AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, Aug. 8, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 125.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center: Alerts, Closings, Cancellations
Aug. 8 update: New COVID-19 cases recorded in Knox, Lincoln counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 8, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
The below data represents the number of full-time Maine residents who have been tested for COVID-19, according to the Maine CDC.
“Data are about individuals who claim residency in Maine regardless of what state they were tested in, or where they are currently living,”... Read more
Maine CDC provides Aug. 7 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 7, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
The below data represents the number of full-time Maine residents who have been tested for COVID-19, according to the Maine CDC.
“Data are about individuals who claim residency in Maine regardless of what state they were tested in, or where they are currently living,”... Read more
Aug. 6 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 6, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
There have been more than 3,900 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March.
A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a close... Read more
UPDATED: Maine CDC, again, reports 124th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, Aug. 5, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 124.
The Maine CDC announced Aug. 4 an individual classified as passing with COVID-19 has been removed from the death toll count.
“As part of the investigation Maine CDC does on all individuals with COVID-19, even those who have deceased, we determined the death of the individual that we originally classified as related to COVID-19 did not meet the criteria to... Read more
Aug. 5 update: Knox County records new COVID-19 case; recoveries in Knox, Lincoln counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 5, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,900 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides Aug. 4 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 4, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,900 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine records its 124th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, Aug. 3, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 124.
UPDATE, 8/4: The Maine CDC announced Aug. 4 the 123rd individual classified as passing with COVID-19 has been removed from the death toll count.
“As part of the investigation Maine CDC does on all individuals with COVID-19, even those who have deceased, we determined the death of the individual that we originally classified as related to COVID-19 did not... Read more
Maine CDC provides Aug. 3 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 3, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,900 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides Aug. 2 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 2, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,900 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Aug. 1 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, Aug. 1, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,900 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Remley in China: A pandemic update
As some of you may have read previously, I am a former social worker turned English teacher in China. My now 16-year-old son and I have lived in Tianjin for almost four years. I’m currently the foreign director at an international kindergarten. This just means that the company attempts to incorporate western style educational ideals and I do my best to navigate between 5000 years of Chinese culture and my American spirit of innovation, creativity, independence, and overall desire to shake... Read more
Governor expands Rental Relief Program to help prevent evictions
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday MaineHousing will double its rental assistance from $500 to $1,000 through the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program beginning Monday, August 3.
The Governor, who established the program with MaineHousing in April, is dedicating an initial $5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to support the expansion.
The Governor also signed an Executive Order continuing expanded timeframe protections for renters in the evictions process.
The moves come as... Read more
Maine Judicial Branch releases revised COVID-19 phased management plan, issues trial court remote proceedings and public access order
Portland, Maine. The Maine Judicial Branch released its Revised COVID-19 Phased Management Plan (“Plan”).
Face coverings: The revisions include updated guidance from the CDC and requires that any person entering a courthouse must wear a cloth face covering that covers the nose and mouth. Face shields are no longer permitted as a substitute.
Jury trials: Due to the anticipated inability of the Judicial Branch to effectively conduct jury trials in September while satisfying current CDC health... Read more
MPA releases more details about shortened fall sports season
AUGUSTA — The Maine Principals’ Association has announced its plans for the shortened fall sports seasons.
The maximum number of regular season games for soccer and field hockey have been reduced to 10 games, from an original slate of 14. There is no minimum amount of games a team most complete this season.
Schools with football programs will have seven weeks to complete a maximum of six regular season games. Football programs traditionally play an eight game slate.
The cross country and... Read more
Maine records its 123rd COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 31, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 123.
The individual was a resident of Androscoggin County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 31 update: Knox County records new COVID-19 case; Waldo County records recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 31, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,800 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
State forecasts revenue drop of $524 million in 2021; Governor issues statement
AUGUSTA – On July 29, the Revenue Forecasting Committee projected that State General Fund revenues will decrease by $524 million in Fiscal Year 2021, $434 million in Fiscal Year 2022, and $449 in Fiscal Year 2023 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Mills issued the following statement in response:
“These numbers are more than statistical projections. They represent funding for vital services on which Maine people rely, from health care, to schools, to economic development. We... Read more
ZIP code COVID-19 case data: Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has released COVID-19 confirmed and probable case data by ZIP code.
With the data release, the Maine CDC continues to urge all individuals in Maine — resident or not — to abide by all established COVID-19 guidelines.
The Maine CDC noted there are three exceptions to the data release to ensure compliance with its privacy policy: case counts are suppressed in ZIP codes with fewer than 50 people; exact case counts are suppressed in all ZIP codes with five or fewer cases... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records its 122nd COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 30, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 122.
The individual was a resident of Kennebec County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 30 update: Lincoln County records two new COVID-19 recoveries
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 30, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,800 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine receives $16.9 million to create ‘innovative’ educational opportunities amid pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maine will receive a total of $16,958,613 through the CARES Act to create new, innovative ways to better serve K-12 students during the COVID-19 pandemic, a press release announced.
This funding will support the Maine Department of Education’s “Rethink Remote Education Venture” program to provide enhanced learning opportunities for Maine students.
With this funding, Maine will develop opportunities for educators to become “Education Engineers” to design, pilot, implement,... Read more
State revises guidelines, now allowing up to 200 people for outdoor spectator events
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development has announced up to 200 people are now allowed to gather for seated outdoor spectator events such as sports or concerts under a set of newly established guidelines.
Venues may divide seating into separate areas with up to 50 people each if:
There is at least 14 feet of separation between sections, with physical barriers to prevent intermingling between sections
There is enough space for six feet of separation between... Read more
July 29 update: Waldo County records two new COVID-19 cases, one recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 29, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,800 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records two new COVID-19 deaths, including Lincoln County woman
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 28, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 121.
A man in his 70s from Androscoggin County and a woman in her 70s from Lincoln County were the newest announced deaths.
This is the first full-time resident of Lincoln County to pass away after testing positive for COVID-19.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine... Read more
July 28 update: Lincoln County records four COVID-19 recoveries, one death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 28, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,800 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 27 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 27, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,800 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Last Maine CDC update: Aug. 5
ZIP code COVID-19 case data: Knox, Waldo counties (and some of Lincoln County)
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has released COVID-19 confirmed and probable case data by ZIP code.
With the data release, the Maine CDC continues to urge all individuals in Maine — resident or not — to abide by all established COVID-19 guidelines whether cases are within their particular ZIP code.
The Maine CDC noted there are three exceptions to the data release to ensure compliance with its privacy policy: case counts are suppressed in ZIP codes with fewer than 50 people; exact case counts are... Read more
Boothbay Harbor Country Club reports positive COVID-19 case of guest
The management of Boothbay Harbor Country Club informed its members Friday morning, July 24 that an adult child of one of its members, who had been at BHCC on Tuesday, tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and four facilities were shut down: the clubhouse, the gym, Paul’s Steak House and Grille 19. Everything has reopened, according to a club spokesman.
On Sunday, BHCC Golf and Membership Director Chad Pennman told Boothbay Register via email, membership was notified Saturday morning “that... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 26 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 26, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,700 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records its 119th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 25, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 119.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 25 update: Lincoln County records two new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 25, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,700 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 24 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 24, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,700 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 23 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 23, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,700 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 22 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 22, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,700 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 21 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 21, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,700 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Amtrak Downeaster adds more Brunswick to Boston train services
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced July 14 that the Amtrak Downeaster will begin operating four round-trip trains between Brunswick and Boston every day beginning on Monday, July 20, 2020 as it enters Phase 2 of service restoration.
Other Phase 2 service elements include the availability of onboard food service and the re-opening of some Downeaster station facilities. Visit AmtrakDowneaster.com for a complete schedule and service information.
Several... Read more
July 20 update: Lincoln County, again, records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 20, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,600 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
State develops tiered health advisory system to help determine educational reopening plans
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Friday through a news release a series of steps her Administration is taking to assist and support school systems across Maine as they consider whether and how to return to in-classroom instruction this fall. Each of these actions aims to provide essential support to promote a safe return for children, teachers, and school staff.
To that end, the Governor announced Friday the Maine Department of Education, in close partnership with the Maine Center for... Read more
July 19 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 19, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,600 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine records two more COVID-19 deaths bringing toll to 117
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 18, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 117.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 18 update: Waldo, Lincoln counties record combined four new COVID-19 recoveries
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 18, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,600 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine records its 115th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 17, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 115.
The individual was a resident of Penobscot County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 17 update: Lincoln County records three new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 17, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Navigating through COVID-19: Boat House Bistro and Mine Oyster
This is the third part in a series on how our local restaurants are navigating state regulations on health and safety concerning COVID-19. We are doing our best to be inclusive, but with so many restaurants, we may not be able to get to everyone.
However, we still want to hear your stories: How have regulations changed the way you do business? How has creative thinking made the best of your situation? Do you plan on making any permanent changes even when regulations ease? How can customers and... Read more
Conservation during COVID
Amidst the ongoing health concerns, one thing has remained clear, protecting outdoor places significant to people, plants, and wildlife is just as important and more appreciated than ever. As part of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust’s (KELT) ongoing efforts to conserve special natural areas and provide outdoor opportunities to the community, they recently completed their first land protection project in Richmond.
