Exposure feared after New Hampshire speaker dies of COVID-19

The speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives died of COVID-19, a medical examiner ruled Thursday, a day after the Republican's unexpected death, raising concerns that other members of one of the world's largest legislative bodies might have been exposed at their swearing-in last week.

Dick Hinch, who was sworn in Dec. 2 as leader of the state’s newly Republican-led, 400-member Legislature, died Wednesday. He was 71 and had been starting his seventh two-year term in the state House.

His death was announced Wednesday night by his office, which did not give details of what it called “this unexpected tragedy.” Hinch is the first New Hampshire speaker to die during the session, according to House Clerk Paul Smith.

The swearing-in of the House and the 24-member state Senate was held outdoors at the University of New Hampshire because of the coronavirus pandemic. Hinch was photographed wearing a mask, though it did not cover his nostrils.

Read more: https://www.eagletribune.com/news/merrimack_valley/exposure-feared-after-new-hampshire-speaker-dies-of-covid-19/article_966ae79b-8ca6-5427-9f26-0ed7aab780b0.html
(North Andover Eagle-Tribune)

Earlier thread:
New Hampshire House Speaker Richard Hinch dies
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10651291