[53], The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry closed 10 coastal state parks as overcrowding at those parks made social distancing difficult. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. [73] The University of Maine system formed a Fall 2020 Safe Return Planning Committee and will plan to return to in-person instruction by the end of August and will invest $97 million in institutional aid that does not need to be repaid by students or their families. Janet Mills convenes a coronavirus response team for Maine", "Janet Mills advises postponing gatherings after Maine sees first positive coronavirus test", "Janet Mills declares state of emergency after Maine announces new coronavirus cases", "SBA Approves Governor Mills' Application for Loans to Help Eligible Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Gov. 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. [64], On June 11, 2021, Mills announced the end of the state of emergency originally started on March 15, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WebThe COVID-19 pandemic was publicly reported to have reached the U.S. state of Maine on March 12, 2020. A union leader called the arrangement "good" and said that worker's spirits were high as a result. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 22State health officials reported 178 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday but no additional deaths, as Maine prepares to enter the next inoculation phase ahead of anticipated increases in vaccine supplies. [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. [72] 98.5% of students who were enrolled in University of Maine system campuses at the start of the semester completed their studies despite COVID-19 disruptions. The rolling average of daily cases more than [38], On March 30, Maine Governor Janet Mills issued "a Stay Healthy at Home directive that requires people living in Maine to stay at home at all times unless for an essential job or an essential personal reason, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes. Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute, said case numbers will likely keep growing until the surge reaches about a quarter the height of the last "monstrous" one in the winter, according to the Associated Press. [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. [118] Traffic counts had decreased by 20 percent in the immediate aftermath of the stay at home order, with weekend traffic falling 50 percent. The rolling average of daily cases more than doubled from below 30 per day to more than 67 by Friday. "We estimate that 54% of people in Maine [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. Eight counties are listed as having substantial or high transmission rates and the city of Portland is recommending that everyone wears a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status. Several other entertainment venues did not return messages seeking information on their masking policies Thursday. In this file photo taken on Nov. 05, 2021, a 7 year-old child receives their first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the Beaumont Health offices in Southfield, Mich. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The seven-day average for case counts is over three times higher than it was in March. [32], On March 24, the City of Portland announced that the manager has signed a stay-at-home order beginning on March 25 for all non-essential businesses and services in Portland, with a potential end date on April 27. Cases are typically updated weekly and are less consistently reported than earlier in the pandemic because of a lack of widespread testing. There are currently more than 700 patients in the commonwealth hospitalized with COVID. Mills extended the COVID-19 civil state of emergency through June 13, 2021. All other counties are in the moderate category. [85] Bates College has taken a financial loss of up to $2 million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. No additional deaths were reported, leaving the number at 900. [6] On April 29, 8 employees working at a local Tyson Foods meat packaging plant in Portland, Maine tested positive for COVID-19 prompting talks about halting the plant's production. [45], On April 15, Gov. 16As the BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19 drives up infections in the Northeast, Maine reported 437 new cases on Saturday. Give this Article . As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated weekly on Tuesdays. Malaysian students may have to mask up in school again as Covid case rise. Such projects include maintenance on several Portland-area bridges on Interstate 295, which can now occur at daytime due to a 60 percent traffic reduction from normal levels. As the COVID-19 virus explodes across the country, Maine this week recorded a significant increase in cases, hospitalizations, and positivity rates. Mills, traffic on state roads had declined by double digits. [52] The plan had four stages, with stage one slated to begin on May 1. [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. Already, two other XBB strains, XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.9.2 are also rising in the U.S. Photo: AFP. [93][94] The Maine College of Health Professions suspended clinical courses on March 13, 2020. The U.S. reported 112,270 new cases Thursday, bringing the seven-day average of daily new cases to 96,036. The Rising Nepal; Sun, 23 April 2023; Mexico migrant camp tents torched across border from Texas. Bonnie Washuk, Portland Press Herald, Maine. On Saturday, 100 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, one fewer than on Friday. [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. You will receive an email to complete the registration. In Portland, the proposed $261 million budget includes a 6.1% tax increase. Location of diagnosis and treatment may vary. (Maine Medical Center) PORTLAND (WGME) -- COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations appear to be on the rise again in Maine. Learn more. "Because the hospitals can't absorb all these patients, they're just under such pressure for beds, especially the ICU beds," Judge said. [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. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. [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. Some of these increases could be attributed to the processing of backlogged COVID test results using an automated State and local health officials are once again raising the alarm about the renewed threat of COVID-19 spread in communities across the country as people head indoors during the colder months and are set to gather for the holidays. [86] On March 12, 2020, The College of the Atlantic announced that all instruction for spring 2020 would move to an online format, residence halls would be closed, and all in-person services would be eliminated. [98] On April 1, 2020, the President of SMCC, Joe Cassidy, made the decision to host a virtual commencement ceremony. [47], On April 21, Gov. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. [49] This service provides assistance to all who are responding to the pandemic in Maine and helps responders manage stress associated with their jobs. 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. New deaths: 0 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. Because COVID is at a high tide and staying there. At Portland Stage, Executive and Artistic Director Anita Stewart said they have adjusted protocols to have all audience members wear masks when attending shows in order to meet the U.S. CDC recommendation. Because COVID is at a high tide and staying there. However, the U.S. appears to be once again at an inflection point, with cold weather setting in across much of the North, COVID-19 restrictions relaxed and gatherings growing more frequent. 16As the BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19 drives up infections in the Northeast, Maine reported 437 new cases on Saturday. Here are five possible explanations: Protocol fatigue According to experts at the John Hopkins Medicine, human behaviour is the major factor for the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. 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. [4][5] On March 27, 2020, Maine reported its first death due to coronavirus, which was a man in his 80s from Cumberland County. Mills' executive order also expanded the ability to request absentee ballots, which may now be done up to and on election day. Mills issued a Stay Safer at Home Executive Order, which was set to be in effect until May 31, 2020. [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. The fully vaccinated includes those who have had a first and second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single-dose J&J vaccine. [21], On March 17, 2020, Governor Mills issued a Declaration of Abnormal Market Disruption, which prohibits specific essential items from being sold at unconscionable prices, including paper products, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and medical supplies. Maine recorded a record 789 new Covid-19 cases in the state on Thursday; a testing site in Auburn, Maine. [97], On March 12, 2020, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) chose to extend its Spring Break and on March 17, 2020, the decision was made to move all courses to an online format, close residence halls, and cancel all gatherings of more than ten people. [110] On March 26, 2021, they announced a return to in person and on campus learning in the fall semester for some classes. And after nearly 10 weeks of declines, national hospitalizations have also begun to increase. Whilerecent COVID waves have not brought the surging hospital numbers seen early in the pandemic, Lemieux said there has not been the complete decoupling that was hoped for.. According to the state agency, this significant increase is due to the processing of backlogged COVID test results using an automated system. Photo: Reuters Malaysia s mask mandate may make a return to schools, as the Health 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. Chris Sununu warned that coronavirus cases are rising in the state, and the increase could continue. Total deaths: 900 [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. 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. [47][48] The rent relief program began with $5 million and allowed households to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in assistance to their landlord. [113] Washington County Community College moved all their courses online as of March 17, 2020. Mills on July 8, issued an Executive Order requiring large businesses, including retail establishments in Maine to enforce the State's face covering requirement. But the situation has changed in the past week so that there has been more clarity from the U.S. CDC as well as more stability because we are all headed in the same direction. Unfortunately for Maine, that direction is toward transmission rates rising to the point that masks may soon be recommended in most if not all counties, Shah said. [116], MaineDOT has been able to schedule more daytime road work due to the reduced traffic caused by the pandemic, which means expensive night work is not necessary, saving costs. [35], On March 26, 2020, Governor Mills extended the deadline for state income tax payments from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. [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. Already have a commenting profile? People who have not been fully vaccinated are 6.1 times more likely to test positive with the virus and 11.3 times more likely to die from it, compared with people who are vaccinated, according to federal data. The state of emergency ended June 30, 2021. [60], As part of Stage 2 of the Restarting Maine's Economy plan, Gov. Already, two other XBB strains, XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.9.2 are also rising in the U.S. Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Maine, United States, Map of the outbreak in Maine by confirmed. Covid-19 cases are rising in China but economic impact seen as limited Percentage of people testing positive rose to 1.7 per cent on April 20 up from 0.7 per cent three weeks earlier New Covid-19 Cases Rising In 22 States. Across the U.S., coronavirus case numbers have been rising due to the spread of the delta variant, mostly among the unvaccinated. Experts say several factors is likely driving the U.S.'s recent COVID uptick. