[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. You can share 5 more gift articles this month.. [49] This service provides assistance to all who are responding to the pandemic in Maine and helps responders manage stress associated with their jobs. [118] Traffic counts had decreased by 20 percent in the immediate aftermath of the stay at home order, with weekend traffic falling 50 percent. According to the state agency, this significant increase is due to the processing of backlogged COVID test results using an automated system. Maine recorded a record 789 new Covid-19 cases in the state on Thursday; a testing site in Auburn, Maine. He said the Maine CDC is taking a close look at why Waldo County is seeing such high transmission rates, but theres no clear answer right now. This was the case especially in urban areas, though MDOT did not release specific figures as they were incomplete. We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. [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. [35], On March 26, 2020, Governor Mills extended the deadline for state income tax payments from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. [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. Medical workers talk to people in cars at a Nomi Health COVID-19 mobile testing site in Holladay, Utah, Nov. 4, 2021. Mills announced a plan to gradually restart Maine's economy. 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. Malaysian students may have to mask up in school again as Covid case rise. With the development of COVID vaccines and treatments, many medical experts were optimistic that cases could increase without an accompanying jumpin hospitalizations. [114], The Maine Community College System hosted fall classes online or in person, or a combination of both formats. Experts estimate that the majority of cases in Massachusetts now are caused by a subvariant of omicron known as BA2.12.1. Shots are still going into arms with more than 3,000 doses administered between Monday and Tuesday of this week, according to Maine CDC data. Quality of life or homeless crackdown in Lewiston? "We won't have transmission when people are outdoors. 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. Lets check Mills orders quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in Maine", "Gov. Why are coronavirus cases and hospitalizations on 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. The case-fatality rate seems to be lower than it was, certainly than during the delta wave," Luban said. [62], Gov. The U.S. reported 112,270 new Maine Covid cases are rising in China but economic impact seen as [111], Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) discontinued face-to-face classroom instruction on March 18, 2020, and also canceled their spring 2020 commencement ceremony. [86] On March 12, 2020, The College of the Atlantic announced that all instruction for spring 2020 would move to an online format, residence halls would be closed, and all in-person services would be eliminated. Q&A: Why are breakthrough COVID cases rising in Maine? And "Winter is coming," California Gov. Maine had reported 75 cases of the delta variant as of July 30, though that is likely an undercount as genomic sequencing tests that identify variants are not performed for every case. This money was granted under the CARES Act. The state reported 605 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, the highest one-day total since March 4. 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. [92], Unity College began remote instruction on March 30, 2020, but has planned an on-campus commencement ceremony for August 1, 2020. [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. I think undoubtedly the removal of the mask mandate for public transportation and in flights is contributing to the current surge, said Amy Barczak, an infectious disease specialist at MGH and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard. Maine New Hampshire Republican Gov. For weeks throughout the early fall, the U.S. had seen steady declines in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, offering hope that perhaps the pandemic was finally subsiding in the U.S. after a significant summer surge across the South and a renewed push for vaccinations. [57], On May 6, 2020, Gov. [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. "I always get worried when cases go up but we should be okay.". Success. Mills on July 8, issued an Executive Order requiring large businesses, including retail establishments in Maine to enforce the State's face covering requirement. Published: Feb. 16, 2022 at 8:47 AM EST [91] On March 15, 2020, in-person instruction was suspended at Thomas College, courses transitioned to online formats, and it was announced that campus residences were closing on March 18, 2020. Learn more. There are 54 critical care beds available in the state. Maine is also reducing indoor capacity limits from 100 to 50, Mills said. Due to live soccer on CBS Wednesday afternoon, the Maine CDC briefing will be shown on the CW at 2 p.m. [47], On April 21, Gov. 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. COVID Give this Article . 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. Further, according to the report, 67% of hospitalizations, over the last seven days, are among the unvaccinated. The Mills administration said recently it plans to distribute 400,000 rapid antigen tests. [1][2], As of February2, 2021[update], it was reported that Maine has administered 2,492,316 COVID-19 vaccine doses, and has fully vaccinated 977,759 people, equivalent to 76.35% of the population.[3]. COVID [10] By September 5, the outbreak had infected 177 people and caused seven deaths, including 80 cases at a prison 230mi (370km) away. [76] Summer cruises for the TS State of Maine and the Bowdoin ships were postponed, and students registered to complete a cruise in the summer will have to seek alternative opportunities. The new restrictions take effect Wednesday. There's basic arithmetic at play: As more people get vaccinated, even if breakthroughs are rare, a rising number of cases will be among the vaccinated. Gabrielle Emanuel Twitter Senior Health and Science ReporterGabrielle Emanuel is a senior health and science reporter for WBUR. 