MAINE, USA — KEY MAINE CORONAVIRUS FACTS
- 51 Mainers have died out of 1,023 confirmed COVID-19 cases
- 161 Mainers have been hospitalized, 549 Mainers have recovered
- Governor Janet Mills orders National Guard and MEMA to help open alternative coronavirus care sites in Portland and Bangor
- Governor Janet Mills has extended Maine's 'civil state of emergency'. She has also issued a 'Stay Safe at Home' order and ordered all out-of-staters coming to Maine to quarantine for 14 days.
- A timeline of the coronavirus pandemic in Maine
- 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 more resources available to Mainers
- Local businesses are the backbones of our communities. NEWS CENTER Maine cares about our state and asks that you support your local business and restaurants right now. 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.
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LATEST CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
MONDAY APRIL 27
10:38 p.m.
Portland City Council extends Portland's coronavirus related Emergency Proclamation to May 18th.
ORIGINAL STORY
2 p.m. update led by Governor Mills
Governor Janet Mills acknowledged the fact that her stay-healthy-at-home order is due to expire Thursday, April 30. She said she continues to consult with the Maine CDC and with others to determine whether or not it will be appropriate to extend it. She said the decision will be based on fact and could come as early as Tuesday. Mills said, as of now, some type of extension "seems likely because it seems warranted."
Mills said she plans to unveil a plan to reopen businesses, organizations, and activities that can operate safely by minimizing in-person interactions between customers and staff. Those that cannot likely won't be able to reopen as early.
"At any point, if the loosening of certain restrictions causes a spike in COVID-19 cases, we'll be closing the door, restrictions will have to be reinstated, and we'll try again," Mills said.
Mills said she hopes to unveil her plan on Tuesday.
Mills said she expects additional guidance from the federal government this week to provide clarity on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program, because it's intended for people who don't typically qualify for state unemployment benefits.
"Our efforts to beat this virus are working, so hold on. If we stay on this path, our numbers should improve and we can start on the road to recovery." Mills said. "I believe in Maine people. I believe we have a bright future. Stay the course and stay safe."
The governor said there will be direction from her administration by early June about whether or not large summer gatherings, such as festivals and fairs, should be held.
1 p.m.
11:45 a.m.
The Maine CDC announced one additional death, bringing the state total to 51.
There are now 1,023 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maine. Of those 1,023 cases, 549 have recovered.
161 people in Maine who have tested positive for COVID-19 have been hospitalized at some point during their illness.
244 of the confirmed cases in Maine are health care workers.
9 a.m.
- Maine CDC will hold their daily press conference at 2PM Monday. We will be broadcasting that live on-air, streaming on our website, mobile app, YouTube channel, Facebook, and Twitter.
7 a.m.
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TAKE A MOMENT FOR 'A BREATH OF FRESH AIR'
RESOURCES
- Maine food resources and retail adjustments
- How to file for Maine unemployment
- 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'
- Maine school and business closings
- What shelter-in-place, stay-at-home orders mean
- What Homeland Security deems 'essential businesses'
MAINE CDC BRIEFINGS
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.