Barbara and Peter Vickery first began discussing protection of their property in... Read more
July 16 update: Lincoln, Waldo counties record new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 16, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Safety protocols in place, two Maine Windjammer Association schooners set sail this week
ROCKLAND — Usually the “fit out” season to get boats ready for sailing goes from March through late May with a Memorial Day start to the season for the Maine Windjammer Association, the largest fleet of working windjammers in America.
This year, it’s taken until mid-July for boats to start sailing, but the hurdles to start the season have gone well beyond fit-out.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a halt, according to a news release, until July 1 when Governor Janet Mills allowed overnight windjammer... Read more
July 15 update: Knox County records new COVID-19 recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 15, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
July 14 update: Waldo County records new COVID-19 recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 14, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 13 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 13, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Two more deaths raise statewide COVID-19 death toll to 114
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 12, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 114.
One individual was a resident of Cumberland County and another of Penobscot County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 12 update: Maine records 19 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 12, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Maine records its 112th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 11, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 112.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County. Further information was not available.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 11 update: Knox, Waldo counties record COVID-19 recoveries
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 11, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,500 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
July 10 update: Waldo County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 10, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,400 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records its 111th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 9, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 111.
The individual, a woman in her 80s, was a resident of Penobscot County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 9 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 9, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,400 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
$21.3 million in loans; more than 3,400 jobs retained
790 Lincoln County organizations each received COVID-19 loans of less than $150,000
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, released detailed information about Paycheck Protection Loan (PPP) recipients.
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
This loan provides small businesses, including eligible self-employed individuals, with funds to cover payroll costs including benefits, utilities, mortgage interest... Read more
72 Lincoln County organizations each received COVID-19 loans of $150K to $5 million
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, has released detailed information about Paycheck Protection Loan (PPP) recipients.
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. This loan provides small businesses, including eligible self-employed individuals, with funds to cover payroll costs including benefits, utilities, mortgage interest and... Read more
July 8 update: Lincoln County records COVID-19 recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 8, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,400 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records its 110th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 7, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 110.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
Maine CDC provides July 7 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 7, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,400 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
EMS develops new dispatch code for possible COVID-19 cases
There is another term besides COVID-19 and coronavirus describing the deadly pandemic infective agent. Maine Emergency Medical Service dispatchers are using positive U-21 and negative U-21 in alerting paramedics about possible contact with patients infected with a deadly airborne virus. Maine EMS officials adopted the code in March to warn paramedics about possible infected patients without alarming residents, according to Maine EMS Director J. Sam Hurley. Dispatchers radio paramedics a patient... Read more
July 6 update: Waldo County records two new COVID-19 cases, Lincoln County records recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 6, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,400 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
UPDATED: Another pair of COVID-19 deaths increase statewide toll to 109
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 5, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 109.
Both individuals were residents of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 5 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 5, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,400 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
UPDATED: Two more Cumberland County COVID-19 deaths raise statewide toll to 107
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, July 4, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 107.
Both individuals were residents of Cumberland County. One individual was a woman in her 60s and one was a man in his 80s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
July 4 update: Maine records 3,397 COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 4, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,300 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
July 3 update: Knox County, again, records a 25th COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 3, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,300 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Average age of Maine’s COVID-19 patients falls since pandemic’s start
AUGUSTA — The average age of individuals in Maine testing positive for COVID-19 has fallen since the beginning of the pandemic, according to Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah.
At the outset of the pandemic, the mean age was 55.2 years old while the median age was 56.7 years old.
Those figures have now fallen to 46.9 years old for the mean and 47.2 years old for the median.
“This shift was expected as younger individuals resume economic and social activity,” Shah wrote in a tweet.
The... Read more
July 2 update: Decrease in Knox County COVID-19 cases reported
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 2, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,300 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Navigating through COVID-19: Coastal Prime and BHCC
This is the second part in a series on how our local restaurants are navigating state regulations on health and safety concerning COVID-19. We are doing our best to be inclusive, but with so many restaurants, we may not be able to get to everyone.
However, we still want to hear your stories: How have regulations changed the way you do business? How has creative thinking made the best of your situation? Do you plan on making any permanent changes even when regulations ease? How can customers... Read more
Governor to sign Executive Order requiring coastal businesses enforce State’s face covering mandate
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Wednesday intentions to sign an Executive Order requiring Maine’s large retail stores, lodging establishments, restaurants, and outdoor bars and tasting rooms in the coastal counties of Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, and York, and in the more populous cities of Bangor and Brewer and Lewiston and Auburn, to enforce the State’s face covering mandate.
The move comes as states across the country in the last week, such as North... Read more
July 1 update: New COVID-19 cases in Knox, Lincoln, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, July 1, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,200 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
Mandy Boucher’s wild journey home from Vietnam
Edgecomb native Mandy Boucher returned home from Hanoi, Vietnam March 28 after just over two years of teaching English as a new language. Boucher’s departure came nearly two months after Vietnam mandated remote learning and teaching; however, as the U.S. was beginning to see cases going up and Italy was approaching its peak, U.S. embassies all over the world were urging citizens to return home.
“My visa was going to be up on April 14 and my school was saying they could renew it along with my... Read more
June 30 update: Maine records 34 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 30, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,200 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
IRS outlines solutions for individuals to pay federal income taxes amid pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. ― The Department of the Treasury and IRS announced Monday the tax filing and payment deadline of July 15 will not be postponed.
Individual taxpayers unable to meet the July 15 due date, however, can request an automatic extension of time to file until Oct. 15.
Due to COVID-19, the original filing deadline and tax payment due date for 2019 was postponed from April 15 to July 15.
The IRS reminds taxpayers filing Form 1040 series returns that they must file Form 4868 by July 15... Read more
UPDATED: 105th COVID-19 death recorded in Maine
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 29, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 105.
The individual was a female resident of Kennebec County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 29 update: Maine's COVID-19 cases rise by 28
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 29, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.There have been more than 3,000 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 across the state since outbreak began in March. A confirmed case means an individual received a positive PCR test result from any approved lab. Probable cases occur when an individual has been in close contact with a positive individual and is symptomatic or an individual has a positive serology test and is either a... Read more
June 28 update: Maine records 37 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 28, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.Today, there are 3,191 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,838 confirmed cases and 353 probable cases. Across the state, 2,577 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 104 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 346.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 24... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records 104th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 27, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 104.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County and is Cumberland’s 60th death.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
UPDATED, June 27 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case, recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 27, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.Today, there are 3,154 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,809 confirmed cases and 345 probable cases. Across the state, 2,566 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 104 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 345.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 24... Read more
There are now nine possible COVID-19 symptoms after the U.S. CDC quietly adds three more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, better known as the U.S. CDC, has quietly added three new potential COVID-19 symptoms, which brings the total number of possible COVID-19 symptoms to nine.
Congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea were all added to the federal agency’s list that also includes fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell,... Read more
June 26 update: Lincoln County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 26, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.Today, there are 3,102 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,758 confirmed cases and 344 probable cases. Across the state, 2,542 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 103 people have died.The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 344.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 25 hospitalized,... Read more
Navigating through COVID-19: Carriage House Restaurant
This is the first part in a series on how our local restaurants are navigating state regulations on health and safety concerning COVID-19. We are doing our best to be inclusive, but with so many restaurants, we may not be able to get to everyone.
However, we still want to hear your stories: How have regulations changed the way you do business? How has creative thinking made the best of your situation? Do you plan on making any permanent changes even when regulations ease? How can customers and... Read more
This is what movie theaters must do to reopen
AUGUSTA — The checklists for businesses falling under Phase 3 of Maine’s reopening plans have been released.
The following is what movie theaters must do to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 3: Movie Theaters
General Guidance
Require all staff, vendors, and visitors to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from individuals who are not part of their household group whenever possible.Require all staff, vendors, and visitors to wear a face covering, per CDC recommendations and... Read more
includes water parks, amusement parks
Outdoor amusement businesses must do this to reopen
AUGUSTA — The checklists for businesses falling under Phase 3 of Maine’s reopening plans have been released.
The following is what outdoor entertainment and amusement businesses, such as water and amusement parks, must do to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 3: Outdoor Amusement
Outdoor entertainment and amusement venues bring people from different households into close contact with each other and have the potential to increase COVID-19 transmission. The primary tools to control the... Read more
UPDATED June 25 update: Lincoln County records COVID-19 recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 25, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.Today, there are 3,070 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,731 confirmed cases and 339 probable cases. Across the state, 2,512 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 103 people have died.The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 343.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 26 hospitalized,... Read more
includes bowling alleys, arcades
Indoor amusement businesses receive guidance to reopen
AUGUSTA — The checklists for businesses falling under Phase 3 of Maine’s reopening plans have been released.
