Dr. Shah Says Maine COVID-19 Numbers Are Good But Don’t Let Up
In today's Maine CDC briefing, Dr. Nirav Shah reported only one new case of COVID-19 in Maine, but that we need to continue to keep our numbers at that level.
"I'll be the first to admit it's hard to keep doing good when you've been doing good for so long," Shah said referring to Maine's low number of cases and deaths compared to the rest of the nation. "But the point is, right now, we have to keep both our feet on the gas and stay focused on the same types of activities that have got us here. Like continuing to wear face coverings, continuing to keep physically distanced from one another, continuing to stay home if you're not feeling well, continuing all of the good helpful behaviors that have brought our numbers to where they are today."
The latest numbers released Tuesday by the Maine CDC, show that the cumulative number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Maine is now at 4050, an increase of 1 since Monday. 3,644 of those cases are confirmed while 406 are deemed probable.
There was one new death reported of an individual with COVID-19, bringing the total to 126. 394 patients have had to be hospitalized at some point. 9 are currently hospitalized with 4 in critical care and 1 patient is on a ventilator.
3,560 people diagnosed with COVID-19 have recovered, an increase of 23 since Monday. The total number of diagnosed active cases of COVID-19 is 364, a decrease of 23 since Monday. The cumulative number of COVID-19 negative tests is 195,386 with a cumulative positivity rate of 2.50%.
Governor Mills issued an executive order on July 8 requiring large retail stores, lodging, restaurants, outdoor bars and tasting rooms in coastal counties and Maine's largest cities to enforce the state's face covering requirement.
The counties where businesses are be required to enforce the face covering requirement are those that are expected to have an influx of people in the next few months: Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland and York as well as the more populated inland cities Bangor/Brewer and Lewiston/Auburn.
The face covering enforcement requirement will be added to the certification checklist that businesses must agree to when opening.
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development has released a list of businesses they may now open as part of stage 3 of the Mills Administration's Restarting Maine’s Economy plan.
The following businesses may now reopen as long as they commit to complying with requirements of State COVID-19 prevention checklists.
- Bars and Tasting Rooms remain open for outdoor service only until further notice
- Outdoor recreation
- Overnight Summer Camps
- Entertainment
- Indoor Amusement
- Movie Theaters
- Outdoor Amusement
- Performing Arts Venues
- Casinos
For movie theaters, guidance calls for limiting seating to allow for at least six feet of physical distance between non-household members. The suggested way to do this is by leaving empty seats between household groups and limiting seating to every other row.
If the Maine CDC detects any resurgence of the virus, the state will slow down the stages and reinstate restrictions.
If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, including a runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, fever and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, the Maine CDC says you should call your doctor before going in so that they can prepare for your arrival. The Maine CDC continues to update with new information daily. Keep checking on our mobile app or website to get the latest.
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