UPDATE: Governor Mills has extended the State of Civil Emergency she originally declared in March at the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis in Maine. The extension will be in effect until October 29, 2020.
“As Maine enters the colder months and more activities move indoors, it is more important than ever to maintain the critical public health measures that have kept us all safe,” said Governor Mills. “We know how to mitigate the spread of the virus. In order to protect our health, keep schools safely open for as many students as possible, and ensure our economy can continue on the road to recovery, we must wear our face coverings, maintain physical distancing, and wash our hands often.”
As of September 22, 2020, Maine, adjusted for population, ranks 2nd lowest in the nation in terms of positive cases; 5th lowest in the nation in terms of deaths; the lowest in terms of patients ever-hospitalized out of the 36 states reporting; and 10th highest in the percentage of people who have recovered out of the 45 states reporting.
As Maine heads into fall and winter, and outdoor activities become less appealing to many, experts are warning that residents should take steps to protect themselves, their families, and the community. They say all Mainers should be very careful to wear masks, maintain as much social distance from others as possible, and avoid indoor gatherings with those outside the household. As of September 28, there were over 1 million deaths worldwide from COVID-19, 200,000 deaths nationwide, and 4,755 confirmed cases and 140 deaths in Maine. Rates of infection are known to be rising in many parts of the U.S., and have been higher in Maine in recent months than earlier in the pandemic. Mainers are also advised to get a flu shot, to prevent the risk of double infection.
Maine has seen outbreaks in a number of locations in recent weeks, with 44% of new cases reported in York County as of September 24. Dr. Nirav Shah, director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control, has expressed deep concern over the community spread that appears to be happening there. Outbreaks have been reported in the prison, in social clubs, and in schools, among other locations, and residents of York County are advised to be diligent about wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Cases have also been reported in schools outside of York County, such as in Freeport, Yarmouth, and Maranacook. Primary sources of the outbreaks appear to be a wedding and a funeral where guidance from the CDC was not observed. Recent instances involving large campaign events held by President Trump’s sons, as well as church services, continue to raise concern.
Black Mainers, who make up only 1.6% of Maine’s population, count for 20% of the state’s cases. Nationwide, Black people account for 20% of COVID-19 deaths where race is known. Cumberland County continues to have the highest case rate in Maine, with Androscoggin second and York County third.
As of September 22, 2020, Maine, adjusted for population, ranks 2nd lowest in the nation in terms of positive cases; 5th lowest in the nation in terms of deaths; the lowest in terms of patients ever-hospitalized out of the 36 states reporting; and 10th highest in the percentage of people who have recovered out of the 45 states reporting.
Dr. Shah has warned about a trend in Maine in recent months of infection rates among young people topping those among older people. “The trend has flipped,” Dr. Shah said, explaining that in May, people in their 20s and 30s accounted for 1/5 of all cases, but now they account for 1/3. He noted that in other states, an increase in cases among younger individuals led to an increase in cases among older people as well, and that they are likely to become sicker and possibly die if they get the virus. Therefore, the trend toward more young people becoming sick is an indication of increased risk for the state as a whole.
