Use the form below to reset your password. The city is committed to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder said in a news release. [82] On March 19, 2020, a staff member in the Colby College department of athletics was the college's first positive case. The new restrictions take effect Wednesday. Some of these increases could be attributed to the processing of backlogged COVID test results using an automated 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. Gavin Newsom warned during a press conference on Tuesday. 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. [85] As of March 25, 2020 there were two confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bates College faculty members. As of February2, 2021[update], the Maine Department of Health and Human Services reported 131,530 confirmed cases and 46,971 probable cases in the state, with 1,777 deaths attributed to the virus. Why COVID is a threat despite shrunken waves | The Star 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. [17] She also recommended postponing non-urgent medical procedures, doctors appointments, and elective surgeries, and restricting visitors to long-term healthcare facilities. COVID cases 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. Experts say several factors is likely driving the U.S.'s recent COVID uptick. 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. [70] Commencement ceremonies across the university system originally scheduled for May 9, 2020 were postponed, and each individual university will designate a postponement date. 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. Why Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav Shah noted those numbers might increase on Wednesday, saying that certain situations where more 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 Sources: maine.gov. As the daily case count rises, more Maine counties have 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. [77] 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. 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. This comes after the Maine CDC reported a spike of over a hundred new cases yesterday. Covid cases Rising (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press) Heres why. [71], The University of Maine system created the Maine Welcome program to offer in-state tuition to students at other colleges and universities who may have had their studies disrupted by closures of academic institutions due to COVID-19. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. An average of 128 cases per day were reported in Maine in the last week.Cases have decreased by 35 percent from the average two weeks ago.Deaths have "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. Why experts say COVID threat looms with winter - ABC News You can try, How to get the most out of your mask in a mask-optional world. This declaration allows for state agencies and municipalities in Maine to be reimbursed for 75% of approved costs related to pandemic response.[41][42]. The number of hospitalized patients with the coronavirus statewide continues to be stable. Other New England states also have seen a significant rise in cases, including 84 percent more in New Hampshire, 77 percent more in Massachusetts, and 88 percent more in Vermont. 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. [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. There are also three additional deaths. A decision on waiving cash tolls would be made based on guidance from government health officials. [52], On April 29, Gov. Despite widespread availability of the vaccine, we still have pockets of under-vaccinated communities that consistently provide opportunities for the virus to spread," said John Brownstein, an epidemiologist at Boston Children's Hospital and an ABC News contributor. But there is also the factor of waning immunity for those who are fully inoculated, something that other countries have seen as well. The Associated Press contributed to this report. "Waning immunity likely is also contributing to increases in cases especially among those with increased vulnerability because of underlying conditions. [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. "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. Health experts also say that it will also be critical for people to get the flu vaccine, in addition to their COVID-19 shots, as both vaccines only protect against their respective diseases. Published: Feb. 16, 2022 at 8:47 AM EST The U.S. CDC defines high transmission as cumulative cases of 100 or more per 100,000 people in the last seven days. [28] The data also shows an increase in infections among primary and secondary school children. "The number of COVID patients we're transporting is remaining the same as it was for the last 19 months. [15] The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention began its response efforts in December 2019 when the virus was first reported in Wuhan, China. Reported confirmed and probable cases. ABC News . COVID-19 cases on the rise in nearly 2 dozen states. New York state court system puts trials on hold again because of rising coronavirus cases . New coronavirus variant Arcturus, or XBB.1.16, is spreading: What COVID All rights reserved. [83] On March 26, 2020, there were five total members of the Colby College community, including at least two students, who had tested positive for the virus. One resident each in Cumberland, Waldo and Franklin counties. A total 17 were in critical care units and three on ventilators. [52] The plan had four stages, with stage one slated to begin on May 1. COVID cases in Maine In recent days, the numbers have prompted several school districts, including Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge, to urge masking in classrooms. Mills extends Maine income tax filing deadline to July 15", "Maine closes 10 state parks to help prevent spread of COVID-19", "Nursing homes can now request a state reimbursement to cover pandemic costs", "Governor Mills Issues Stay Healthy at Home Mandate | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Gov. Maine Mills on July 8, issued an Executive Order requiring large businesses, including retail establishments in Maine to enforce the State's face covering requirement. Mar. 