Maine’s CDC said Wednesday the state is now reporting 142 cases of coronavirus.
That’s an increase of 24 cases since the day before. 3,177 tests have come back negative.
Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah says one of the cases is connected to a Maine DHHS worker in Lewiston. That DHHS office has been closed.
Shah says the state has also received a second shipment of personal protective equipment, but will still need more. A second shipment of materials needed for tests was also received.
Shah also said the state is taking inventory of personal protective equipment at hospitals, as well as ICU beds and ventilators.
Governor Janet Mills ordered that many non-essential businesses close their physical locations on Tuesday.
In a statement made to the public on Tuesday, Governor Mills issued an Executive Order…
“…mandating that all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing, meaning those that allow customer, vendor or other in-person contact. The Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than ten workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible. Non-essential businesses and operations may continue activities that do not involve these types of in-person contact and convenings, and should facilitate the maximum number of employees working remotely.
Governor Mills also strongly urged all large, essential, public-facing businesses to immediately employ strategies to reduce congestion in their stores, including limiting the number of customers in the store at any one time and enhancing curbside pick-up and delivery services.These measures, aimed specifically at high-traffic retail stores in Maine that provide essential goods and services, seek to better protect both customers and employees from the threat of COVID-19.”
According to a press release, non-essential businesses and operations subject to the Governor’s Executive Order include, but are not limited to, shopping malls, fitness and exercise gyms, spas, barber shops, hair salons, tattoo and piercing parlors, massage facilities, nail technicians, cosmetologists and estheticians, electrolysis services, laser hair removal services, and similar personal care and treatment facilities and services.
That order is now in effect and will extend to April 8th.
During remarks made this week, Dr. Shah told Mainers to assume that the virus is in their community, even if there are still no reported cases. Due to the incubation period, data showing cases lags behind by several days, and spread is likely much broader than what’s reflected in the numbers released so far.