The following is what indoor entertainment and amusement businesses, such as bowling alleys and arcades, must do to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 3: Indoor Amusement
Indoor entertainment and amusement venues bring people from different households into close contact with each other, potentially for a prolonged period, and have the potential to increase COVID-19... Read more
Pemaquid lecture series, July 4 event canceled
The Friends of Colonial Pemaquid (FOCP), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Colonial Pemaquid’s historical significance through the development, support and implementation of educational programs, recently announced the cancellation of its summer Lecture Series in conjunction with Bristol Parks and Recreation Commission, the organization that allowed FOCP to hold the programs in their Learning Center located in Lighthouse Park. The Monday night Lecture Series typically draws 75... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records its 103rd COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 24, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 103.
The individual, a woman in her 90s, was a resident of Cumberland County and is Cumberland’s 59th death.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 24 update: Maine surpasses 3,000 COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 24, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.Today, there are 3,017 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,680 confirmed cases and 337 probable cases. Across the state, 2,490 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 103 people have died.The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 339.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 24 hospitalized,... Read more
June 23 update: Maine records 2,994 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 23, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.Today, there are 2,994 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,655 confirmed cases and 339 probable cases. Across the state, 2,443 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 339.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 24 hospitalized,... Read more
Labor officials promote solutions to help businesses, employees return to work
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Labor is reminding businesses and employees about important policies and programs to support Maine’s workforce during the unprecedented economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
As the economy gradually restarts, the Department noted in a news release workers can have part-time employment and not lose unemployment benefits in their entirety.
Workers who earn less than $5 over their weekly benefit amount remain eligible for partial unemployment benefits.
Plus,... Read more
Westport Island tries for COVID-19 aid
Westport Island is seeking $4,670 in Keep Maine Healthy funds to help spread awareness on, and prevent spread of, COVID-19. Selectmen agreed Monday night to apply.
Deputy Emergency Management Agency Director Gaye Wagner said the town should know in a week or two if it will get the funds from Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. It would be good til Oct. 31, she said.
In the teleconference and an email later, Wagner said the money is for an awning for Municipal Agent Dedee... Read more
After power outage, Maine CDC provides June 22 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — After a power outage caused the delay of Maine CDC data for June 22, the Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,971 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,640 confirmed cases and 331 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,409 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 336.
Looking at... Read more
June 21 update: Knox County records its third COVID-19 hospitalization
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 21, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,957 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,629 confirmed cases and 328 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,391 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 336.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 26 hospitalized,... Read more
June 20 update: Knox County records new COVID-19 case and recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 20, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,938 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,610 confirmed cases and 328 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,380 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 333.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 29 hospitalized,... Read more
June 19 update: Maine records 35 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 19, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,913 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,586 confirmed cases and 327 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,323 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 328.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 26 hospitalized,... Read more
June 18 update: Waldo County records COVID-19 recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 18, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,878 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,555 confirmed cases and 323 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,300 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 323.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 27 hospitalized,... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 deaths statewide hit 102 with Cumberland death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 17, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 102.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 17 update: 2,836 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 17, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,836 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,509 confirmed cases and 327 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,275 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 102 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 323.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 27 hospitalized,... Read more
$52 million awarded to Maine safety net hospitals amid COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Safety net hospitals in Maine have been awarded a total of $52,175,271 to support their efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.
Safety net hospitals treat a disproportionate number of Medicaid beneficiaries, providing large amounts of uncompensated care, and tend to operate on thin profit margins.
The hospitals are:
Cary—$5 million
Central Maine Health Care—$9.7 million
MaineGeneral—$8.1 million
MaineHealth—$5 million
Inland—$5 million... Read more
June 16 update: Waldo County records COVID-19 recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 16, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,819 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,499 confirmed cases and 320 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,233 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 101 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 321.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 30 hospitalized,... Read more
UPDATED: Maine’s COVID-19 death toll reaches 101
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 15, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 101.
The individual was a resident of Androscoggin County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 15 update: Knox County records new, recovered COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 15, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,810 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,495 confirmed cases and 315 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,189 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 101 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 317.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 31 hospitalized,... Read more
June 14 update: 2,793 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 14, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,793 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,486 confirmed cases and 307 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,173 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 100 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 314.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 29 hospitalized,... Read more
June 13 update: New COVID-19 case, recovery for Knox County; hospitalization for Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 13, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,757 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,452 confirmed cases and 305 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,152 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 100 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 313.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 29 hospitalized,... Read more
June 12 update: New COVID-19 case, recovery in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 12, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,721 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,420 confirmed cases and 301 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,105 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 100 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 308.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 32 hospitalized,... Read more
Downeaster to resume weekday round trip between Brunswick and Boston
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced June 9 that the Amtrak Downeaster will begin Phase 1 of Service Restoration beginning June 15, 2020. Service will resume with one round trip on weekdays only between Brunswick, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts: southbound Train 680 and northbound Train 685. Downeaster service has been suspended since April 13, 2020.
A number of protocols and procedures have been implemented to protect the health and safety of passengers and... Read more
June 11 update: New COVID-19 case and recovery in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 11, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,667 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,380 confirmed cases and 287 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,062 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 100 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 308.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 29 hospitalized,... Read more
June 10 update: Waldo County records new COVID-19 case
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 10, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,637 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,350 confirmed cases and 287 probable cases.
Across the state, 2,023 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 100 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 303.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 27 hospitalized,... Read more
UPDATED: Cumberland County individual is Maine’s 100th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 9, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 100.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 9 update: Two COVID-19 recoveries in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 9, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,606 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,322 confirmed cases and 284 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,992 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 100 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 302.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 29 hospitalized,... Read more
Cruising into unknown waters
Memorial Day has come and gone without one of Bill Campbell’s Balmy Days Cruises vessels: Balmy Days, Novelty, Bay Lady, or Miss Boothbay, on the water; without the graceful Schooners Eastwind or Lazy Jack gliding across the bay; or Cap ‘n Fish’s Pink Lady II or Harbor Princess. In mid-June, the Bennie Alice would have been transporting people to Cabbage Island for dinner, outdoor exploration and games.
But this year is like no other for commercial ships with their homeport in Boothbay Harbor... Read more
The Opera House in the time of COVID-19
Stage lights will be coming up again at the Opera House of Boothbay Harbor the night of July 3 when The Boneheads return to the peninsula’s musical arts center for a 7:30 show. It will be the first show since Ireland’s Altan played the House on Feb. 29, and the first since COVID-19 took center stage in all of our lives.
“This is not business as usual, this is business as unusual,” said Executive Director Cathy Sherrill. “There’s some trepidation, but I’m really excited. We’re going to open the... Read more
St. Andrews Village thankful to be virus free
Many of us are asked “How is everyone at the Village?” or “Are the residents okay?” or “Has anyone gotten the virus there?” The outpour of concern for residents is not surprising, as the Village is very much a part of this deeply connected community.
So, how are we? As of today, June 5, we are pleased to report that St. Andrews Village still has no cases of COVID-19. Not only are we happy and relieved about that, we feel good that the proactive steps taken every day are working. While no cases... Read more
June 8 update: New COVID-19 case in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 8, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,588 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,305 confirmed cases and 283 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,891 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 99 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 301.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized,... Read more
New Cumberland County COVID-19 death raises statewide toll to 99
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 7, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 99.
The individuals was a resident of Cumberland County. Further information was not available at publishing time.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 7 update: COVID-19 cases increase by 46 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 7, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,570 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,295 confirmed cases and 275 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,864 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 99 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 298.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 34 hospitalized,... Read more
June 6 update: New COVID-19 case in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 6, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,524 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,253 confirmed cases and 271 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,845 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 98 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 296.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 35 hospitalized,... Read more
Online services available for All Saints by-the-Sea chapel
Out of concern for the health and safety of our summer worshipers, clergy and organists and to be in compliance with government directives and recommendations of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, the Governing Committee of All Saints by-the-Sea summer chapel has decided that in-person services will not be held this summer season. So as to continue to uphold our friends in faith, a weekly online service will be offered with many of our favorite clergy contributing enlightened sermons and prayers,... Read more
Three more COVID-19 deaths raise statewide toll to 98
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 5, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 98.
The individuals were residents, respectively, of Cumberland, Androscoggin and York counties.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 5 update: COVID-19 statewide cases increase by 36
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 5, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,482 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,210 confirmed cases and 272 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,797 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 98 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 293.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 35 hospitalized,... Read more
reopening June 17 with reduced rates; reservations required
Owls Head Transportation Museum reopens to the public
Owls Head Transportation Museum has submitted the following:
After a temporary 3-month closure in response to the ongoing public health crisis, the Owls Head Transportation Museum (OHTM) will officially reopen to the public on Wednesday, June 17. After a careful review of state and national safety guidelines, the museum has implemented temporary service modifications that support the health and wellness of both visitors, members, and employees.
Plan a VisitWith spacious facilities and outdoor... Read more
Governor provides reopening plans for bars, gyms, nail salons
AUGUSTA — The Mills Administration announced additional business reopenings Thursday under the Governor’s rural reopening plan.
Under the update, in 13 counties, tasting rooms and bars may open for outside service and gyms and fitness centers, nail salons, and tattoo and piercing parlors may open with added health and safety precautions beginning on Friday, June 12. These establishments may reopen everywhere in all counties except for York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin Counties.