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. The state reported 605 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the highest one-day total since March 4. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. WebCOVID-19 cases are rising in nearly every corner of the United States, yet hospitalizations remain low, partly a reflection of greater immunity in the population. 29 people are on ventilators, up two from yesterday. The Rising Nepal; Sun, 23 April 2023; Mexico migrant camp tents torched across border from Texas. COVID-19 cases top over 200,000 in Maine after vital records review Whats Going On With Covid Right Now? - The New York Times Add your email address and we'll send you central Maine news, weather updates and traffic alerts as they happen. [85] Bates College has taken a financial loss of up to $2 million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 61 samples that were sequenced in July, 60.7 percent were identified as the delta variant. As we enter these winter months, it will be more important than ever to wear your mask, practice social distancing, and maintain proper hand hygiene.". WebThe spread of new coronavirus variants, increased travel and pandemic fatigue are spurring a new rise in Covid-19 cases in Maine and putting more younger people in the hospital, "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. Quality of life or homeless crackdown in Lewiston? Log in to join the discussion. [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. As more social distancing practices were put into effect, the City of Bangor began using an honor system for the bus service and asked that passengers not occupy the seats directly behind the driver. "We estimate that 54% of people in Maine Case [35], On March 26, 2020, Governor Mills extended the deadline for state income tax payments from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is safe to get the COVID and flu vaccines during the same visit. Cumberland, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis and York counties already were in the substantial transmission category. 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. Success. The CDC also has noted that treatment of the delta variant does not differ from other strains of the virus, nor do isolation or quarantine protocols. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. However, many experts say warmer weather in the weeks ahead will likely help tamp down cases. There are also 3,784 newly recorded cases. I dont know the answer to it yet.. Covid Maine is among the 5 states where COVID-19 cases are expected The first Omicron wave has left us numb to the continuing presence of the virus. Millions are travelling during the five-day Labour Day holiday. [78] As of March 25, 2020 four cases of coronavirus were confirmed among the campus community. [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. Total cases: 70,996 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. When Jacob Lemieux looked at the latest COVID numbers from Massachusetts, he did not like what he saw. With masks, tests, vaccines and widely-available treatments, she believes Massachusetts has the tools needed to address rising cases. 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 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. "We're definitely seeing an upswing in Massachusetts," said Robert Horsburgh, an infectious disease doctor and a professor of global health and medicine at Boston University. COVID cases and deaths continue to rise as Maine CDC works Maine 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. 4:49 p.m. YouTube wants to forget 2020 as much as the rest of us . In Maine, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been steadily rising across the state, despite the fact more than 70% of the state's total population fully inoculated. Malaysian students may have to mask up in school again as Covid case rise. In Im committed to protecting the health of our staff as well as the public we serve, and as such we will continue to monitor public health recommendations and requirements and make sure were doing whats in the best interest of our community, Jennings said in the citys release. [30] She wrote a letter to President Donald Trump to request financial assistance, subsidies, operating loans, or other measures to support the seafood industry, fishermen, and aquaculture. 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 At this time, booster shots are recommended for anyone over the age of 18 who has received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Why COVID To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Recent conspiracy theories are falsely suggesting COVID-19 vaccines are being passed along through the food supply. The Rising Nepal; Sun, 23 April 2023; Glimpses of a changing Earth, as seen from above. [51][18], On April 28, Gov. In India, the number of active coronavirus cases has been steadily rising in recent weeks, with almost 50,000 recorded on Friday, according to the countrys Health Mills rescheduled Maine's congressional and legislative primary elections from June 9, 2020, to July 14. [99] Short-term workforce training including an online pharmacy technician training and professional education online licenses in areas such as business, data analysis, finance, and human resources were also made available by SMCC to those impacted by the pandemic. 