The Associated Press contributed to this report. COVID Maine has been one of the most successful states at controlling the virus, but it's dealing with a wave of new infections. Hospitalizations: 44 I'm concerned about yet another surge beginning after Thanksgiving (just like last year). After vital reccords review, COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine have topped over 200,000. [92], Unity College began remote instruction on March 30, 2020, but has planned an on-campus commencement ceremony for August 1, 2020. Already, two other XBB strains, XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.9.2 are also rising in the U.S. COVID Case [101] Central Maine Community College (CMCC) announced an extension of spring break on March 12, 2020, closing of non-academic services on March 16, 2020, and movement to online courses on March 17, 2020. Maine Waldo Countys current seven-day case rate is 199 cases per 100,000 people. Coronavirus Covid Nationwide, COVID-19 cases have fallen 7 percent over the past two weeks compared with the prior two-week period, according to a New York Times analysis. [77], Bowdoin College announced on March 11, 2020, that students would not be permitted to return to campus from spring break and that the remainder of the semester would be conducted by remote learning. [80] On March 22, 2020, The University of New England announced that an employee had tested positive for COVID-19 and on March 24, 2020, the university announced that it would postpone its commencement ceremonies. 4:49 p.m. YouTube wants to forget 2020 as much as the rest of us . The University of Maine System isrequiring vaccines for on-campus students this fall, accelerating a previously stated timeline that called for a vaccine requirement for students and staff after a vaccine received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [36] Additionally, ten state parks were closed by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands on March 26, including Reid State Park, Popham Beach State Park, Fort Popham, Fort Baldwin, Kettle Cove State Park, Two Lights State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, Scarborough Beach State Park, Ferry Beach State Park, and Mackworth Island. Last week, Massachusetts and Connecticut added each other to their state's coronavirus travel advisory, asking travelers in either direction to quarantine or test negative. [15], After the first case was reported on March 12, 2020, Governor Janet Mills declared a health insurance emergency to insure private insurance coverage of coronavirus testing, recommended postponing gatherings of more than 250 people for at least 30 days, and suspended all non-essential out-of-state travel by state employees for 30 days. [82] On March 19, 2020, a staff member in the Colby College department of athletics was the college's first positive case. Of the 61 samples that were sequenced in July, 60.7 percent were identified as the delta variant. [27], On March 19, the City of Bangor announced that the Community Connector bus service would begin only allowing people to enter from the rear of the bus to encourage social distancing beginning on March 20. On April 7, Governor Mills issued an executive order that expanded healthcare access to Maine residents. Volunteer professionals who answer the support line include licensed psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and nurse practitioners. Maines daily COVID case count significantly higher this week Dr. Rivers is paying attention to another new subvariant, XBB.1.9.1, which makes up about 8 percent of U.S. infections right now. [62], Gov. Back on October 10, I listed for Forbes eight reasons why the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic could get worse in the U.S. in the late Fall and Winter. Please wait for the page to reload. CONCORD, N.H. (CBS/AP) Maine is reinstating restrictions meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 amid a resurgence of the virus, Gov. On Monday, Maine Center for Disease Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah said on the Maine Public radio program Maine Calling that Maines low population levels make the state particularly susceptible to fluctuations in the U.S. CDC risk levels and that his agency would be researching whether a different approach would be a better fit for Maine to determine high-risk areas. "Lowering temperatures, increased population mixing, reduced masking, fully open schools and the more contagious delta variant all contribute to the increases in cases and hospitalizations in many parts of the country. Experts say several factors is likely driving the U.S.'s recent COVID uptick. Although cases fell precipitously between mid-January and mid-March, there has been a slow, persistent increase since then. Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Maine, United States, Map of the outbreak in Maine by confirmed. The new case numbers reflect rising rates of infection in Aroostook and Franklin counties, where new cases reported Thursday placed them in the substantial transmission category that triggers the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation for all people, regardless of vaccination, to wear masks indoors. The first Omicron wave has left us numb to the continuing presence of the virus. Add your email address and we'll send you central Maine news, weather updates and traffic alerts as they happen. [100], Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) announced an extended spring break on March 13, 2020. This issue is not unique to Maine, Judge explained, adding that his colleagues across the country, and in the Northeast, are all still struggling. When Jacob Lemieux looked at the latest COVID numbers from Massachusetts, he did not like what he saw. [80] On May 4, 2020, the University of New England reported that it would reopen its campus in time for the fall semester, and on May 18, 2020, it was announced that virtual graduation events would be held the weekend of June 1214, 2020. [121] On average, 20 passengers had been using the one remaining round trip to Boston. As the COVID-19 virus explodes across the country, Maine this week recorded a significant increase in cases, hospitalizations, and positivity rates. [68] Half of the federal aid money received will go directly to supporting students. AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - 3,556 new COVID-19 cases are being reported making the new state total 202,221. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. But hospitals are dealing with a Web3 February Office for National Statistics data for the week up to 24 January indicates that COVID-19 cases have continued to fall, with an estimated 1 in 70 people (1.42% of the population) testing positive for the virus in England over that time. New coronavirus variant Arcturus, or XBB.1.16, is spreading: What Mills orders quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in Maine", "Gov. In Massachusetts, more than 5,500 people tested positive for COVID on Thursday. Photo: Reuters Malaysia s mask mandate may make a return to schools, as the Health The patterns observed in communities with current spikes in infections and hospitalizations suggest that they are driven not only by those still unvaccinated, but also the decline of vaccine efficacy over time. Why COVID is a threat despite shrunken waves | The Star "If we do not control this outbreak, we may never get this evil genie back in the bottle," she said. [118] The Authority announced that drivers uncomfortable with handing cash to a toll collector would not be penalized for using the EZ Pass only lanes and paying tolls online or by mail. Rising City Hall remains closed to the general public and is currently open for limited in-person services. Still, Andujar Vazquez points out the majority of COVID patients who are currently hospitalized in Massachusetts roughly 67% are not there primarily for a COVID-related illness. Recoveries: Reported completed isolations Maine had reported 75 cases of the delta variant as of July 30, though that is likely an undercount as genomic sequencing tests that identify variants are not performed for every case. Residents of moderate risk counties are advised to wear masks when indoors if they are at high risk of complications from COVID-19 because of their age or underlying health conditions. [95] In response to the need for nurses during the pandemic, the Maine College of Health Professions re-opened its application for an associate degree in Nursing program until June 1, 2020, and waived the requirement for HESI exam scores. Deaths Near 100,000, An Incalculable Loss, Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=COVID-19_pandemic_in_Maine&oldid=1142564384, COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by state, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from February 2021, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from December 2020, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Updated April 25, 2023, with data from the previous day, This page was last edited on 3 March 2023, at 03:48. [107], York County Community College (YCCC) had moved all classes online as of March 17, 2020 and on May 20, 2020, announced a postponement of their spring 2020 commencement ceremony. [4][5] On March 27, 2020, Maine reported its first death due to coronavirus, which was a man in his 80s from Cumberland County. The rolling average of daily cases more than [68], The Maine public university system includes the University of Maine campus in Orono, The University of Maine at Augusta, The University of Maine at Farmington, The University of Maine at Fort Kent, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the University of Maine at Machias, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of Maine School of Law. As county transmission levels are expected to change daily, the city of Portland is asking the public to remain aware of the current recommendations by visiting the CDCs website, reading and watching the news, following the requirements of private establishments and when in doubt, wearing a mask. ", "We're stalling at a level of weekly case numbers that are still well above what we saw at the lower periods at the end of June and in early July," Nuzzo said during a briefing last week. In consideration of the COVID-19 