AUGUSTA, Maine (WGAN) The office of Governor Janet Mills says members of Maine’s National Guard will deploy to 10 healthcare facilities to help alleviate strain on hospitals amid a rise in COVID hospitalizations.
The governor’s office announced last week that Mills had activated as many as 75 National Guard members in non-clinical support roles to assist in facilities that could take in patients awaiting discharge from hospitals. Her administration said Monday the deployments will open up an estimated 80 additional inpatient hospital beds.
Meanwhile, the state says more than 3,500 shots were administered last week at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Augusta.
The clinic set up at the Augusta Armory will continue this week and is open to walk-ins.
The state is trying to accelerate the rate of vaccinations amid a surge in cases of the virus and hospitalizations.
Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah says Northern Light Home Care & Hospice will be holding a “Booster Blitz” at Pier 1 in South Portland. It will give Mainers ages five and up a choice of all three vaccines for first, second or booster shots with no appointment needed. It opens Tuesday.