This update... Read more
All county offices open to public
On June 1, the doors to all county government offices re-opened to public access. Lincoln County Administrator Carrie Kipfer reported offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kipfer told county commissioners June 2 that despite the open doors, there haven’t been many courthouse visitors. “We’ve had a couple surveyors in deeds, and a couple folks needing help in probate, but other than that, not a lot of visitors except for courts,” she said. “There are people in each... Read more
June 4 update: New COVID-19 recoveries again outpace new cases statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 4, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,446 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,181 confirmed cases and 265 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,739 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 95 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 291.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 35 hospitalized,... Read more
Maine becomes last New England state to release localized COVID-19 case data
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has for the first time since the pandemic outbreak released COVID-19 confirmed and probable case data by ZIP code.
Until Wednesday, Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah had resisted numerous requests by media outlets around the state for data to be broken down by towns as other states across the nation do.
In fact, all other states in the New England region have released similar data, as noted by the Bangor Daily News. The BDN noted all other New England states —... Read more
First Congo Wiscasset cancels this year’s Summerfest; fundraising to go on
Another Midcoast summertime favorite, First Congregational Church of Wiscasset’s Summerfest, is off this year. “It is with a heavy heart that the church council, taking into consideration the current circumstances, the guidelines in place, and the well-being of our congregation, volunteers and community, has voted to cancel Summerfest 2020,” Pastor Josh Fitterling wrote Wiscasset Newspaper in text responses Wednesday, June 3.
“As this fundraising effort goes to support many local... Read more
UPDATED: Knox County records its first COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 3, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 95.
The individual, a man in his 70s, was a resident of Knox County and marks the first death of a Knox County resident.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 3 update: New COVID-19 case in Knox County; new recovery in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 3, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,418 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,152 confirmed cases and 266 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,699 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 95 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 285.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 44 hospitalized,... Read more
Selectmen allow WCC limited reopening
Wiscasset Community Center got the go-ahead June 2 from selectmen for a limited reopening of the pool and gymnasium. Meeting by teleconference, the board also authorized a committee to look into making some alterations at the Sunken Garden.
Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud said WCC is again taking reservations for lap swimming. Swimmers will need to shower at home and arrive in their bathing suits because the locker room will be closed to the public. Swimmers must stay in their... Read more
Summer camps set to look different this year
YMCA Camp staff for Central Lincoln County YMCA and Boothbay Region YMCA have been hard at work navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on how summer camp with operate this year. Camp Knickerbocker will be operating this summer, beginning on schedule starting June 15.
Although it has been the Y’s hope and intent to operate summer programs as it always has, the Y realizes that it must make adjustments to its programs and schedules to keep campers, staff, and community safe. With... Read more
Boothbay Railway Village
BRV closed for season, but not for opportunity
Boothbay Railway Village will not open this summer. BRV’s board of directors held off on deciding as long as it could, changing scenarios to reflect Gov. Janet Mills’ latest COVID-19 guidelines.
The final decision was made at the May 21 board meeting. “Ultimately, not opening was what was feasible. We aren’t blessed with easy options here – just the design of our facility; a lot of our buildings are small, our restrooms are small ...,” explained BRV Director of Operations Steve Markowitz. “Our... Read more
UPDATED: Five more COVID-19 deaths statewide increase toll to 94
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, June 2, an additional five COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 94.
Four individuals were residents of Cumberland County and one was a resident of Penobscot County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
June 2 update: Two Lincoln County individuals recover from COVID-19
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 2, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,377 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,118 confirmed cases and 259 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,646 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 94 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 287.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 48 hospitalized,... Read more
North Nobleboro Day canceled
The North Nobleboro Community Association regretfully announces the decision to cancel the 48th annual North Nobleboro Day due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The association made this decision because of the current difficulty of in-person planning for August’s activities and the real possibility of restrictions placed on large gatherings in late summer.
The live and silent auctions, as well as the trash and treasures sale will be canceled, so please save your generous donations until summer of... Read more
June 1 update: New COVID-19 recoveries outpace new cases statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, June 1, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,349 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,093 confirmed cases and 256 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,586 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 89 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 284.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 52 hospitalized,... Read more
May 31 update: 43 new statewide COVID-19 cases announced
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 31, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,325 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,067 confirmed cases and 258 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,552 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 89 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 283.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 49 hospitalized,... Read more
May 30 update: Lincoln County individual recovers from COVID-19
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 30, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,282 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 2,025 confirmed cases and 257 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,505 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 89 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 272.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 46 hospitalized,... Read more
Wiscasset churches further navigate pandemic
Bible Baptist Church pastor Rob Green was excited May 28 for church May 31. He said the Wiscasset church’s new virtual and newer drive-in services have gone very well, but on Sunday, May 31, he would hold the service in the auditorium with the congregation for the first time in more than two months.
“It’s been way too long, so we are all excited,” he said.
And if attendance breaks 50, he will keep to Gov. Janet Mills’ limit and run an FM transmitter out to the parking lot for the other... Read more
UPDATED: Additional Cumberland death raises statewide COVID-19 death toll to 85
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 29, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 85.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 29 update: 2,226 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 29, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,226 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,971 confirmed cases and 255 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,458 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 85 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 270.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 53 hospitalized,... Read more
Boothbay Region High School
BRHS alumna Angel Ames equips Class of 2020 with masks
Thanks to Boothbay Region High School alumna and Seahawk track legend Angel Ames, BRHS seniors will march June 5 with masks to match their caps and gowns. Principal Tricia Campbell announced May 18 students will be marching together and the ceremony will be livestreamed via Boothbay Region TV and covered by the Boothbay Register.
Ames said she is not big on getting a lot of attention. She quickly credited Dean of Students Allan Crocker with the idea for the blue and gold reversible masks. “... Read more
Sec. Dunlap clarifies vehicle registrations provision amid COVID-19
AUGUSTA — Secretary Matthew Dunlap has clarified provisions currently in place regarding vehicle registrations, during the statewide emergency closures and reduction in public services due to pandemic precautionary measures, according to a news release.
On May 26, Governor Janet Mills signed Executive Order #53-A setting guidelines for vehicle registrations during this state of emergency.
According to this order, if a person can register their vehicle through their municipality or Bureau of... Read more
UPDATED: Three more COVID-19 deaths raise statewide toll to 84
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 28, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 84.
The individuals were residents of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 28 update: 2,189 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 28, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,189 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,951 confirmed cases and 228 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,402 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 84 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 264.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 58 hospitalized,... Read more
Maine Judicial Branch releases phased re-opening plan for courts
The Maine Judicial Branch announced May 27 the release of the State of Maine Judicial Branch COVID-19 Phased Management Plan. The plan creates a five-phased process for reopening Maine Courts and is based on the most recent scientific data available from the Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and stakeholder input. The plan is available on the Judicial Branch website here: https://www.courts.maine.gov/covid19/covid-management-plan.pdf
The plan sets out guidelines that must... Read more
Gov. Mills addresses gathering issue for town, school budget meetings
AUGUSTA — During the May 27 daily COVID-19 briefing in Augusta, Governor Janet Mills addressed the issue of gathering for annual town meetings and school budget meetings this summer.
“We’ve been working on additional executive orders regarding elections and public meetings, trying to gauge things as we go,” Mills said.
Ultimately, however, Governor Mills hinted annual town meetings this summer will differ than past years.
“With the gathering rule in effect [...] we don’t want people to... Read more
Stable Gallery closed for 2020
In the interest of good health, Stable Gallery partners have decided to cancel their 2020 season.
As Priscilla McCandless wrote to the participating artists, ‘It was a difficult decision to make because we have been dedicated to sharing fine craft and art for the last 14 years. However, we decided to err on the side of caution.”
The partners considered a shorter season but in the end, the number of art objects to be managed and cleaned regularly was too daunting. Rules for gatherings... Read more
UPDATED: Two more deaths raise statewide COVID-19 death toll to 81
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 27, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 81.
The individuals were residents of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 27 update: Lincoln County individual recovers from COVID-19
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 27, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,137 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,914 confirmed cases and 223 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,357 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 81 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 260.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 59 hospitalized,... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 statewide death toll rises to 79
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 26, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 79.
The individual, a male in his 80s, was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 26 update: 2,109 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 26, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,109 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,894 confirmed cases and 215 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,318 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 79 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 258.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 60 hospitalized,... Read more
focusing on pending procedures and office visits that were postponed in March
MaineHealth establishes safety protocols, sets priorities for bringing back some services amid COVID-19
MaineHealth has announced enhanced safety measures and set criteria for which patients would be seen as it restores some services in accordance with state guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our top priority as we start to restore services will be the safety of our patients, care team members and the larger community,” said Joan Boomsma, MD, chief medical officer of MaineHealth, in a news release. “We will continue with masking and take a number of other steps at our facilities to... Read more
Wiscasset eateries adjust to changing rules
Wiscasset’s eateries are gradually reopening or opening for the season as the state allows, according to interviews and the businesses’ Facebook pages.