delta variant throughout Maine and the nation, and the fact that this variant is more contagious than other COVID-19 strains, were asking that people take extra precautions by wearing a mask inside during this time in order to protect our community., New COVID-19 cases: 152 Mills announces approval of COVID-19 federal disaster declaration", "Governor Mills Announces Approval of Federal Disaster Declaration For COVID-19 Response in Maine | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Gov. Maine Staff Writer Kevin Miller contributed to this report. Bonnie Washuk, Portland Press Herald, Maine. Even if the majority of COVID patients are not in the hospital because of COVID, it can be disruptive to hospital operations, cautions Bill Hanage, a Harvard epidemiologist. The city is committed to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder said in a news release. While hospital officials do not report their facilities areoverwhelmed by COVID patients, hospitalizations are on the rise. Why COVID Mills issued a Stay Safer at Home Executive Order, which was set to be in effect until May 31, 2020. [17] Governor Mills recommended halting classroom instruction in Maine and stopping all gatherings of more than 50 people, or more than 10 people if senior citizens were involved in the gathering. Cumberland and the other counties remain in the green, or low-risk, category. You will receive an email to complete the registration. [58], As part of Stage 1 of the Restarting Maine's Economy Plan, Maine government allows for golf courses, barber shops, hair salons, dog groomers, car washes, and auto dealerships to reopen with strict social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines as of May 1, 2020. [98] Students will be allowed to convert letter grades into pass/fail grades at the end of the term. They are sick with something else and happen to have COVID. [45], On April 15, Gov. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. [24], On March 19, 2020, Governor Mills wrote a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar to request for more personal protective equipment be released to the state of Maine from the Strategic National Stockpile. Mills rescheduled Maine's congressional and legislative primary elections from June 9, 2020, to July 14. Give this Article . Quality of life or homeless crackdown in Lewiston? [18], On March 24, 2020, Governor Mills ordered all non-essential businesses to close their physical locations and cease in-person contact and urged all essential businesses to limit the number of individuals in stores at any given time. Maine is among the 5 states where COVID-19 cases are expected Free Covid-19 testing in shown in downtown Denver, Nov. 4, 2021. [12][13], After his death on December 11, 2021, at 62, the Sun Journal reported 2020 U.S. Senate candidate Max Linn may have been the first person in Maine with COVID-19 after he returned from a business trip to Wuhan, China in late December 2019. [74] To support hybrid learning models that comply with social distancing requirements, the University of Maine system will spend $2.56 million for classroom IT upgrades. And the level of COVID found in wastewater from the Boston area is rising, which experts say indicates case counts will likely continue to climb for the next week or two, if not longer. The number of people testing positive for Covid in the UK has been rising in recent days to more than 50,000 cases in one day. [69] The University of Maine system announced that all courses would be administered via remote learning starting March 25, 2020, with the Law School resuming classes on March 23, 2020. So any shift to a new recommendation system would be aimed at providing Mainers with more clarity and stability, Shah said. "COVID is not taking the winter off.". Published: Feb. 16, 2022 at 8:47 AM EST A total 17 were in critical care units and three on ventilators. [108][109] On March 15, 2021, they announced the York County '21 Promise, a full tuition scholarship for high school seniors that had taken concurrent courses at the college for students in the class of 2021 effected by the pandemic. The U.S. CDC defines high transmission as cumulative cases of 100 or more per 100,000 people in the last seven days. There are pros and cons and no final decisions have been made on that.. (Maine Medical Center) PORTLAND (WGME) -- COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations appear to be on the rise again in Maine. "As we go into the winter months with the challenge of a respiratory infection being worse in the winter months, we can get through this if we really put a lot of effort into getting as many people vaccinated as we possibly can," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said in an interview with NPR, this week. I think undoubtedly the removal of the mask mandate for public transportation and in flights is contributing to the current surge, said Amy Barczak, an infectious disease specialist at MGH and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard. [110] On March 26, 2021, they announced a return to in person and on campus learning in the fall semester for some classes. Over the last two weeks, 22 states -- many of them with colder temperatures -- have seen an uptick in daily Gabrielle Emanuel Twitter Senior Health and Science ReporterGabrielle Emanuel is a senior health and science reporter for WBUR. