why are covid cases rising in maine

[46][18], On April 16, Gov. Further, according to the report, 67% of hospitalizations, over the last seven days, are among the unvaccinated. Janet Mills said Sunday. ", Vermont sees record surge in COVID-19 infections. [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. In recent days, the numbers have prompted several school districts, including Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge, to urge masking in classrooms. [105][106], On March 12, 2020, Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) announced a spring break extension. The state reported 103 infections that day, the largest single day increase in cases. [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. 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 extended the COVID-19 civil state of emergency through July 10, 2020. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Learn more. Mills' executive order also expanded the ability to request absentee ballots, which may now be done up to and on election day. As the COVID-19 virus explodes across the country, Maine this week recorded a significant increase in cases, hospitalizations, and positivity rates. "Waning immunity likely is also contributing to increases in cases especially among those with increased vulnerability because of underlying conditions. [20] The Maine Legislature also enacted a supplemental budget of $73 million which focused on coronavirus response, including $1 million to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, $15 million to increase MaineCare reimbursement rates for health care providers, and $38 million to K-12 education to help in the wake of school closures. [10] By September 5, the outbreak had infected 177 people and caused seven deaths, including 80 cases at a prison 230mi (370km) away. [92] There have been no COVID-19 cases on the Thomas College campus and the institution plans to resume in-person classes in the fall. But this time, the story is more complicated than it was in previous waves. "More than 40% of the country remains unvaccinated. The city is committed to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder said in a news release. No additional deaths were reported, leaving the number at 900. 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. If we made a change and thats a big if it would be toward rather than having those recommendations updated every 24 hours, we would have them updated perhaps weekly so that businesses have some predictability and stability to set their policies, Shah said. The department said it would monitor the remaining state parks, most of which were still closed for the winter though walk-ins are permitted. [17] Governor Mills recommended halting classroom instruction in Maine and stopping all gatherings of more than 50 people, or more than 10 people if senior citizens were involved in the gathering. All rights reserved. This decrease was due almost exclusively to declines in passenger cars using the road, as commercial traffic only declined 1 percent. The number of hospitalized patients with the coronavirus statewide continues to be stable. [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. Experts say the key to getting through the winter will ultimately be to get more Americans fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible. Reported confirmed and probable cases. On October 22, 2020, 46 COVID-19 cases were linked to a fellowship rally between October 2 and October 4 at the Brooks Pentecostal Church. The newly released data also shows nine more Mainers died with the virus. [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. [7] On the same day, 20 cases were confirmed at the Penobscot Hope House Health and Living Center in Bangor, Maine which houses a homeless shelter.[8][9]. 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. 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. [43][44] This order also extended license expiration and renewal dates. [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. The order also required residents of Maine to wear cloth face coverings in public places where physical distancing could not be achieved, such as within retail stores and taking public transportation. In Portland, the proposed $261 million budget includes a 6.1% tax increase. While hospital officials do not report their facilities areoverwhelmed by COVID patients, hospitalizations are on the rise. That has not happened. "There are a number of states where these increases have persisted for two or more weeks, and that's usually the metric we look for to say a trend is happening. Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the United States again. Includes 1 hospitalized case from an unknown county. Maine officials on Friday are reporting just 54 additional cases of COVID-19. [34], On March 25, 2020, Governor Mills signed an executive order which enhanced the health care workforce and telehealth efforts by allowing physicians, physicians assistants, and nurses to obtain relevant licenses to deliver health services remotely and have those remote services be covered by insurance companies. [120], The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority announced a suspension of all remaining Amtrak Downeaster service, to begin April 13 and last until April 30, after two prior service reductions. There were no new deaths, With the development of COVID vaccines and treatments, many medical experts were optimistic that cases could increase without an accompanying jumpin hospitalizations. "We must all remain vigilant in our daily lives. WebThe COVID-19 pandemic was publicly reported to have reached the U.S. state of Maine on March 12, 2020. Enter your email and password to access comments. Maine (WABI) - 748 new cases of COVID being reported by the Maine CDC. [35], On March 26, 2020, Governor Mills extended the deadline for state income tax payments from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. The state is removing New York, Connecticut and New Jersey from its list of states that are exempt from travel restrictions, Mills said. Keeping the surge somewhat in check, experts said, is a higher level of immunity in the U.S. from vaccination or past infection compared with early winter. Still, Andujar Vazquez points out the majority of COVID patients who are currently hospitalized in Massachusetts roughly 67% are not there primarily for a COVID-related illness. The new restrictions take effect Wednesday. They are sick with something else and happen to have COVID. It's Boston local news in one concise, fun and informative email. [47], On April 21, Gov. Actual case numbers are probably higher. Shah has stated he believes that 60-80 percent of new cases in Maine are resulting from the delta variant, which is consistent with findings in other northeastern states. [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. There were no new deaths, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. [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. The new case numbers reflect rising rates of infection in Aroostook and Franklin counties, where new cases reported Thursday placed them in the substantial transmission category that triggers the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation for all people, regardless of vaccination, to wear masks indoors. 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 Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav Shah noted those numbers might increase on Wednesday, saying that certain situations where more 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. [84], Students of Bates College were asked to leave campus on March 14, 2020, and the college transitioned to remote work models on March 17, 2020. Judge explained that they are frequently flying patients out of state, at times, as far away as Connecticut or New York, depending on bed availability. New Covid-19 Cases Rising In 22 States. The masking classifications follow U.S. CDC guidance released last week that has caused confusion for some business owners and residents as they try to navigate daily changes to the county classifications that can result in different masking guidance. [112] On April 12, 2020, NMCC began enrolling students in four free online healthcare career path training programs to address pandemic workforce needs. There are currently more than 700 patients in the commonwealth hospitalized with COVID. 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. Experts say several factors is likely driving the U.S.'s recent COVID uptick. COVID-19 cases top over 200,000 in Maine after vital records review, NASA confirms first radar-observed meteor fall seen in Maine, Masks to no longer be required at MaineHealth facilities. [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. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Total deaths: 900 The first Omicron wave has left us numb to the continuing presence of the virus. [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. (Robert F. Bukaty/Associated Press) [49] This service provides assistance to all who are responding to the pandemic in Maine and helps responders manage stress associated with their jobs. But hospitals are dealing with a Mills extended Maine's state of civil emergency through May 15, 2020. It was unclear how the traffic decrease would affect the Turnpike's finances, though executive director Peter Mills said he would recommend to the Authority's board that they go ahead with a vote on a $28 million contract to widen five miles of the highway. In Maine, 73.97 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, the state reported on Friday. We're continuing to say the hospitals are full to capacity," Thomas Judge, executive director of LifeFlight of Maine, told ABC News. Volunteer professionals who answer the support line include licensed psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and nurse practitioners. Jeremy Luban, a professor at UMass Chan Medical School and a co-lead for the viral variants program at MassCPR, said while there is still a lot to learn about this and other new variants, it does seem to be less deadly than previous variants. 16As the BA.2 omicron subvariant of COVID-19 drives up infections in the Northeast, Maine reported 437 new cases on Saturday. 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. Free Covid-19 testing in shown in downtown Denver, Nov. 4, 2021. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. / CBS Boston. 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. 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. Mills announces expansion of health care access for Mainers", "Governor Mills Issues Executive Order to Expand Access Health Care During COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Mills officially pushes back June elections to July 14", "Governor extends civil state of emergency in Maine through May 15", "Gov. [14], On March 2, 2020, Governor Janet Mills convened a coronavirus response team, led by Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to coordinate state efforts against the virus. Mills announced a plan to gradually restart Maine's economy. Hospitalizations: 44 Mills issues declaration to protect Maine people against price-gouging amid coronavirus pandemic", "Governor Mills, Legislature Spearhead Emergency Legislative Package to Respond to COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Maine bars, restaurants ordered to close to dine-in customers, coronavirus cases