Amjambo’s Weekly Covid update

By Danielle Roslevich

In Maine, cases of Covid-19 continue to spread, with a high seven-day average PCR positivity rate of 12.4%. As of Wednesday, 334 individuals were hospitalized due to Covid-19, reaching a record in Maine. Since then, that number has declined to 321. While critical care numbers have remained relatively stable, ventilator use due to Covid-19 is also at a record high.

Testing is occurring at a rate of 456 PCR tests per every 100k individuals over a seven-day average, down from the previous week. Regarding Covid-19 vaccinations, 72% of the population is fully vaccinated. Over the past week, the average number of doses being administered has been 5,620 doses per day. Of these doses administered, 73% were booster shots while 15% were first doses. For those over the age of 18, the eligible population to receive booster doses, 30% have received a booster. For the age group of 5 to 11, 28.4% have received at least their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In Wednesday’s press briefing, Maine CDC covered evolving information regarding the newly detected Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus. This variant had been detected due to the large constellation of mutations exhibited and has since been labeled a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization. At this time, the world requires more scientific data before reaching any conclusions about the variant.  Because the variant is so new, it is unknown how much of a threat it could pose the world, the United States, or Maine.

The cases of the Omicron variant that have been reported globally have been mild cases so far but the pattern of mutations in this variant has led to concern that it may be more transmissible than the Delta variant. Scientists are working to examine how the current vaccines hold up to the Omicron variant and if they are able to effectively protect individuals. Signs are likely that the vaccines will be able to provide protection, and that getting a booster helps.

To keep Maine as protected as possible against the Omicron variant, Mainers should continue to take the best precautionary measures: get vaccinated, get booster doses of the vaccine, and wear masks in public settings. In the meantime, Delta remains the current variant of concern in Maine, where 99.9% of Covid-19 cases are Delta, which is a highly contagious and severe variant.

The Maine CDC continues to urge Mainers to make sure they are fully vaccinated. This is an easy and safe approach to keeping safe. To find a vaccination site for your first, final, or booster shot, please visit: www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites