair.

“I think they are just going to go and hurt my employees and hurt people who are trying to make a living and we need that to happen. The economy is so important,” said James Rafferty from The River Casino and Sports Bar.

The board will make a recommendation to city leaders.

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