Red’s Eats is gearing up to open May 30. Co-owner Debbie Gagnon noted multiple safety precautions are now in place and she even has 12 employees who are certified ServSafe. Another counter has been added to have customers further from the ordering window. There will also be plenty of signage encouraging social distancing, and plenty of hand... Read more
May 25 update: 2,074 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 25, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,074 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,858 confirmed cases and 216 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,290 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 78 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 257.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 59 hospitalized,... Read more
Boothbay Farmers’ Market begins season
The Boothbay Farmers’ Market opened for another season with 27 members selling a variety of vegetables, plants, coffees and beers. It was a lot like past markets except for one major difference. This year’s is the first Lin the COVID-19 era. Fifteen tents assembled May 21 on Boothbay Common for the local Farmers’ Market’s first day. This is Dan Sortwell’s 12th year at the market. He owns Big Barn Coffee. For merchants like Sortwell, a farmers’ market is an ideal place to sell his roasted coffee... Read more
After delay, Maine CDC announces new COVID-19 case in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — After a delay in releasing updated data by the promised deadline, the Maine CDC has updated its list, May 24, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,055 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,845 confirmed cases and 210 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,263 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 78 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 252.
Looking... Read more
COVID-19 statewide death toll increases to 78
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 24, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 78.
The individual was a resident of York County and, according to WGME, a male in his 60s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
UPDATED: Two additional COVID-19 deaths recorded; statewide toll hits 77
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 23, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 77.
Both individuals were residents of Cumberland County and, according to WABI, were a woman in her 80s and a man in his 70s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 23 update: New COVID-19 case in Lincoln County; recovery in Knox County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 23, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 2,013 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,804 confirmed cases and 209 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,232 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 77 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 243.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 50 hospitalized,... Read more
Gov. Mills issues two flag lowering directives, effective immediately
AUGUSTA — In accordance with directives from the President, Governor Janet Mills ordered Friday the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on Sunday, May 24 in solemn remembrance of the victims of the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Mills also ordered that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff Monday, May 25, until noon in honor of Memorial Day.
The Governor issued the following statement:
“COVID-19 has taken the... Read more
Maine CDC corrects death toll data
UPDATED: Two more COVID-19 deaths announced; statewide toll hits 75
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 22, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 75.
One individual was a resident of Kennebec County and one of Aroostook County.
The Maine CDC erroneously initially reported three new deaths for a total of 76. The error, according to WGME, occurred due to a coding error.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC... Read more
May 22 update: 1,948 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 22, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,948 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,749 confirmed cases and 199 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,192 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 76 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 240.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 45 hospitalized,... Read more
May 21 update: New COVID-19 cases in Lincoln, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 21, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,877 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,678 confirmed cases and 199 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,145 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 73 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 235.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 41 hospitalized,... Read more
May 20 update: 1,819 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 20, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,819 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,632 confirmed cases and 187 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,110 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 73 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 231.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 43 hospitalized,... Read more
UPDATED: Maine CDC announces three more COVID-19 deaths, retracts one
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 19, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 73.
The individuals were residents of Cumberland County.
Additionally, the Maine CDC is retracting the passing of a Cumberland County man in his 90s that the Maine CDC has determined had recovered from COVID-19 before passing of unrelated COVID-19 reasons.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has... Read more
May 19 update: COVID-19 recovery in Waldo County, hospitalization in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 19, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,741 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,561 confirmed cases and 180 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,088 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 73 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 225.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 44 hospitalized,... Read more
Selectmen resume budget work
Woolwich reopens town office, with precautions
The Woolwich Select Board reopened the town office to the public and resumed work on the 2020-2021 budget Monday afternoon. If COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings are lifted, the annual town meeting could be held this summer, possibly in July or August. The town has cancelled its annual Memorial Day service.
“We hope that people will find a special way to remember the day and all it stands for,” Debbie Locke of the Special Events Committee wrote the board
The town office is open from 9... Read more
Closed for the season
The following businesses will not open for summer 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Business owners who wish to be listed may send an email, with or without an explanation, to news@boothbayregister.com
Hendricks Hill Museum, Southport: After careful consideration, the trustees voted not to open the museum to the public this summer due to the current COVID-19 social distancing requirements. We look forward to re-opening during the summer of 2021, will continue to work on projects that... Read more
Boothbay Harbor Country Club opens for golf season
Boothbay Harbor Country Club golfers got into the swing of things May 15 as their local course opened. Maine courses were closed until May 1 under Gov. Janet Mills’ “Stay at Home” order due to the coronavirus. Courses reopened as part of the governor’s four-stage reopening plan. But BHCC golfers had to wait until May 15 because that is the course’s traditional opening date. The course is starting later than most. but BHCC Director of Golf and Membership Chad Penman reported the country club is... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 statewide death toll rises to 71 with another Cumberland death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 18, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 71.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 18 update: 1,713 statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 18, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,713 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,533 confirmed cases and 180 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,053 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 71 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 223.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 42 hospitalized,... Read more
Honor Flight Maine suspends travel until Aug. 31
In response to CDC directives and guidance regarding COVID-19, the Honor Flight Network has advised all hubs to suspend Honor Flight travel, nation-wide, through Aug. 31, 2020.
Honor Flight Maine has received many calls inquiring about Maine trips for the remainder of 2020. Honor Flight Maine has planned flights for late summer and fall however, these flights will only take off with approval from the Honor Flight Network. The safety and well-being of our veterans, guardians, volunteers and... Read more
Hall of Fame suspends 2020 activities
On Thursday, May 14, the Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors held a Zoom board meeting and decided to suspend all MSHF activities for 2020 due to the coronavirus.
The only function that will be tended to is to ask the school athletic administrators to give us names of two female and two male student-athletes from their school to be considered for the Female and Male Athletes of the Year. Later on this year the board will meet to decide on the 2020 Female and Male Athlete of the... Read more
Year-round businesses reopening
“Gov. Mills’ announcement made it a whole new ball game,” said Janson’s Clothing Store owner Betty Jeanne Maddocks in response to Gov. Janet Mills’ decision to move up the opening date for non-essential businesses from June 1 to May 11. This new date applied to all counties that did not have community transmission.
“There are parameters, but just being able to open the door is huge,” Maddocks said.
Those parameters included basing the number of customers in a store at one time on the square... Read more
Lincoln Arts Festival board cancels July and August events
The Lincoln Arts Festival Board of Directors regrets to announce it will not be holding its scheduled events for July and August 2020. The July events scheduled at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor were Jazz Church Service and Edgewater Duo with Dean Zhang. August events at the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor were Danny Lyons, Bell Ringer and Lincoln Festival Chorus concerts. The Arts and Yachts Exhibition and Sale at Hodgdon Yachts on Southport has also been cancelled.
As... Read more
May 17 update: One COVID-19 case subtracted from Knox total; Knox individual recovers
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 17, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,687 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,511 confirmed cases and 176 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,028 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 70 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 216.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized,... Read more
UPDATED: 35th Cumberland County COVID-19 death raises statewide toll to 70
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 16, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 70.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County, and, according to WABI, was a man in his 90s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 16 update: New COVID-19 case in Lincoln County; recovery in Knox County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 16, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,648 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,447 confirmed cases and 171 probable cases.
Across the state, 1,012 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 70 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 214.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized,... Read more
May 15 update: New COVID-19 cases in Knox, Lincoln counties; recoveries in Knox, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 15, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,603 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,437 confirmed cases and 166 probable cases.
Across the state, 993 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 69 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 211.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 35 hospitalized,... Read more
Gallery of smiles for WES students
In the Wiscasset Elementary School courtyard May 14, photographs of staff were holding strong in the wind. The photographs, posted on trees, had kind, encouraging messages.
MPA outlines summer athletic plans
The following is a summary of items that were recently approved or discussed by the MPA Interscholastic Management Committee at its May 7 meeting, as provided by the MPA:
The following timeline is to be established for summer activities:
That through June 13, which is the close of the 2020 spring season, we continue to encourage all coaches to communicate with athletes in their program regarding their health and well-being, encouraging them to remain active, and to maintain a healthy life-... Read more
Mills administration allows lodging reservations for future stays
AUGUSTA: The Mills Administration announced that, effective immediately, Maine lodging providers can begin accepting future reservations for stays with an arrival date of June 1st and beyond for Maine residents and for non-residents who comply with the State’s 14-day quarantine requirement.
A previous Executive Order prohibited such reservations. The change comes amid ongoing collaboration between the Mills Administration and Maine’s tourism and hospitality sectors to identify innovative and... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 statewide death toll climbs by three to 69
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 14, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 69.
Two of the individuals were residents of Cumberland County, while one was a resident of Penobscot County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 14 update: 1,565 statewide COVID-19 cases reported
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 14, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,565 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,405 confirmed cases and 160 probable cases.
Across the state, 958 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 69 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 207.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized,... Read more
Online programs and concerts planned for 2020 season
Salt Bay Chamberfest has announced the cancellation of its 2020 summer festival, following Governor Janet Mills’ guidelines regarding COVID-19. The organization says it is striving to help ensure the health and safety of the local community, as so many other performing arts organizations across the nation have also done.
