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Real-time Maine CDC Coronavirus Update

Find developments on the Maine coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak as we work together to separate facts from fear. Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

MAINE, USA — KEY MAINE CORONAVIRUS FACTS

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Updates

11:30 a.m.

Total cases: 3,017

Confirmed cases: 2,680

Probable cases: 337

Hospitalizations: 339

Recoveries: 2,490

Deaths: 103

The new death reported Wednesday is a woman in her 90s from Cumberland County. 

The Mills administration released additional COVID-19 prevention checklists on Wednesday for Stage 3 businesses. Under the Restarting Maine's Economy Plan, more personal services such as spas and massage facilities, as well as outdoor recreation like overnight summer camps will be able to voluntarily resume on July 1. 

The Stage 3 checklist includes the openings of:

  • Spas and skincare establishments, including laser hair removal and similar services
  • Outdoor amusements, such as amusement parks and water parks
  • Indoor amusements, such as bowling and arcades
  • Movie theaters
  • Performing arts venues

Over the weekend, the Maine CDC became aware of four paramedic/EMS personnel from the Houlton Ambulance Service who tested positive for COVID-19. Dr. Shah said Wednesday is the third day the facility is swabbing to test for COVID-19. As a result, there are 9 new cases. 

New York City Marathon canceled because of coronavirus

Stage 3 reopening checklists released

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut to require visitors from states with high virus rates to quarantine

BIW strike won't affect delivery of machines to swab maker

TUESDAY UPDATES

Fauci hopeful for COVID-19 vaccine by end of the year or early 2021

Dr. Fauci says coronavirus task force was never asked to slow down testing

Medicare data says Black people more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19

The show must go on through a pandemic

Real-time Maine coronavirus daily updates for Tuesday, June 23

THE DATA

Dr. Nirav Shah made clear that when the Maine CDC reports deaths, they are reporting that someone has died who had been confirmed positive with COVID-19, not the cause of death specifically. The cause of death determination is left to the medical examiner.  

According to Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah, as of a few days ago, there were roughly 2,900 Mainers tested each week. This includes people tested through the state lab in Augusta, as well as large commercial testing companies like LabCorp. Dr. Shah said right now, the positivity rate is over 5%, meaning for every 100 people tested, about 5 or 6 are positive. Compared to other states, whose positivity rates are 10 or 15%, Maine is doing better, Dr. Shah says. He says he'd like to see Maine's positivity rate around 2%, which is what South Korea's is. To do that, Dr. Shah says testing must increase two or three-fold.

RESOURCES

Coronavirus, COVID-19 Background 

The official name for the coronavirus is “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes is named “coronavirus disease 2019” or “COVID-19” for short. Coronavirus is a family of viruses, which can infect people and animals. The viruses can cause the common cold or more serious diseases like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.

The CDC says symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and in some cases sore throat.

The CDC says there are simple steps to take to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Stay home while you're sick and avoid close contact with others
  • The Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced on Tuesday, March 10 that they would be holding daily coronavirus briefings with director Dr. Nirav Shah to keep the public up to date on the situation in Maine

NEWS CENTER Maine YouTube COVID-19 Playlist

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