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Two more coronavirus-related deaths in Maine reported; total cases rise to 303


The Maine CDC on Tuesday confirmed two more deaths due to complications from coronavirus.

That brings the total number of deaths in Maine to five.

The number of confirmed cases also rose to 303 on Tuesday. That’s up from 275 on Monday. 68 people have recovered, and 57 have been hospitalized at some point.

One of the deaths already reported was a woman in her 80s and another was a man in his 60s. Both were from Cumberland County. Their deaths were reported on Sunday. The first death, a man in his 80s, also from Cumberland County, was reported on Friday.

Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah said Tuesday that the latest victims were two women in their 80s, one from Kennebec County and the other from York County.

There has been one confirmed case involving a person who spent time at the Oxford Street Shelter in Portland. Dr. Shah says officials were prepared for cases among the homeless population, but says details about their planned response will be forthcoming.

Shah also provided an update on hospital inventory. He says 90 of 190 ICU beds are available statewide. 262 of 330 ventilators are available, and 89 “alternative” ventilators, which have recently been authorized by the FDA, are available.

As of Monday morning, there were over 6,000 negative tests, but Shah says that number is constantly increasing as testing accelerates.

Dr. Shah says there are now 3 positive cases at a group home in Freeport, as well cases in Leeds.

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