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Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Maine reaches over 430


The Maine CDC on Friday confirmed 432 cases of coronavirus in the state, up from 376 on Thursday.

113 people have recovered, and 75 have been hospitalized at some point. There have been 9 recorded deaths.

The latest recorded deaths are a man in his 70’s from Cumberland County, and a woman in her 80’s, also from Cumberland County.

There are now confirmed cases in Aroostook and Washington counties as well.

Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah also provided an update on the state’s testing abilities, which is a key part in the fight against the virus. He says the state’s CDC lab has the ability to conduct 3,500 tests. That’s in addition to tests from outside commercial labs.

109,000 pieces of PPE, or personal protective equipment, are being delivered. Shah says that the equipment will go to those who need it most, including first responders and funeral homes, as well as hospitals where they’re anticipating high patient volume. PPE shortages have been a major problem in hospitals around the country, putting healthcare workers at risk of getting sick.

Shah said this week there are now two confirmed case among people who spent time at the Oxford Street Shelter in Portland. Dr. Shah says officials were prepared for cases among the homeless population. The city of Portland has created a quarantine space within the Portland Expo building for the city’s homeless who may have been exposed but are not showing symptoms. Those who do become sick will be quarantined at one of the city’s family homeless shelters.

Asked Wednesday about the effect social distancing is having on the curve of new cases in Maine, Shah says it’s still too early to tell, but that social distancing is the “best vaccine we have right now.” He said on Friday that reported traffic was down by about 50% in areas like Cumberland County; an indication that individuals are heeding warnings to stay home.

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