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.. [16], On March 15, 2020, Governor Janet Mills declared a civil state of emergency which allows the governor to establish emergency reserves of products, allows the state to access federal funding to combat the outbreak, and allows for suspension of certain laws. BBC; Sat, 22 April 2023; Australia to fast track citizenship for New Zealanders. [24] All gatherings of 10 or more people were prohibited, and non-essential businesses such as gyms, hair-salons, casinos, and malls were urged to close to minimize gatherings in public. [18], On March 16, 2020, Maine was one of the first states to have its application for the United States Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan approved, which would help businesses in Maine recover financial losses due to coronavirus closures. [90] On March 13, 2020, Husson University announced that it would move the majority of classes to online formats, with some exceptions for graduate and professional school courses, and on March 20, 2020, the university announced that it would postpone its commencement ceremonies. [80] The Board of Trustees of the University of New England made the decision to not increase tuition, fees, and room and board costs for the 20202021 academic year in light of the pandemic. Boosters can at least play a supporting role in averting a larger surge this winter," Brownstein said. [11] A lawyer for the officiant at the wedding said the Calvary Baptist Church in Sanford was encouraging its congregants to not wear masks, and the church's school, Sanford Christian Academy, does not require face coverings. New York state court system puts trials on hold again because of rising coronavirus cases . (NY Times) Apr 26, 2022 CDC estimates that 3 in 4 children have had COVID-19 infections and more than half of all Americans had signs of previous infections (US News) Apr 21, 2022 Mills signed an executive order which prevented the immediate eviction of residents during the state of emergency, and also announced a partnership with MaineHousing to provide rental assistance. Maine Coronavirus Map and Case Count - The New York Times Already, two other XBB strains, XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.9.2 are also rising in the U.S. Maine's seven-day rolling average of new cases stood at 207 on Monday after rising above 200 last week for the first time in more More Mainers encouraged to wear masks indoors as COVID-19 transmission rates rise, requiring vaccines for on-campus students, Caribou man killed in wrong-way turnpike crash in Kittery, Victor Grange in Fairfield receives visitors at open house, Waterville man arrested after threat to MaineGenerals Thayer Center for Health causes lockdown, One injured after car crashes into Vassalboro home, bursts into flames, Towns challenge new Maine law meant to ease housing crisis. There are currently more than 700 patients in the commonwealth hospitalized with COVID. More Mainers encouraged to wear masks indoors as COVID-19 Because COVID is at a high tide and staying there. Coronavirus: Malaysia may reintroduce mask mandate at schools Mills announced that she would create an Economic Recovery Committee to develop recommendations to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Maine's economy. The seven-day average for case counts is over three times higher than it was in March. Photo: AFP. And after nearly 10 weeks of declines, national hospitalizations have also begun to increase. [79] On March 13, 2020, The University of New England announced that all competitive athletics were canceled for the spring season and that all courses would move online for the spring semester, excluding advanced Dental Hygiene and advanced Nursing student courses. The state is removing New York, Connecticut and New Jersey from its list of states that are exempt from travel restrictions, Mills said. New Covid-19 Cases Rising In 22 States. Location of diagnosis and treatment may vary. The state reported 103 infections that day, the largest single day increase in cases. Mar. A union leader called the arrangement "good" and said that worker's spirits were high as a result. [22] Governor Mills also announced an emergency measures package which was approved by the legislature to provide $11 million in state funding for COVID-19 response, expand State and local authorities to allow greater flexibility in virus response, and to provide additional support to impacted workers. