LincolnHealth reported 122 positive COVID-19 cases out of 855 tests for the week of Dec. 20. The positivity rate was 15.78%, down from 19.64% the previous week, and tests were at their highest since the week of Sept. 13.

LincolnHealth’s John Martins said testing records will likely be surpassed the week of Dec. 27. The testing center set a single-day record of 272 tests Dec. 27 with 218 left to go as of the next morning, he said.

“The labs are working tirelessly to turn the results around … and the phones were also quite busy, with team members working their way through 275 calls after the Christmas holiday break.”

To aid with persistent capacity issues, the Miles Campus emergency department will temporarily expand by two rooms using adjacent spaces for additional care areas. Martins said while staffing remains a daily concern, LincolnHealth is seeing “some light at the end of the tunnel” via traveling medical personnel. “RNs and C.N.A.s are coming our way through a contracted arrangement with a firm that specializes in making these skilled workers available. While this is a costly proposition for hospitals and other care providers, LincolnHealth, like many others, needs the staffing support.”

With most of Maine also lacking capacity for administering booster shots, Lincoln County is in almost an opposite position: Demand for appointments has gone down over the last two weeks, Martins said. LincolnHealth medical professionals continue to encourage those age 16 and up to seek out their booster vaccine. To make an appointment, call 1-877-780-7545 or visit vaccine.mainehealth.org