Maine’s coronavirus-related death toll continues to climb. The Maine CDC reported Thursday morning that eight more Mainers have died with COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 461.

Also Thursday, 808 new cases were announced by public health officials.

The Maine CDC has recorded 31,958 cases of the virus since the pandemic began.

Of those cases, 26,334 are confirmed positives, while 5,624 are classified as probable cases.

The state’s seven-day average for new cases is 622.4, up from 488.4 one week ago and up from 364.1 a month ago.

Public health officials say 1,217 Mainers have been hospitalized at some point.

Thursday’s report comes as Maine continues its inoculation effort. More than 53,000 people have received their first dose of a vaccine, while about 8,500 Mainers have been given their second dose.

The COVID-19 Vaccination in Maine website can help answer questions you have about vaccination.
The website is updated regularly and covers:
❓ Frequently asked questions
#️⃣ Number of people vaccinated
📅 When you can expect to be vaccinated
Learn more https://t.co/JpAHFEr7PQ. pic.twitter.com/fDdE5oTSTs

— Maine CDC (@MEPublicHealth) January 14, 2021

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Gov. Janet Mills announced Wednesday that Maine is changing its distribution plan for COVID-19 vaccines. It affects Phase 1B, which could begin later this month, and now includes residents who are 70 and older. It will also include people with high-risk medical conditions.