Dear Governor Sununu,

We, the undersigned citizens of New Hampshire and her neighboring states, are grateful for the hard work and concern that you and the public health and emergency management staff have shown over the past four months. Your early action and comprehensive measures undoubtedly minimized the effect of the COVID-19 on our health and economy. As we see the increasing toll of the virus across the country, we have greater appreciation for the sacrifices made in this state and we have seen the benefits of your "safer at home" strategy. 

Nonetheless, data from the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) show that almost 6000 residents have suffered from the virus, and, devastatingly, 6% of those patients did not survive. The vast majority of infections were documented in the southern and seacoast regions of the state. In addition, although we have again fared better than most states, data from NH Employment Security show that over ten percent of our workforce lost their jobs in the past four months. 

We are at a critical juncture. We can either continue our vigilant stand against this dangerous virus, or we can let down our guard and pay the consequences like we have seen in other states. To host a gathering of thousands of people -- who may or may not reside here and who have not as a group demonstrated concern for the well-being of their fellow citizens and businesses -- would be a giant step away from the progress we have made. Such a gathering would be contrary to your own executive orders and guidance documents.  

We call on you, Governor Sununu, to continue to protect the lives and livelihoods of your citizens by opposing the Presidential rally in Portsmouth on July 11 (and any similar organized, planned, high draw gatherings). We do not want to lose four months of progress against the coronavirus, especially with our schools about to reopen. 

Thank you for your consideration.