why are covid cases rising in maine

The rolling average of daily cases more than doubled from below 30 per day to more than 67 by Friday. State and local health officials are once again raising the alarm about the renewed threat of COVID-19 spread in communities across the country as people head indoors during the colder months and are set to gather for the holidays. [15] The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention began its response efforts in December 2019 when the virus was first reported in Wuhan, China. While some health officials caution that case numbers may not be the best indicator of the prevalence of COVID-19, hospitalizations are also on the rise in a number of states. Residents were advised to continue remote work if able, were prohibited to gather in groups of more than 10 people, and were subject to 14 day quarantines upon entry into the state. Case Mills and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced that approximately $11 million would support child care access for essential workers and offer relief for child care providers. [112] On April 12, 2020, NMCC began enrolling students in four free online healthcare career path training programs to address pandemic workforce needs. [117], The Maine Turnpike Authority said it was paying all of its employees two weeks of administrative leave, and workers who continued to report to work would still be given it, effectively doubling their pay. That's a lot of warm water for hurricane delta. In Maine, COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been steadily rising across the state, despite the fact more than 70% of the state's total population fully inoculated. Here are five possible explanations: Protocol fatigue According to experts at the John Hopkins Medicine, human behaviour is the major factor for the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. [47][48] The rent relief program began with $5 million and allowed households to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in assistance to their landlord. Use the form below to reset your password. [98] SMCC will also hold all summer classes online. [123], Boardings at the Portland International Jetport dropped by 70 percent compared to the prior year for the week ending March 21.[116]. On October 22, 2020, 46 COVID-19 cases were linked to a fellowship rally between October 2 and October 4 at the Brooks Pentecostal Church. With masks, tests, vaccines and widely-available treatments, she believes Massachusetts has the tools needed to address rising cases. Apr. Cattle await their feed at a farm in Maine. [97], On March 12, 2020, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) chose to extend its Spring Break and on March 17, 2020, the decision was made to move all courses to an online format, close residence halls, and cancel all gatherings of more than ten people. Mills orders quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in Maine", "Gov. What's really concerning about these data are that the hospitalization rates are also going up, Lemieux said. A union leader called the arrangement "good" and said that worker's spirits were high as a result. Such projects include maintenance on several Portland-area bridges on Interstate 295, which can now occur at daytime due to a 60 percent traffic reduction from normal levels. Across the U.S., coronavirus case numbers have been rising due to the spread of the delta variant, mostly among the unvaccinated. Mills allows large social gatherings and religious gatherings consistent with the state's size limitations with added health and safety precautions. Five counties, Aroostook, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Washington and Hancock are now are in the yellow, or moderate risk, category, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's really indoors where the transmission is happening," said Horsburgh. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [24] All gatherings of 10 or more people were prohibited, and non-essential businesses such as gyms, hair-salons, casinos, and malls were urged to close to minimize gatherings in public. Dr. Rivers is paying attention to another new subvariant, XBB.1.9.1, which makes up about 8 percent of U.S. infections right now. [60], As part of Stage 2 of the Restarting Maine's Economy plan, Gov. The seven-day average for case counts is over three times higher than it was in March. [70] Commencement ceremonies across the university system originally scheduled for May 9, 2020 were postponed, and each individual university will designate a postponement date. In neighboring Vermont, which has the highest vaccination rate of any state with nearly 72% of the population fully vaccinated, COVID-19 cases increased by 50% over the last 14 days. [46][18], On April 16, Gov. This is about 50% higher than a month ago. