SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) The Maine CDC announced Wednesday that four more people have died with covid-19.

It raises the state’s death toll to 158, and follow’s Tuesday’s announcement that four Mainers had died with covid-19.

Also, 142 new coronavirus cases were reported Wednesday by the Maine CDC. Just over 8,200 people have been infected with the virus since the pandemic began.

The state’s reproduction rate for covid-19 is the highest in the country over the last two weeks, according to a website that tracks national case data, rt.live.

The Portland Press Herald reports that the reproduction rate is the average number of people who become infected by each infectious person, a key metric for determining how fast the virus is spreading.

The Maine CDC has reported 8,202 total cases since the pandemic began. The state has reported 7,300 confirmed cases, while 902 have been classified as probable cases. The Maine CDC says 545 people have been hospitalized at some point, while 6,226 Mainers who have contracted the virus since since mid-March have recovered.

The CDC is offering these suggestions to protect yourself and your community:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Face coverings in public are recommended
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

For more information about coronavirus in easy-to-digest graphics and interactive maps made by the Maine CDC. CLICK HERE