CONCORD – New Hampshire officials announced Wednesday that the state had surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 deaths. Following are reactions from elected officials:

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U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.-01)

“Today we passed another tragic milestone in New Hampshire,” said Congressman Pappas. “I join all Granite Staters in mourning the passing of 1,006 of our family members, friends, and neighbors from COVID-19. The holes left behind in our communities by each of these individuals is profound.”

“As Americans continue to come together to confront this terrible virus, more must be done to save lives and help those struggling. While the production and distribution of lifesaving vaccines increases on a daily basis, we must pass additional bipartisan legislation that will support President Biden’s efforts and provide additional support for our health care system, municipalities, small businesses, and families.”

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Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.-02)

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the 1,006 Granite Staters who have lost their lives as a result of COVID-19. Days after the one year anniversary of our first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in the United States, the tremendous loss we have endured as a nation continues to grow every day. No words can fill the hole left in those who have lost a family member, friend or community member to this virus. More than 425,000 Americans have died as a result of this virus, and more than 25 million have been infected. These numbers are staggering, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We have two safe, highly effective vaccines for COVID-19, and the Biden administration is taking crucial, comprehensive action to expand and speed up production and distribution efforts to get the public immunized as quickly as possible.

“The effects of this pandemic are being felt across the Granite State and throughout the country. We are facing unprecedented economic and health crises that require bold, comprehensive solutions. As the Biden-Harris administration prioritizes getting more shots into the arms of Americans, we all have a role to play in slowing the spread, protecting our communities, and saving lives. We must remain vigilant and continue taking precautions including wearing masks, washing our hands frequently, and avoiding crowds. My heart goes out to all who have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and I am committed to working with the administration to put this pandemic behind us.”

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U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)

“One thousand lives have been taken by this virus in New Hampshire. That’s so much more than a statistic – one thousand families are missing someone around the dinner table tonight,” said Shaheen. “Any loss is tragic, but loss of this magnitude is gutting. My thoughts are with all those grieving the lives of their loved ones taken too soon and with those who are fighting to recover from this virus. There is a bipartisan urgency in Congress to deliver the assistance our communities need to address the pandemic head on by prioritizing vaccine distribution, testing and personal protective equipment for those on the frontlines, and to respond to the long-term needs that families, small businesses and our workforce need to survive the duration of this health and economic crisis. Negotiations in Congress continue and we’ve also met with the White House about finding a path forward on economic relief as swiftly as possible. Families and frontline workers can’t wait much longer, nor should they have to.”