increase", "Governor Mills urges federal government, Vice President to release personal protection equipment from national stockpile", "Governor Mills, Maine Congressional Delegation Convene Call on COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Mills signs executive order guaranteeing pay for schools' hourly support staff", "Bangor area Community Connector bus system makes changes to prevent COVID-19 spread", "Amid virus outbreak, state opens fishing season early to encourage Mainers to get outside", "Mills requests federal assistance for Maine's seafood industry", "Janet Mills orders many nonessential Maine businesses to close to fight coronavirus", "Portland announces stay at home emergency order", "South Portland issues stay-at-home order", "Governor Mills takes emergency action on medical licensing, telehealth", "Gov. Use the form below to reset your password. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. It is unclear if guests wore masks. 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. Because COVID is at a high tide and staying there. BBC; Sat, 22 April 2023; Australia to fast track citizenship for New Zealanders. A union leader called the arrangement "good" and said that worker's spirits were high as a result. [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. Photo: Reuters Malaysia s mask mandate may make a return to schools, as the Health 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. On April 7, Governor Mills issued an executive order that expanded healthcare access to Maine residents. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine officials are urging more precaution in schools due to rising numbers of coronavirus cases in some parts of the state. Johns Hopkins experts in global There are also 3,784 newly recorded cases. [68] Half of the federal aid money received will go directly to supporting students. "COVID is not taking the winter off.". Share this Article. 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. So any shift to a new recommendation system would be aimed at providing Mainers with more clarity and stability, Shah said. Moderna and Pfizer recipients are encouraged to get a booster shot six months after receiving their second dose, if they are over the age of 65, have an underlying medical condition or are at high risk for exposure. 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 [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. Friday saw 103 new cases of COVID-19, the highest single-day increase in Maine since the beginning of the pandemic. [63], On May 15, 2021, Gov. About half the 53 cases were found in wedding guests, and one woman, who was not a guest, died on August 22. 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.". "I always get worried when cases go up but we should be okay.". [17] She also recommended postponing non-urgent medical procedures, doctors appointments, and elective surgeries, and restricting visitors to long-term healthcare facilities. Mills rescheduled Maine's congressional and legislative primary elections from June 9, 2020, to July 14. The reality is that things are really not going well at the moment, said Lemieux, an infectious disease physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and a member of the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness (MassCPR). WebTo keep up with Maine's evolving COVID-19 response, Maine CDC is returning to routine operations. Case While some health officials caution that case numbers may not be the best indicator of the prevalence of COVID-19, hospitalizations are also on the rise in a number of states. The United States is averaging 119,888 new Covid-19 cases each day, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, as of Wednesday. [37] Nursing homes were also now able to request funds to help respond to the pandemic within their facilities. [19] On March 16, Governor Mills also called for all Saint Patrick's Day events to be cancelled throughout the state. 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. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. I dont know the answer to it yet.. On Thursday there were 44 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Maine, including 18 in critical care and seven on ventilators. 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. The number of Mainers who have received a COVID-19 booster shot stands at 651,034. Mills, traffic on state roads had declined by double digits. Experts say a confluence of factors is likely driving the country's recent increases in infections, including the more than 100 million Americans who remain completely unvaccinated, cold weather and relaxed restrictions, the highly transmissible delta variant, and waning vaccine immunity. 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. 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.. 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. It's really indoors where the transmission is happening," said Horsburgh. Mills orders quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in Maine", "Gov. