Governor Mills Gives Passionate Speech at Maine CDC Briefing

On the first day of phase one of Governor Mills gradual plan to reopen the State, she recognized the frustration of some Mainers with her decisions and addressed it in today's Maine CDC briefing.

With rumblings of protests in Augusta this weekend and outrage on social media, Governor Mills said this in a passionate closing to her address:

 I believe in our state and I will do everything I can to save it. I'm not a quitter. Maine people are not quitters. People are angry and frustrated, some losing patience, but not matter what, I will keep hearing you. I will keep listening to you and we will listen to each other. We'll do everything in our power to keep each other safe. We will not give up on each other, never quit each other and I will never quit you.

Now I'm headed back to work for the people of Maine and I will leave you in the good hands of Dr. Shah.

Maine CDC director Nirav Shah then announced that the total number of reported cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is now at 1,123, an increase of 28 new cases since Thursday.

657 people diagnosed with COIVD-19 have recovered, an increase of 26. The total number of active cases is 411, the same number as Thursday.

Two new deaths were reported bringing the total to 55.

177 patients have had to be hospitalized at some point. 37 are currently hospitalized with 17 of those in critical care and 9 patients on ventilators.

Here's a breakdown of the numbers by county from the Maine CDC.

And here's another handy graphic that was put together by the University of Maine Presque Isle GIS Lab that shows just about every number and stat you might be interested in, presented in a easy to understand format.

Governor Janet Mills announced on Tuesday during Maine CDC's briefing the new "Stay Safer at Home Order," which will go through May 31, 2020, as well as her four-stage plan to reopen the state.

Stage 1 began May 1, and it "continues the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people," per the governor's press release.

She noted that people who are able to work from home should continue to do so, and people should wear cloth face coverings in public settings where physical distancing measures are hard to maintain.

Additionally, this stage allows for the limited expansion of certain business, religious, and quality of life activities, with appropriate safety precautions.

These include, according to the release:

• Health care from Maine-licensed providers, with recommendations that they prioritize care for patients with time-sensitive conditions; assure the safety of patients, staff, and communities; manage the use of essential resources such as personal protective equipment and testing supplies; and pace re-opening services to the level of community COVID-19 activity, maintaining capacity in our hospitals for potential outbreaks

• Personal services: Barber shops, hair salons, and pet grooming

• Limited drive-in, stay-in-your-vehicle religious services

• Drive-in movie theaters

• Outdoor recreation: guided outdoor activities (hunting & fishing) and restricted use of golf and disc golf courses

• State parks, state-owned public land trails, and historic sites; although certain coastal state parks will remain closed

• Auto dealerships and car washes

The governor noted in the press conference that if the Maine CDC detects any resurgence of the virus, the state will slow down the stages and reinstate restrictions.

For a more complete listing of the stages and the governor's layout of those stages, click here.

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.