PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Localized data about the coronavirus outbreak show that Maine’s cities have seen higher rates of infection than rural areas, according to data released by the state.
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention released the data for 55 of the state’s 400 ZIP codes on Wednesday, the Portland Press Herald reported. The state said it released limited data to protect patient privacy.
Lewiston had the most cases of any ZIP code in the state at 203. One of Portland’s ZIP codes had the highest rate of the infection, with one for every 110 people. Even though cities were affected most, some rural areas, including the town of Medway, were also hard hit.
Maine is the last state in New England to release local data about the virus. It had previously only made county-level information available. Maine CDC director Nirav Shah said it’s important for residents to behave as if the virus is in their community even if it isn’t.
Click the image below to access the Maine CDC’s map which breaks down cases by ZIP code.
“Even though your ZIP code might not have any cases in it right now, that shouldn’t impact how live your life,” Shah said.
There have been more than 2,400 cases of the virus recorded in Maine. The state reported 28 new cases and no new deaths on Thursday.