“Being here on Maine’s wondrous coast is to experience what is sublime in nature and what is fleeting in life,” said Artistic and Executive Director Wilhelmina Smith. “Music,... Read more
Blood donors needed amid COVID-19 outbreak
In times of need, people come together to support one another. The American Red Cross is asking for healthy individuals to step up to help patients experiencing health crises by donating blood or platelets.
As COVID-19 continues to affect everyday life, people may not be thinking about blood donation. But blood and platelets are needed daily to help patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. Donating blood is an easy way to care for each other and ensure hospitals have the blood... Read more
Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association and NAMI Maine
Groups promoting fishermen’s mental health and wellness
Maine’s commercial fishermen are familiar with uncertainty and uncontrollable circumstances under normal conditions, but the level of ambiguity and the impact of the current pandemic have heightened worries and concern regarding their businesses and the future of their industry. The collapse of the seafood industry throughout the United States and the world has affected Maine’s commercial fishing businesses, from the fishermen themselves to the bait, gear, fuel, and storage businesses who rely... Read more
Ninth annual Harbor Fest canceled
Lori Reynolds, organizer of the annual Harbor Fest event in Boothbay Harbor, has announced that the ninth annual, late summer, 10-day event (Sept. 3-12) has been canceled for 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement to her supporters and friends on Tuesday, Reynolds said, “I had been holding out hope that this would not become necessary, but I am writing to let you know that I will be announcing the cancellation of the ninth annual Harbor Fest later this week. I wanted the Fest... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 death toll rises to 66 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 13, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 66.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 13 update: 1,515 statewide COVID-19 cases reported
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 13, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,515 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,372 confirmed cases and 143 probable cases.
Across the state, 943 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 66 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 204.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 41 hospitalized,... Read more
From the assistant editor
Don’t rain on this parade
Nothing but what the seniors’ older siblings and cousins got for a Wiscasset graduation will look or feel exactly right. That big day and then the moving on with their diplomas and lives are the prizes high schoolers have their eyes on for years. And until this year, it didn’t, in Wiscasset, include fireworks, a parade in town and the principal going around in a cart in the parking lot to present the diplomas.
But when you think about it, or at least when I do, what it will be, although quite... Read more
May 12 update: Waldo County individual recovers from COVID-19; 1,477 cases statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 12, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,477 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,338 confirmed cases and 139 probable cases.
Across the state, 913 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 65 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 202.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 34 hospitalized,... Read more
Maine’s summer book fair canceled
Every day, Maine summer events are being canceled due to concerns about contributing to the spread of COVID-19. On Friday, May 8, Maine’s Summer Book Fair: Books In Boothbay was placed on this running cancellations list.
The event committee – Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library Director Joanna Breen, assistant director of community engagement & nonprofit management Desiree Scorcia, longtime Books In Boothbay organizer Sharon Pulkkinen and Cheryl Blaydon – made the decision.
Breen said there... Read more
Wiscasset students’ video thanks teachers
When Wiscasset Middle High School junior Kyle Ricker and fellow student council members made their new YouTube video thanking teachers, it wasn’t in response to the videos the two schools’ staff have made, he said. It was to thank them during National Teacher Appreciation Week for the “really great job” they’ve done.
“They’ve been checking in on us, and just caring,” Ricker said in a phone interview Sunday. They’re in the same kind of situation as us, but they’ve been doing a lot to reach out... Read more
This is what restaurants must do before reopening May 18
Restaurants in 12 of Maine’s 16 counties can reopen for business beginning Monday, May 18 so long as they follow a set of guidelines appearing below.
Under the newly released plan by Governor Janet Mills, restaurants will be permitted to open in-store dining operations, with enhanced safety precautions, in counties where community transmission is not present.
Those counties are Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records 65th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 11, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 65.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 11 update: Knox County records new COVID-19 case, additional recovery
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 11, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,462 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,328 confirmed cases and 134 probable cases.
Across the state, 872 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 65 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 200.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized,... Read more
Maine Medical Center
MaineHealth program aims to keep Mainers covered when a COVID-19 job loss means losing health insurance
Portland, Maine – With thousands of Mainers losing jobs and, often, employer-sponsored health insurance during the recent COVID-19 outbreak, leaders of a program at MaineHealth want people to know that assistance is available to connect them with resources to obtain new coverage and find affordable options for care.
The MaineHealth Access to Care Team specializes in assisting patients in getting the coverage and care they need. With more than 100,000 Mainers out of work due to the COVID-19... Read more
Wiscasset Community Center eyes June 1 reopening
Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Director Duane Goud and the rest of the Wiscasset Community Center team have been working hard to make sure they are ready to go when state restrictions start to ease.
Even down to three full-time workers, the staff have been very busy. During the closure in March and April, staff completed extensive cleaning, refinished the gym floor, raked and cleaned up the outside grounds, refreshed carpets, sealed and waxed tile floors, and more. Goud said they treated the... Read more
May 10 update: Maine’s COVID-19 cases rise to 1,436
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 10, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,436 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,312 confirmed cases and 124 probable cases.
Across the state, 861 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 64 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 199.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 36 hospitalized,... Read more
These are the steps retail shops must take to reopen
Retail shops in 12 of Maine’s 16 counties can reopen for business beginning Monday, May 11 so long as they follow a set of guidelines (appearing below).
Under the newly released plan by Governor Janet Mills, retail stores will be permitted to open in-store operations, with enhanced safety precautions, in counties where community transmission is not present.
Those counties are Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and... Read more
Maine Community Foundation awards $110,000 in grants to support animal welfare organizations
Maine organizations that support animal welfare have been awarded $110,000 in grants as part of the Maine Community Foundation’s COVID-19 crisis response.
“These 16 grants support animal shelters, humane societies, and pet rescue and adoption services across the state that are responding to increased demand for pet food and supplies, increased surrenders and need for sheltering due to the virus and increased need for financial support for medical needs,” said Director of Grantmaking Laura Lee... Read more
Educate Maine, Joe Bornstein team up to support students and bookstores
Schools may be closed, but Educate Maine and the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein are teaming up to get books into the hands of students studying remotely.
The 2020 Maine Books Challenge is designed to help educate Maine students who are home from school while also supporting local bookstores. In addition to Internet connectivity and meals, educators say books are what students need most right now.
Every $10 donation is counted as one book and gift certificates can be purchased online to a... Read more
Waldo County records its 14th COVID-19 death, statewide toll hits 64
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 9, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 64.
The individual was a resident of Waldo County and, according to WGME, was a woman in her 80s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 9 update: Lincoln County individual recovers from COVID-19; 1,408 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 9, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,408 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,287 confirmed cases and 121 probable cases.
Across the state, 857 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 64 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 198.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 43 hospitalized,... Read more
Community garden guidelines during COVID-19
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering guidelines for community gardens during the COVID-19 outbreak based on CDC recommendations.
Community Garden Guidelines in the Time of Social Distancing includes recommendations for at-risk individuals, how to support social distancing, manage the numbers of gardeners, and suggested changes for garden operations and routine maintenance during the growing season.
Resources include UMaine Extension publications and videos, guidance... Read more
Red Cloak Tours introduces ‘TeleTours’
Red Cloak Tours is offering a new product that will allow small groups or families in Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, and other Maine locations to enjoy a personalized, guided outdoor adventure while learning about history and/or mystery, all while staying within COVID-19 distance and safety guidelines.
The new 30-40 minute TeleTours will be walking tours done by telephone on speaker as a Red Cloak guide narrates the folklore, history and sometimes ghostly tales of each area. The TeleTours will be... Read more
Governor announces new reopening plans for Knox, Lincoln, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced May 8 a rural reopening plan aimed at reopening certain additional businesses in rural Maine over the course of the next two weeks with added health and safety measures.
The plan comes after Governor Mills stated last week that her Administration was considering opportunities for regional variation as part of its Restarting Maine’s Economy plan.
It also follows the announcement of a partnership with IDEXX Laboratories that will more than triple the... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 statewide death toll rises to 63
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 8, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 63.
The individual was a resident of Hancock County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 8 update: New COVID-19 cases in Knox, Lincoln counties; a recovery in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 8, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,374 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,246 confirmed cases and 110 probable cases.
Across the state, 836 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 63 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 194.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 44 hospitalized,... Read more
Takeout food in Boothbay, Wiscasset regions
As Maine restaurants face a climb back to a semblance of normality, many that have remained open or opened back up are handling business differently. We want to keep you all updated with the latest information on who is open and how you can order. Call the establishments to ask about menus, curbside or takeout service and whether or not delivery service is available. As always, if we’ve missed your business or if plans have changed, please email news@boothbayregister.com
Barbara Scully's... Read more
The Last Responders
The priest quickly pulled on a black clergy shirt and a white clerical collar.
Moments earlier, Rev. Benjamin Shambaugh received an emergency call from Mercy Hospital in Portland.
“They wanted me to see a patient who was dying of COVID,” said Shambaugh, Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral, an Episcopal church located across from the State Street hospital.
That Feb. 27 morning marked the final time Shambaugh would administer last rites to a dying hospital patient during the ongoing pandemic.
