Maine’s backlog of 46,000 positive COVID-19 tests have artificially lowered its numbers of confirmed cases, coinciding with a reduction in the amount of lifesaving monoclonal antibody treatments shipped to the state.

The Portland Press Herald reports that shipments of sotrovimab, one of few medications that are effective against the omicron variant, are rationed by based on hospitalizations and new cases over the previous seven days.

Last week Maine received 72 doses, less than half of the 180 doses given to New Hampshire and fewer than the 96 doses given to Vermont.