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. Friday saw 103 new [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. [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. [100], Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) announced an extended spring break on March 13, 2020. Mills's administration began a new volunteer phone support service for health care workers and first responders called the FrontLine WarmLine. Copyright 2022 WABI. [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. The low-risk designation indicates the level of transmission and rate of hospitalizations are not expected to strain local hospitals. [90] On March 13, 2020, Husson University announced that it would move the majority of classes to online formats, with some exceptions for graduate and professional school courses, and on March 20, 2020, the university announced that it would postpone its commencement ceremonies. Mills signs order preventing evictions amid coronavirus", "Mills administration announces $11 million in funds to support essential workers and child care providers amid COVID-19", "Governor Mills Presents Safe, Gradual Plan to Restart Maine's Economy | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Governor Mills Extends Maine's Stay At Home Order | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Maine governor extends stay-at-home order through May, details plan for reopening state - The Boston Globe", "Maine closing 10 state parks and beaches to stem tide of coronavirus", "Baxter State Park shuts down camping and traffic", "Acadia National Park shutting down amid coronavirus outbreak", "Governor Mills Convenes Expert Committee to Advise on State's Economic Recovery | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Governor Mills convening Economic Recovery Committee", "Maine Moves Toward Fully Reopening After Statewide COVID-19 Closures", "Emergency Ordinance to Allow Biddeford Retailers and Restaurants to Utilize Public Space", "Mills extends Civil State of Emergency through July 10 amid coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic", "To Fight COVID-19, Governor Mills Strengthens Enforcement of Face Covering Requirement as Maine Reopens | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Governor Mills Updates Moving Maine Forward Plan, Lifts Restrictions | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Governor Mills Welcomes End of State of Civil Emergency | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Maine DHHS to receive $6.5 million to 'fight COVID-19 and future pandemics', "Mills Administration, Public Higher Education Systems Coordinating Response to COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Maine colleges and universities receive $41 million in federal coronavirus aid", "Universities resume classes March 25, commit to room and board adjustments and rebates for residential students", "Universities Planning for Alternative Commencement Celebrations During the COVID-19 Pandemic", "UMaine System offers in-state tuition to students displaced by COVID-19", "98.5% of University of Maine System Students Finish Spring Semester", "UMaine System plans to welcome students to campus Fall 2020", "UMaine System to expedite $2.56 million in IT upgrades this summer in 180 classrooms", "3/16/20 | Message from the President - Campus Safety - Maine Maritime Academy", "Coronavirus - Campus Safety - Maine Maritime Academy", "Bowdoin College students will not return from spring break due to coronavirus concerns", "Another coronavirus case confirmed at Bowdoin College", "Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates | Emergency Preparedness and Response | University of New England in Maine, Tangier and Online", "Colby College announces on-campus classes will end this week; students to leave campus for remote learning", "Colby College staff member tests positive for coronavirus", "Colby College in Waterville reports 5 cases of coronavirus, including at least 2 students", "Bates College has lost up to $2 million due to COVID-19", "Implementations to Prepare for the Coronavirus (March 12 Update)", "Maine College of Art Spring '20 Update (March 29, 2020)", "Updates for our community on the Coronavirus Thomas College", "Communications from the President - COVID-19", "March 13, 2020 Update from President Bissell", "ADN applications reopened until June 1, 2020", "SMCC to offer online summer courses, cancels in-person classes due to COVID-19", "SMCC offers workforce training programs for people affected by COVID-19", "March 13th COVID-19 Campus Update - EMCC", "YCCC Announces '21 Promise Program and Future Campus Initiatives", "YCCC Announces Plans to Return to In-Person/On-Campus Classes This Fall", "Plummeting Maine Turnpike traffic a 'proxy for economic collapse", "Maine DOT planning more daytime construction on I-295 in Portland amid decreased traffic due to coronavirus, COVID-19", "Turnpike authority doubles pay to keep tollbooth workers on the job", "Island Explorer shuttle bus postponing service amid coronavirus, COVID-19 pandemic", "Island Explorer will run in 2021 with fewer routes, 12 people per bus", "Downeaster to suspend service temporarily starting Monday", "Downeaster Train Service Suspended After Daily Ridership Falls To 20 Passengers", "Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Updates and Information", Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement, neurological, psychological and other mental health outcomes, Decentralized Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing, Zhongyianke BiotechLiaoning Maokangyuan Biotech, Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, Sancaktepe Prof. Dr. Feriha z Emergency Hospital, Yeilky Prof. Dr. Murat Dilmener Emergency Hospital, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board, National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19, COVID-19 Response Acceleration Task Force, Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, Tests, cases, tests per capita, cases per capita by country, Tests, cases, tests per capita, cases per capita by country subdivision, World map by countries: confirmed per capita, Morocco (including occupied Western Sahara), Biden administration COVID-19 action plan, House Select Coronavirus Crisis Subcommittee, Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Commission, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration, U.S.
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