Suited... Read more
#MyTravelPledge campaign to benefit COVID-19 ‘frontliners’
The main aims of the #MyTravelPledge campaign are threefold: Give something for healthcare workers to look forward to, and boost morale, at this hugely difficult time; give property owners some hope that their tourism businesses might have a future when travel restrictions are lifted, and invite travelers to start visiting New England and Spain and other European countries again once the crisis abates.
Mark Osborn and Buzz Makarewicz, owners of Topside Inn of Boothbay Harbor, are participating... Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 testing capacity to be more than tripled in ‘game changer’
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced May 7 her Administration has secured a major expansion of COVID-19 testing for the State of Maine.
The Administration has partnered with Maine-based IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. to purchase enough of the company’s recently authorized COVID-19 testing kits to more than triple the State’s testing capacity, according to a news release.
The breakthrough will soon allow anyone in Maine suspected of having COVID-19 to receive a test, per the release.
IDEXX, a... Read more
May 7 update: Two recover from COVID-19 in Waldo County; statewide cases reach 1,330
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 7, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,330 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,231 confirmed cases and 99 probable cases.
Across the state, 787 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 62 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 192.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 39... Read more
Gov. Mills establishes committee to advise on Maine’s economic recovery
Governor Janet Mills announced May 6 she is convening an Economic Recovery Committee charged with developing recommendations to mitigate the damage to Maine’s economy caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to jumpstart a long-term economic recovery for Maine people, businesses, and organizations.
The 37 member Committee — co-chaired by Laurie Lachance, former Maine State Economist and President of Thomas College in Waterville, and Josh Broder, CEO of Tilson — includes representatives of... Read more
Thank you, Hannaford!
A blast of horns from 30 to 40 cars, a poignant “Thank You” message read over a public address system, thank you signs posted on a sandwich board, cardboard and windshields provided a moving show of support to Boothbay Harbor Hannaford employees Wednesday morning, May 6.
Organized by Sue Burge, Jane Carpenter, Nancy Van Dyke and others who wanted to thank and recognize the Hannaford employees for being on the front line during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the thankful customers of the... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 deaths rise to 62 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 6, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 62.
The individual was a resident of York County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 6 update: New COVID-19 cases in Knox, Lincoln counties; one recovery in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 6, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,254 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,174 confirmed cases and 80 probable cases.
Across the state, 766 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 62 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 191.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37... Read more
https://vimeo.com/415231338
Maine Tourism Association talks about pandemic challenges in new video
The Maine Tourism Association (MTA), the organization that represents all segments of Maine’s largest industry, has released a video of members talking about the challenges of the pandemic crisis, what they are doing to survive the current situation, and their optimism about an eventual recovery.
The release of the video, “Voices of Maine Tourism,” coincides with the start of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual celebration created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the economic... Read more
Thank a nurse this National Nurses Week, May 6-12
As we all work to flatten the COVID-19 curve by staying home and taking precautions when we do need to go out, our healthcare providers are busy helping those of us who need medical attention. It has perhaps never been a better time to thank nurses and show appreciation for their dedication to personal and public health during National Nurses Week.
The Speakers for Nurses organization said this year’s theme is “compassion, expertise and trust.” LincolnHealth nurses Lori Grinnell and Deb Burch... Read more
N-95 masks on way to Lincoln County towns
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has created a shortage of available personal protective equipment, but Lincoln County is on track to receive 141 ENVO N-95 masks. Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens announced the department was buying masks in bulk for towns. Each mask cost $128 and municipalities would reimburse the department. On May 5, Lincoln County Commissioners approved using emergency funds to front the purchase. Stevens estimated the total cost around $11,000.... Read more
Pandemic forces organizers to take a different route to celebrate rural life
Common Ground Fair to go virtual this year; back on the ground in 2021
UNITY — One of Maine’s favorite agricultural events, the Common Ground Fair, will be going virtual this September.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) has been holding its annual September fair since 1977, first in Litchfield, then Windsor, and now at its permanent home in Unity. In recent years, it has been attracting more than 60,000 visitors each September to the much anticipated Unity celebration of rural Maine life.
But this year, the COVID-19 pandemic is... Read more
Postal Service extends Hold Mail service
As some local residents and businesses remain absent from homes and storefronts across the northeast, they may also be socially distanced from their mailbox. So what happens to that mail delivery that you put on hold?
The Postal Service’s Hold Mail service is designed for customers who plan on being away from their home or business for up to 30 days. For many displaced by local conditions, those holds are set to expire, putting weeks of business mail or household correspondence at risk of... Read more
UPDATED: Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises to 61
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 5, an additional four COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 61.
Two of the individuals were residents of Kennebec County and two were residents of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 5 update: COVID-19 cases rise to 1,226 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 5, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,226 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,150 confirmed cases and 76 probable cases.
Across the state, 741 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 61 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 187.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 36... Read more
Fireworks, parade through town part of WMHS graduation June 11
A week after announcing an outdoor graduation June 11, Wiscasset Middle High School on Tuesday announced the following details: Where: WMHS Upper Parking LotWhen: June 11, 2020 7-9 p.m.All aspects of the ceremony will be live-streamed, and filmed.*(50 person max rule – If the governor allows us to march in using social distancing from the parking lot by cafeteria doors. Using the recommended 12-foot by 15-foot guidelines to ensure safe distances.) Graduates would march to the assigned vehicle... Read more
Senator Collins warns of coronavirus texting scam
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins is warning Mainers to be on alert for criminals attempting to use fraudulent text messages about COVID-19 to gain access to their personal information.
Through this scam, which was reported by the Thomaston Police Department after an officer was targeted, criminals are sending text messages alleging that the recipient has come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has exhibited symptoms. The message recommends that the... Read more
Westport Island town office staff to keep working remotely for safety
Westport Island selectmen agreed via UberConference call Monday night, as state agencies the town works with are still working remotely under Gov. Janet Mills’ first stage of restarting Maine’s economy, the town office staff can also.
Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Emergency Management Agency Director Gaye Wagner said staff met via Zoom last week to discuss what they felt most comfortable with. “We talked about lots of adaptations we might be able to make to allow some foot traffic at the town... Read more
Edgecomb juggling election season schedule due to coronavirus
Edgecomb selectmen are mulling when to reschedule the annual town meeting. Gov. Janet Mills’ continued “Stay Safer at Home” order bars groups of 50 or larger in gathering in public spaces until at least the end of May. This means Edgecomb’s May 16 town meeting is postponed, but on May 4, selectmen didn't really know what day to reschedule the municipal election and annual town meeting. The state Secretary of State’s office rescheduled the June Primary to July 14. Town officials are hoping to... Read more
Healthy Kids, Maine Children’s Trust to launch new digital campaign
Healthy Kids has partnered with Maine Children’s Trust to launch a new digital campaign to help Maine parents navigate the challenges of parenting, especially amid the current uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak. The campaign, titled In It Together Maine, aims to connect Maine parents with local parenting resources that will support them through this difficult time.
Parenting is hard under normal circumstances, but in crisis situations it’s even harder. The onset of the... Read more
Northern New England YMCAs innovate to meet critical community needs during COIVD-19
Throughout its 160-year history, the YMCA has supported communities through incredible challenges, including world wars, economic recessions, and public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA continues to innovate to meet critical needs and wants everyone to know: We’re here for good.
The YMCAs of Northern New England continue to mobilize staff, volunteers, community partners and financial resources to provide critical services during the pandemic, including childcare for... Read more
Thoughts from the front lines during the pandemic
The ambulance comes to a stop. The doors fly open and I rush out wearing my protective suit. Thermometer in hand I reach the patient. “How to you do feel? Do you have a fever? Is it difficult to breathe?” I fire questions in rapid succession, not giving her time to absorb my appearance in the giant white suit and face mask. “When did this start? Have you been out of the country? Have you been near anyone sick?” I continue my assault. Finally, I slow down and take my first breath and see the... Read more
letter to the editor
No antibody tests yet at LincolnHealth
Dear Editor:
We have been hearing many members of the public asking for an antibody test, only to be disappointed when learning that such a test is not available yet at LincolnHealth.
According to Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav Shah, MD, there are now more than 150 antibody tests on the market, most of which have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Shah also cautioned about the usefulness of the data.
“It’s generally not advisable to get... Read more
May 4 update: Lincoln County individual recovers from COVID-19
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 4, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,205 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,136 confirmed cases and 69 probable cases.
Across the state, 720 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 57 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 186.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37... Read more
Strawberry festival canceled
The last Saturday in June has for the last 67 years been the traditional day in Wiscasset for huge and delicious strawberry shortcakes, dipped berries, strawberry ice cream, and fresh-picked berries to buy. It has been a cheery, family-friendly event that has long signaled the start of the summer season in Midcoast Maine.