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. Covid cases Apr. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. [63], On May 15, 2021, Gov. 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. Across the U.S., coronavirus case numbers have been rising due to the spread of the delta variant, mostly among the unvaccinated. WebIn early 2020, deaths from all causes exceeded the seasonal average, [75] and data from early 2020 suggest additional deaths that were not counted in official reported coronavirus mortality statistics. Enter your email and password to access comments. [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. COVID-19 cases on the rise in nearly 2 dozen states. [18], On March 23, 2020, Governor Mills passed an executive order that extended expiration dates and waived fees for driver's licenses and other related motor vehicle licenses until 30 days past the state of emergency. The testing will be available at no charge later this month, the administration said. Mokdad compared Maine and Florida using data from the institute, which projects COVID-19 cases around the country. Mills issued a Stay Safer at Home Executive Order, which was set to be in effect until May 31, 2020. "COVID is not taking the winter off.". Already, two other XBB strains, XBB.1.9.1 and XBB.1.9.2 are also rising in the U.S. Free Covid-19 testing in shown in downtown Denver, Nov. 4, 2021. "The number of COVID patients we're transporting is remaining the same as it was for the last 19 months. [65], On November 10, 2021, The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced it would be receiving 6.5 million in funding from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases program to combat COVID-19. [79] On March 13, 2020, The University of New England announced that all competitive athletics were canceled for the spring season and that all courses would move online for the spring semester, excluding advanced Dental Hygiene and advanced Nursing student courses. Includes 1 hospitalized case from an unknown county. Because COVID is at a high tide and staying there. The Associated Press contributed to this report. While the numbers are far from their peak at the height of the omicron wave, some experts had hoped the spring would offer a reprieve from the coronavirus. Statistics of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Learn more. Case If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. Mills extended Maine's state of civil emergency through May 15, 2020. (Maine CDC) By WABI News Desk. Mills extended the COVID-19 civil state of emergency through July 10, 2020. Shah said whipsawing between recommendations where masking is recommended in a county on Monday, not on Tuesday but recommended again on Wednesday can undermine confidence in public health. Mills calls for statewide cancellation of St. Patrick's Day celebrations", "Maine's new supplemental budget focuses on coronavirus response", "Gov. Fact: COVID vaccines are not in the food supply - Los Angeles Times But why there? Please wait for the page to reload. While hospital officials do not report their facilities areoverwhelmed by COVID patients, hospitalizations are on the rise. WebThe COVID-19 pandemic was publicly reported to have reached the U.S. state of Maine on March 12, 2020. Maine has been one of the most successful states at controlling the virus, but it's dealing with a wave of new infections. The state of emergency ended June 30, 2021. "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. The seven-day average of new cases in Maine rose to 310 on Friday, a nearly 50 percent increase in less than a week, and Maine's case count in the last two weeks has increased 55 percent, according to The New York Times. Later stages discussed revisiting limitations on gatherings, stay-at-home orders, and reservations and capacity limits for restaurants, gyms, retail stores, and campgrounds. 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. On Tuesday, Pfizer requested the Food and Drug Administration allow all Americans over 18 to be eligible for booster shots. "More than 40% of the country remains unvaccinated. [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. COVID New York state court system puts trials on hold again because of rising coronavirus cases . This is about 50% higher than a month ago. It is unclear if guests wore masks. [55] Baxter State Park, a park independent of the state park system, announced it would close until at least July 1, only permitting walk-in day hikes. 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. [26] Additionally, Governor Mills signed an executive order to require school districts to continue paying hourly employees for the duration of the school year. [64], On June 11, 2021, Mills announced the end of the state of emergency originally started on March 15, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 cases are on the rise in the United States again. [40] Violations of the order could be subject to a penalty of six months in jail or a $1,000 fine. There are currently more than 700 patients in the commonwealth hospitalized with COVID. ", Even states with high vaccination rates see upticks. Why Are Covid In Portland, the proposed $261 million budget includes a 6.1% tax increase. [116], Island Explorer bus service was cancelled for the 2020 season due to the difficulty of complying with social distancing measures,[119] though limited service is planned to resume in 2021. [112] On April 12, 2020, NMCC began enrolling students in four free online healthcare career path training programs to address pandemic workforce needs. [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.