News

Maine to revamp vaccine priority as virus cases surge

Maine to revamp vaccine priority as virus cases surge

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The number of COVID-19 infections continues to soar in Maine, reaching a new daily record on Wednesday, as the state made plans to update its vaccine plan to prioritize older residents.

The daily number of confirmed infections reported by the Maine Center for Disease Control grew to more than 820 on Wednesday, surpassing the previous high of at least 780 on Friday. There also were four more deaths.

Maine’s seven-day average for new infections was at more than 580, an increase from at least 510 a week ago and from nearly 365 a month ago.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills announced that Maine’s coronavirus vaccination plan has been updated to follow new federal guidelines recommending that states prioritize older residents. She said the state will start by dedicating a considerable amount of the state’s vaccine supply to residents 70 years of age and older.

Maine has the nation’s oldest population, and the virus is especially dangerous to older people and people with underlying health conditions. The vaccination plan also focuses on immunizing emergency service personnel, critical infrastructure workers and residents with high-risk medical conditions.

“Maine is predominantly an older state, and we have a large number of people with high-risk medical conditions. These folks are exactly who face the greatest risks from the virus,” Mills said. “Given they are at a greater risk of serious illness or death, it is appropriate to first target the limited supply of vaccine Maine receives to that population.”

Maine has given more than 51,000 first doses of the vaccine, and has begun delivering second doses. So far, Maine is getting about 18,000 doses a week, fewer than promised by the Trump administration.

Latest Headlines

37 minutes ago in Local

Driver cited after rear-ending MTA maintenance vehicle in Cumberland

Fresh

A maintenance worker with the Maine Turnpike Authority suffered minor injuries when their truck was rear-ended in Cumberland Friday morning.

40 minutes ago in Local

Maine medical examiner says Milford toddler died of hypothermia

Fresh

State officials say a toddler who was found unresponsive in Milford a few days after Christmas died of hypothermia.

2 hours ago in National, Trending

US employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 jobs last month, rebounding from a weak February

American employers added a surprisingly strong 178,000 new jobs last month, rebounding from a dismal February. And the unemployment...

2 hours ago in National, Trending

The Latest: US and Israel are trying to rescue fighter jet crew in Iran, Israeli source says

The U.S. military launched a rescue operation Friday after Iranian state media reported that an American fighter jet went down and at least...

4 hours ago in Local

No Injuries in Chaotic Multi-Vehicle Crash, Fire on I-295

Troopers say a vehicle crashed into the center median at about 7 am.