The state continues to see a high number of COVID hospitalizations, but wastewater testing shows a decline in the virus’s presence in two communities.
The Maine CDC reported Monday that 427 people are in the state’s hospitals with COVID-19. The all-time high, reported on Jan. 13th, was 436.
Despite that, there are signs the most recent virus surge is slowing down in parts of the state. According to the Portland Press Herald, a report released over the weekend showed a 40% decline in the virus’s presence in Yarmouth from testing done on Jan. 17-18. That follows a 50% decline the week before.
The Portland Water District also reported declines of more than 50% at Westbrook and East End wastewater treatment plants.
Wastewater testing will be expanded to about 20 plants throughout the state in the coming weeks. The paper writes that the cost of the $400,000 program will be picked up by the federal government.