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. [100], Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) announced an extended spring break on March 13, 2020. Due to live soccer on CBS Wednesday afternoon, the Maine CDC briefing will be shown on the CW at 2 p.m. [102][103][104] CMCC announced that all summer classes will be online on April 16, 2020, and informed students of financial assistance available through the Federal CARES Act on May 20, 2020. On Tuesday, Pfizer requested the Food and Drug Administration allow all Americans over 18 to be eligible for booster shots. [71], The University of Maine system created the Maine Welcome program to offer in-state tuition to students at other colleges and universities who may have had their studies disrupted by closures of academic institutions due to COVID-19. WebIn early 2020, deaths from all causes exceeded the seasonal average, [75] and data from early 2020 suggest additional deaths that were not counted in official reported coronavirus mortality statistics. [4][5] On March 27, 2020, Maine reported its first death due to coronavirus, which was a man in his 80s from Cumberland County. He said the Maine CDC is taking a close look at why Waldo County is seeing such high transmission rates, but theres no clear answer right now. Mills on July 8, issued an Executive Order requiring large businesses, including retail establishments in Maine to enforce the State's face covering requirement. Universities, including MIT, have also strongly recommended masking. [67] Maine colleges and universities received $41 million in federal aid as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with $17.2 million going to the University of Maine System's seven campuses and $8.7 million going to the Maine Community College System. Mills, traffic on state roads had declined by double digits. (Maine Medical Center) PORTLAND (WGME) -- COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations appear to be on the rise again in Maine. Mills issued a Stay Safer at Home Executive Order, which was set to be in effect until May 31, 2020. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In India, the number of active coronavirus cases has been steadily rising in recent weeks, with almost 50,000 recorded on Friday, according to the countrys Health Mills issues declaration to protect Maine people against price-gouging amid coronavirus pandemic", "Governor Mills, Legislature Spearhead Emergency Legislative Package to Respond to COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Maine bars, restaurants ordered to close to dine-in customers, coronavirus cases increase", "Governor Mills urges federal government, Vice President to release personal protection equipment from national stockpile", "Governor Mills, Maine Congressional Delegation Convene Call on COVID-19 | Office of Governor Janet T. Mills", "Mills signs executive order guaranteeing pay for schools' hourly support staff", "Bangor area Community Connector bus system makes changes to prevent COVID-19 spread", "Amid virus outbreak, state opens fishing season early to encourage Mainers to get outside", "Mills requests federal assistance for Maine's seafood industry", "Janet Mills orders many nonessential Maine businesses to close to fight coronavirus", "Portland announces stay at home emergency order", "South Portland issues stay-at-home order", "Governor Mills takes emergency action on medical licensing, telehealth", "Gov. [45], On April 15, Gov. In Maine, 73.97 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, the state reported on Friday. [72] 98.5% of students who were enrolled in University of Maine system campuses at the start of the semester completed their studies despite COVID-19 disruptions. The state had been slated to reopen bars Monday, but that has been postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date, said Mills, a Democrat. Boosters can at least play a supporting role in averting a larger surge this winter," Brownstein said. Please wait for the page to reload. ABC News . [27], On March 19, the City of Bangor announced that the Community Connector bus service would begin only allowing people to enter from the rear of the bus to encourage social distancing beginning on March 20. City Manager Jon Jennings is reimplementing increased mask requirements for city staff in city buildings as well. [58][59] The committee consists of thirty-seven members, and is co-chaired by Laurie Lachance, President of Thomas College and former Maine State Economist, and Josh Broder, the CEO of Tilson. Vaccinations have dropped off in recent weeks but the state continues to have one of the best vaccination rates in the country, with 69 percent of the vaccination-eligible population of those 12 and over fully inoculated and 60 percent of the entire population. Waldo Countys current seven-day case rate is 199 cases per 100,000 people. Still, Andujar Vazquez points out the majority of COVID patients who are currently hospitalized in Massachusetts roughly 67% are not there primarily for a COVID-related illness. The seven-day average for case counts is over three times higher than it was in March. The recommendation from Portland officials comes as Maine reported another 152 cases of the virus on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 70,996. Recent conspiracy theories are falsely suggesting COVID-19 vaccines are being passed along through the food supply. [78] As of March 25, 2020 four cases of coronavirus were confirmed among the campus community. [66], On March 25, 2020, Governor Janet Mills signed an agreement through the Maine Emergency Management Agency with the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System to coordinate assistance requests and ensure the deployment of resources to aid in the government response to COVID-19. The masking classifications follow U.S. CDC guidance released last week that has caused confusion for some business owners and residents as they try to navigate daily changes to the county classifications that can result in different masking guidance.

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