MAINE, USA — KEY MAINE CORONAVIRUS FACTS
- As of Sunday, 146 Mainers have died out of 6,201 total COVID-19 cases. 5,521 of these cases are confirmed by test and 680 are probable.
- 475 Mainers have been hospitalized, 5,334 Mainers have recovered.
- Stage 3 began on July 1; here are the Stage 3 reopening checklists for businesses
- VERIFY: Requirement to wear a face mask does not violate constitutional rights
- Maine is open for business, here's what you need to know
- Read about all the important coronavirus-related orders currently in place in Maine
- Going out? CDC shares tips to stay safe amid coronavirus pandemic
- Gov. Mills' administration releases guidance for town meetings and elections during COVID-19 pandemic
- Filing for unemployment still dominating discussions around Maine. Here's our story on how to file for Maine unemployment. You can scroll down for more resources available to Mainers
- If you are a business owner, please register your business. If you want to support a local business, enter your zip code and find out what’s OPEN NEAR YOU.
- Subscribe to 'break time with NEWS CENTER Maine' our new newsletter. Delivered to your email inbox for your break time.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
The Maine CDC reported an additional 64 cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths on Sunday. The state death toll remains at 146.
Of the 6,201 total COVID-19 cases in Maine, 5,521 are confirmed by test and 680 are probable.
475 Mainers have been hospitalized at some point during their COVID-19 illnesses.
5,334 Mainers have recovered from COVID-19.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
The Maine CDC reported an additional 42 cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths on Saturday. The state death toll remains at 146.
Of the 6,137 total COVID-19 cases in Maine, 5,475 are confirmed by test and 662 are probable.
473 Mainers have been hospitalized at some point during their COVID-19 illnesses.
5,317 Mainers have recovered from COVID-19.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Maine CDC did not report any additional deaths of people with COVID-19. The state death toll remains at 146.
Of the 6,095 total COVID-19 cases in Maine, 5,442 are confirmed by test and 653 are probable.
473 Mainers have been hospitalized at some point during their COVID-19 illnesses.
5,307 Mainers have recovered from COVID-19.
- Waldo County moved to 'yellow' amid church outbreak
- 57 coronavirus cases now associated with outbreak linked to Waldo County church
- York County Jail says Maine CDC has released the jail from COVID-19 outbreak status
- Entire dorm at UNE under quarantine
- Bangor YMCA reinforces its COVID staff guidelines after one tests positive for the virus
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Maine CDC did not report any additional deaths of people with COVID-19. The state death toll remains at 146.
Of the 6,064 total COVID-19 cases in Maine, 5,411 are confirmed by test and 653 are probable.
473 Mainers have been hospitalized at some point during their COVID-19 illnesses.
5,269 Mainers have recovered from COVID-19.
The U.S. CDC previously defined a close contact as someone who spent at least 15 consecutive minutes within six feet of a person who tested positive for COVID-19. However, updated guidance defines a close contact as someone who spent at least 15 cumulative minutes within six feet of a person who tested positive.
Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirah Shah said this change does not affect Maine CDC's approach because Maine CDC has recognized the possibility of this type of cumulative transmission since this summer.
Dr. Shah also reiterated the importance of wearing masks.
"What we know now from dozens of studies is that masks are not only safe for the person who's wearing them but they do an exceptionally good job of reducing the likelihood that you will transmit COVID to somebody," Dr. Shah said. "And they also are starting to show benefit in reducing the likelihood that you'll get COVID from somebody. So it's not just about protecting you but it also is something that you can do to protect others."
Maine DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said persistent and potentially harmful non-compliance with the state mask mandate is considered a class E crime.
Outbreak Update
There are now 49 cases linked to an outbreak at the Brooks Pentecostal Church in Waldo County. Dr. Shah said he expects that number to increase in the coming days.
Three of the 49 people have been hospitalized.
A person associated with Troy Howard Middle School in Belfast, which was linked to the church outbreak, had been considered a probable case. However, Dr. Shah said that person has since tested negative and the school is no longer considered to be linked to the church outbreak.
Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, and the Seaport Community Health Center are all offering expanded COVID-19 testing.
- Maine drug overdose deaths up 4% in second quarter of 2020, in part due to pandemic
- CDC warns of 'distressing trend' of rising COVID-19 cases across US
- Do I need to wear a mask if I’m 6 feet away from others?
- University of Maine System reports 8 cases of COVID-19
- 46 coronavirus cases now associated with outbreak linked to Waldo County church
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Maine CDC did not report any additional deaths of people with COVID-19. The state death toll remains at 146.
Of the 6,027 total COVID-19 cases in Maine, 5,381 are confirmed by test and 646 are probable.
470 Mainers have been hospitalized at some point during their COVID-19 illnesses.
5,244 Mainers have recovered from COVID-19.
- Local singer creates petition after new state guidelines for indoor performances
- Renovations underway at Darling's Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor
- Mills updates Maine vehicle registration deadlines previously altered due to pandemic
- Portland extends outdoor coronavirus business operations through January 4th, 2021
- 42 coronavirus cases now associated with outbreak linked to Waldo County church
- 'You can’t fight it' -- Bangor's Penobscot Theatre Company adapt to COVID-19 with virtual season
RESOURCES
- Maine food resources and retail adjustments
- How to file for Maine unemployment
- Beginning of plan to reopen Maine schools
- Will you get a stimulus check if you receive Social Security or disability, or didn’t file a tax return?
- Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting
- Millions of Americans will soon get stimulus checks. But here's who won't.
- Maine small businesses can apply for 'forgivable loans'
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) is holding coronavirus briefings on Tuesdays and Thursdays with director Dr. Nirav Shah to keep the public up to date on the situation in Maine