The Maine Center for Disease Control on Sunday reported a total of 1015 cases of COVID-19 with no new deaths.
The new number released by the Maine CDC marks an ominous milestone in the pandemic for the state. The virus has taken the lives of 50 Mainers.
Thirteen more Mainers have recovered from COVID-19 for a total of 532.
Community transmission of COVID-19 is now confirmed in Androscoggin, Cumberland, York and Penobscot counties. Cases are now being reported in all 16 counties.
The total number of cases continues to grow as Maine considers how to reopen the economy. Fifty new cases were identified over the weekend.
All but five of the new cases are in Cumberland County, which continues to lead the state with 454, with 239 people recovering.
With signs that the curve of new cases may have flattened in Maine, many are looking ahead to plan the lifting of restrictions in the state. At Wednesday’s briefing, Dr. Shah said a key indicator in making that determination lies not just in the number of tests being done, but how many of those tests come back negative. He says that number indicates whether or not the state is casting a wide enough net with it’s testing efforts.
Right now, Maine’s “positivity rate”, or the number of positive tests, is hovering around 5%. Shah says the lower that number, the better. As of Wednesday, 16,784 Mainers tested negative for COVID-19.
However, Shah says the state still needs more testing materials.
Dr. Shah on Tuesday announced the launch of the “Frontline WarmLine,” a phone line organized by the governor’s administration. It offers help for frontline workers experiencing the emotional toll and anxiety of dealing with the pandemic. The line, staffed by volunteers with counseling backgrounds, is available to clinicians and first responders. You can call (207) 221-8196 or 866-367-4440 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The line is open 7 days a week.
“Maine’s health care professionals and first responders have worked tirelessly to protect Maine people in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “We recognize that this work takes an emotional toll so we’re proud to support the FrontLine WarmLine as a resource offered by behavioral health peers who know how to help.”