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, "Coronavirus | Airborne Disease Surveillance Epidemiology Program | MeCDC | Maine DHHS", "Live Coronavirus Updates: 3 dead, 253 confirmed cases", "Maine confirms first coronavirus case, patient is quarantined at home", "Navy reservist who was first in Maine to test positive for coronavirus traveled to Italy", "Coronavirus claims state's first fatality as case count rises", "Eight workers at Tyson Foods plant in Portland test positive; state says all 400 should be tested", "Virus outbreaks reported at Portland meat plant, Bangor homeless shelter", "COVID-19 outbreak identified at Hope House shelter in Bangor with 20 total cases", "A wedding reception in Maine is linked to 53 coronavirus cases, including a woman who died but wasn't at the event", "Residents are angry after Maine wedding linked to 7 virus deaths: "We can't go nowhere", "Coronavirus Outbreak Linked To Maine Church Grows To Over 40 Cases", "More than 40 coronavirus cases linked to Maine church that held fellowship rally", "Max Linn, a colorful candidate, dead at 62", "Gov. There is not an outbreak that is driving it and thus, because theres not an outbreak, it is community transmission, Shah said. Several other entertainment venues did not return messages seeking information on their masking policies Thursday. [20] The Maine Legislature also enacted a supplemental budget of $73 million which focused on coronavirus response, including $1 million to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, $15 million to increase MaineCare reimbursement rates for health care providers, and $38 million to K-12 education to help in the wake of school closures. Why Are Covid The country recorded more than 6,000 cases in one day well below the peak of 7 million recorded in December. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. [46][18], On April 16, Gov. COVID Over the last two weeks, 22 states -- many of them with colder temperatures -- have seen an uptick in daily cases of 10%. [17] She also recommended postponing non-urgent medical procedures, doctors appointments, and elective surgeries, and restricting visitors to long-term healthcare facilities. The United States is averaging 119,888 new Covid-19 cases each day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, as of Wednesday. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. [23], On March 18, 2020, Governor Mills issued an executive order which mandated all bars and restaurants close to dine-in customers, but allowed take-out, delivery, and drive-through to continue. She expects cases to start rising The state reported 605 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the highest one-day total since March 4. Maine: New school caution urged as virus cases keep rising Mills and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced that approximately $11 million would support child care access for essential workers and offer relief for child care providers. Shots are still going into arms with more than 3,000 doses administered between Monday and Tuesday of this week, according to Maine CDC data. [10] By September 5, the outbreak had infected 177 people and caused seven deaths, including 80 cases at a prison 230mi (370km) away. More Mainers are being advised to wear masks indoors as county-level COVID-19 transmission rates rise, with Portland officials issuing a recommendation Thursday that everyone mask-up indoors regardless of vaccination status. As of February 2, 2021, the Maine Department of Health and Human Please subscribe or login first for digital access. The Maine CDC warns the numbers will remain high for the next several days. He surmises that vacation travel and get-togethers gave the virus an opportunity to spread. You can try, How to get the most out of your mask in a mask-optional world. What's more, according toHorsburgh, few of the current COVIDpatients in hospitalsare gravely ill. As of Wednesday, just 66 COVID patients were in an intensive care unit, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. While some health officials caution that case numbers may not be the best indicator of the prevalence of COVID-19, hospitalizations are also on the rise in a number of states. [77] [105][106], On March 12, 2020, Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) announced a spring break extension. COVID hospitalizations and deaths also tend to lag other increases, since it takes time for patients who become infected to get sick enough to require hospital treatment, and many people will experience only mild or moderate symptoms. [57], On May 6, 2020, Gov. Learn more. [75], On March 16, 2020, Maine Maritime Academy announced that it would discontinue on-campus instruction and move to remote instruction. [31] She also issued an executive order which would allow licensed physicians, physician assistants, and nurses who were licensed in another state to be issued an emergency Maine license valid through the declared state of emergency. Even if the Maine CDC adopted a different system, however, it would still likely be based on the U.S. CDCs assessments, data and risk calibrations, Shah said. But when Gabriela Andujar Vazquez, an infectious disease physician and associate hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center, looked at the same numbers, she was not surprised. [118] Traffic counts had decreased by 20 percent in the immediate aftermath of the stay at home order, with weekend traffic falling 50 percent. As the official daily case count rises, more Maine counties have been reclassified as having a moderate risk of virus transmission and increased hospitalizations.