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Enter your email and password to access comments. Create one. The latest numbers bring the seven-day average of new cases in the state to 107.6, which is up from 69 one week ago and 20 cases per day one month ago. [87] Maine College of Art closed all academic buildings to students on March 15, 2020, and announced on March 29, 2020, that the remainder of the spring term would be conducted online. Just because of these challenging beds, and we're taking patients much further than we would normally take them which you can imagine," Judge added. Actual case numbers are probably higher. "The patients we're seeing are primarily unvaccinated and the vast majority of patients in the ICU, and on ventilators are unvaccinated, and that continues to be the challenge. Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. New York state court system puts trials on hold again because of rising coronavirus cases . 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. We have been and are still looking at a different way to cut it, Shah said in an interview Thursday. "Whether that's an intrinsic property of the virus or the level of vaccination-induced immunity or previous infection-induced immunity is not clear.. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.. New cases, 7-day average: 107.6 There is not an outbreak that is driving it and thus, because theres not an outbreak, it is community transmission, Shah said. WebIn the state-specific view of the graph, this two-week period is highlighted in orange if cases are trending upward, or green if they are trending down. On average, the U.S. is reporting approximately 75,000 new COVID-19 cases each day, according to federal data, still significantly lower than the country's most recent surge over the summer, but higher than at any point last spring. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the state's second-largest outbreak occurred after a wedding reception on August 7, 2020. So if you come to the theater, you will need a mask, even if on one day the numbers pull Cumberland out of the high zone, Stewart said in an email. [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. "We need to stop talking as though covid is over," Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, tweeted last week. In Maine, 73.97 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, the state reported on Friday. COVID-19 cases on the rise in nearly 2 dozen states. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. [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. [115], The Maine Department of Transportation said that since the stay at home order issued by Gov. Experts say the key to getting through the winter will ultimately be to get more Americans fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible. AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - 3,556 new COVID-19 cases are being reported making the new state total 202,221. That's "good news," shesaid, and a testament to the relatively high vaccination rate in the state. With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. [55] Baxter State Park, a park independent of the state park system, announced it would close until at least July 1, only permitting walk-in day hikes. [46][18], On April 16, Gov. [114], The Maine Community College System hosted fall classes online or in person, or a combination of both formats. 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. [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. BBC; Sat, 22 April 2023; Australia to fast track citizenship for New Zealanders. [92], Unity College began remote instruction on March 30, 2020, but has planned an on-campus commencement ceremony for August 1, 2020. What is clear,according to MGH's Lemieux,is that it has the ability to drive up cases. "More than 40% of the country remains unvaccinated. "We must all remain vigilant in our daily lives. [117], The Maine Turnpike Authority said it was paying all of its employees two weeks of administrative leave, and workers who continued to report to work would still be given it, effectively doubling their pay. 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. [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. 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. In neighboring Vermont, which has the highest vaccination rate of any state with nearly 72% of the population fully vaccinated, COVID-19 cases increased by 50% over the last 14 days. The newly released data also shows nine more Mainers died with the virus. In Massachusetts, more than 5,500 people tested positive for COVID on Thursday. The testing will be available at no charge later this month, the administration said. "It's likely it's a holiday effect," said Horsburgh, noting that the surge followed several major religious holidays and spring breaks for schools and colleges. The number of COVID-19 infections in Maine has jumped 35 percent since July 1 as the delta variant has swept across every corner of Maine, leading to record numbers Since mid-October, the average number of new COVID-19 cases has risen by approximately 17%, marking the first consistent increase in national cases in nearly 10 weeks. This was the case especially in urban areas, though MDOT did not release specific figures as they were incomplete. "While we should all be more optimistic than this time last year, we are not yet in a position to declare victory on the pandemic," Brownstein said. The state had been slated to reopen bars Monday, but that has been postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date, said Mills, a Democrat. Hospitalizations are approaching the pandemic peak from last winter and September was Vermonts second-deadliest month during the pandemic. ", "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.
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