2,146 new doses of coronavirus vaccines were administered Tuesday. 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 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. [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. Already have a commenting profile? It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. 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 Mask wearing is incredibly protective.. On March 12, Maine announced the state's first confirmed case of the coronavirus, a Navy reservist in her 50s from Androscoggin County who had returned from duty in Italy. But hospitals are dealing with a Track Covid-19 in Maine - The New York Times Johns Hopkins experts in global [118] Traffic counts had decreased by 20 percent in the immediate aftermath of the stay at home order, with weekend traffic falling 50 percent. 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. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. [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. [46][18], On April 16, Gov. [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 town of South Thomaston said Wednesday it would pay $200 to residents or others who frequent the town for getting vaccinated. 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. It's really indoors where the transmission is happening," said Horsburgh. 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. [98] Students will be allowed to convert letter grades into pass/fail grades at the end of the term. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "We won't have transmission when people are outdoors. 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. The test positivity rate is "Whether that's an intrinsic property of the virus or the level of vaccination-induced immunity or previous infection-induced immunity is not clear.. Later stages discussed revisiting limitations on gatherings, stay-at-home orders, and reservations and capacity limits for restaurants, gyms, retail stores, and campgrounds. COVID-19: Maine Data| Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) / CBS Boston. A week aago, Aroostook was the only Maine county not considered to be at low risk. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. [4][5] On March 27, 2020, Maine reported its first death due to coronavirus, which was a man in his 80s from Cumberland County. Because COVID is at a high tide and staying there. Covid cases are rising in China but economic impact seen as This is about 50% higher than a month ago. Waldo Countys current seven-day case rate is 199 cases per 100,000 people. Experts say the current increase in COVIDcases is being driven by changes in both the virus, and in behavior and policy. Maine officials on Friday are reporting just 54 additional cases of COVID-19. 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. [62], Gov. [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. In Massachusetts, more than 5,500 people tested positive for COVID on Thursday. Please wait for the page to reload. Covid I'm concerned about yet another surge beginning after Thanksgiving (just like last year). Maine has been one of the most successful states at controlling the virus, but it's dealing with a wave of new infections. "We must all remain vigilant in our daily lives. [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. Saturday saw 98 new cases, and one more person lost their life to the virus. [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. Due to live soccer on CBS Wednesday afternoon, the Maine CDC briefing will be shown on the CW at 2 p.m. The United States is averaging 119,888 new Covid-19 cases each day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, as of Wednesday. The state of emergency ended June 30, 2021. 10,112 fresh Covid cases in India. Staff Writer Kevin Miller contributed to this report. [49], On April 22, Gov. The U.S. reported 112,270 new cases Thursday, bringing the seven-day average of daily new cases to 96,036. All other counties are in the moderate category. [53][54] This order allowed Maine residents to visit businesses and participate in activities that were safe under Stage 1 of the governor's reopening plan, including drive-in theaters, hair salons, golf courses, and car washes. This issue is not unique to Maine, Judge explained, adding that his colleagues across the country, and in the Northeast, are all still struggling. Covid 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. [60], As part of Stage 2 of the Restarting Maine's Economy plan, Gov. Give this Article . [56] Acadia National Park announced it would close indefinitely to prevent first responders from being exposed to the virus in the event of an injury and to prevent travel by visitors to the area. New deaths: 0 Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. 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. There are 54 critical care beds available in the state. [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. Andujar Vazquez is hopeful that case counts will plateau by late-May and return to significantly lower levels by mid- to late-June. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [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. AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - 3,556 new COVID-19 cases are being reported making the new state total 202,221. The rolling average of daily cases more than Experts say the key to getting through the winter will ultimately be to get more Americans fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible. The Mills administration said recently it plans to distribute 400,000 rapid antigen tests. "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.