Unfortunately, given the need to adapt to pandemic avoidance behaviors, St. Philip’s Church in Wiscasset will be suspending its tradition for now. Looking forward to a joyous... Read more
The year without a Windjammer Days
“It is with a heavy heart and the utmost regard for health and safety that we have made the difficult decision to cancel Windjammer Days 2020. This pandemic has brought to light all that we at Friends of Windjammers are grateful for: long held traditions, seafaring history, the art of boat building, the passion of sailing captains, the dedication of amazing volunteers, a town full of hospitality and caring people, and the sweet joy of nostalgia. We look forward to Windjammer Days 2021 and... Read more
Wiscasset grandmother gathers volunteers, interest for potential summer prom
In a Facebook announcement and a Wiscasset Newspaper phone interview, Cheryl Kaplan is being clear about the possible prom she is organizing for members of Wiscasset Middle High School’s Class of 2020: It is in no way connected to the school; and her holding it depends on how far state measures about the coronavirus are rolled back this summer.
She is thinking the event would need to be by the end of July “because kids will start going off to college or the service, or wherever ... All the... Read more
2020 Boothbay Harbor lobster boat races canceled
Event organizer Ashlee Lowery announced Sunday, May 3 that the 35th annual Charles Begin Memorial Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races, scheduled for June 20, will be canceled this year, in conjunction with many other local events, due to the recent pandemic.
“We are pleased to say that during this unprecedented time, we are able to support the community that always donates to the maritime event,” said Lowery. “The Charles Begin Memorial Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races will be making... Read more
Another Wiscasset video hit! School staff reach out to students again
Wiscasset school staff have another hit on their hands. And this one’s got Cindy Collamore on horseback telling jokes.
The first video sending students positive messages and music during the pandemic debuted on YouTube April 6 and had 1,884 views as of Sunday night, May 3. A second video, with some music plus kind comments and sharing what staff have been doing, debuted last week on Vimeo. As before, a link was shared at wiscassetschools.org. And by Sunday night, the new video was up to 459... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 deaths in Maine rise to 57
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 3, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 57.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County, and, according to WGME, was a man in his 90s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 3 update: Maine’s COVID-19 cases reach 1,185
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 3, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,185 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 706 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 57 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 183.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 33 hospitalized, including 18 in critical care and 12 on a ventilator. There are 180... Read more
UPDATED: Maine’s COVID-19 deaths increase to 56 as Waldo County records another death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 2, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 56.
The individual was a resident of Waldo County, and, according to WMTW, was a woman in her 80s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 2 update: COVID-19 cases reach 1,152 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 2, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,152 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 689 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 56 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 181.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 36 hospitalized, including 19 in critical care and 10 on a ventilator. There are 160... Read more
SMCC offers workforce training programs for people affected by COVID-19
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is offering short-term workforce training programs aimed at providing in-demand skills training for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, SMCC’s Workforce Development Department is offering:
Online Pharmacy Technician Training. This 16-week program will prepare students for national certification and employment in the growing pharmacy technician field.
500 free Professional Education Online licenses. These licenses provide access to... Read more
School community takes in Wiscasset’s graduation plans
Viewers at wiscassetnewspaper.com checked out Principal Charles Lomonte’s letter to Wiscasset Middle High School seniors’ families in big numbers – 4,000-plus in the first few days. And over the week, Wiscasset Newspaper reached out by text, email and phone to two longtime WMHS staff members and a senior and her father for their thoughts on the plans for graduation June 11.
“I have been very impressed by what the administration has lined up for our seniors,” Technology Coordinator/VHS Site... Read more
Poland Spring, Maine Tourism Association create Maine Tourism Relief Fund
The Maine Tourism Association and Poland Spring® 100% Natural Spring Water, part of the Nestlé Waters family, today announced the official launch of “The Maine Tourism Relief Fund, Founded by Poland Spring and the Maine Tourism Association.” Thanks to a generous donation of $100,000 by Poland Spring and the work of the Maine Tourism Association, one-time grants will be made available to Maine’s tourism businesses and employees who have been impacted by a loss of business, or decrease in income... Read more
Wiscasset Ambulance Service: Seek care for medical emergencies
COVID-19 aka the coronavirus has certainly upended our way of life and will likely continue to do so for some time to come. It is hard to keep up with information concerning the virus as new data is being released every day, sometimes contradicting data or information that was released only a couple of days before.
In some parts of the country and in some segments of society, COVID-19 has been devastating. However, across the country an equally devastating trend is also developing. People who... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 death toll rises to 55 as Waldo, Cumberland counties report new deaths
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 1, an additional two COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 55.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
May 1 update: COVID-19 testing data from the Maine CDC
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 1, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,123 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 657 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 55 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 177.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized, including 17 in critical care and nine on a ventilator. There are 171... Read more
Maine elections coalition files petition to Governor to ensure safe, secure voting
On April 6, the League of Women Voters of Maine joined 12 other advocacy organizations committed to protecting the safety of voters, poll location workers, and the election process. The organizations forwarded suggestions to state government that called upon changes to the ways in which registration, absentee voting, and in-person voting are conducted.
On April 10, Governor Mills signed an Executive Order to postpone the June primary until July 14th. The LWVME supported this decision and... Read more
Keeping smiles on residents’ faces at Lincoln Home
Many of the staff members are reviving past talents and skills to provide extras for the residents at Lincoln Home and Harbor View Cottage. Decorating, Zoom computer gatherings, FaceTime, and window visits with families, special meals, ice cream sandwiches, hair appointments, foot soaks, and anything at all the staff can do to cheer a resident, they happily fit into their already busy schedule. Making a resident’s day, always makes a staff person’s day.
Visit www.lincoln-home.org for... Read more
These are the steps businesses must take to reopen
In order to open whether May 1 or in a later phase, Maine businesses must commit to complying with the requirements of these checklists by filling out a short online form.
In addition to completing the form, business owners are asked to download a general checklist, for all industries, and an industry-specific checklist, to identify best practices for safely operating your business during COVID-19.
“Please note these checklists may be updated as new information about COVID-19 or safe business... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 death toll climbs to 53 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 30, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 53.
The individual, a woman in her 50s, was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 30 update: New COVID-19 case in Lincoln County; two recover in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 30, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 1,095 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 631 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 53 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 170.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 35 hospitalized, including 18 in critical care and eight on a ventilator. There... Read more
Cloth face coverings are not a replacement for adhering to physical distancing protocols.
Governor offers additional details on face masks, Phase I of Maine’s re-opening plan
Following her announcement Tuesday that she would extend Maine’s stay-at-home order, Governor Janet Mills today issued a “Stay Safer at Home” Executive Order, according to a news release.
The new order continues to have Maine people stay at home with the same established exceptions for permitted activities, such as occasional grocery shopping or exercising. However, it now also allows Maine people to visit businesses or participate in activities deemed safe to open under Stage 1 of the... Read more
Maine Boat and Home Show canceled for August 2020
ROCKLAND — It is with great sadness that Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors has cancelled its 2020 Maine Boat & Home Show in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, said the magazine, in an April 29 statement.
Held every summer on the Rockland waterfront since 2003, the show is hosted by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine. The largest in-the-water boat show north of Boston, the three-day event draws thousands of people to Rockland over the second weekend in August, according to the... Read more
Windjammer Days 2020 canceled
The 58th Windjammer Days Festival set for June 21-29 was canceled Wednesday, April 29.
According to Capt. Pete Ripley, board member of Friends of Windjammer Days, the decision was made after Gov. Janet Mills announced her four-part plan to reopen the state.
“There’s no way we can keep crowds down to less than 50 people,” Ripley said. “Here’s looking toward 2021.”
Ripley said there was a possibility the Blessing of the Fleet could still happen. It was added to the WJD Festival after the... Read more
UPDATED: Maine records 52nd COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 29, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 52.
The individual, a female in her 70s, was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 29 update: Knox County records new COVID-19 case; 1,056 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 29, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.Today, there are 1,056 cases confirmed across the state. Across the state, 615 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 52 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 166.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 32 hospitalized, including 17 in critical care and seven on a ventilator. There are... Read more
North Atlantic Blues Festival canceled amid pandemic
ROCKLAND — Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 North Atlantic Blues Festival slated to be held in mid-July in Rockland has been canceled. “This is something that we gave alot of thought and decided that this is the right thing to do,” said Paul Benjamin, who co-produces the annual music festival. The festival looks forward to returning in 2021 on Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11. “We will have the same artists playing the festival that were booked for this year,” Benjamin said of... Read more
From the assistant editor
The right way
Be disappointed it hasn’t been a normal spring for getting around to your favorite places to eat, shop and recreate, from Wiscasset Community Center and Boothbay Region YMCA, to the made-over Wiscasset downtown ready to really be tried out, and everything that is always spectacular about a day spent in Boothbay Harbor.
And how many of us on and off the peninsula were saddened but not surprised last week at word Maine State Music Theater will be dark this summer? Also last week, much more... Read more
Joe’s Journal
Week seven – and counting
“Stay home. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. Be safe.” We have all heard this advice over and over and over again from our national and state political leaders and health care experts. We have watched as Dr. Tony Fauci and others explain why we need to do this until big pharma and other big science folks invent a vaccine to protect us from this plague.
We watch as the TV news shows us the worst-case scenarios from Gotham City, where it seems to be a war zone as overwhelmed... Read more
Looking forward to Aug. 4-8, 2021
Maine Lobster Festival canceled for Summer 2020
The Maine Lobster Festival’s board of directors has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic in hopes that it would be able to safely offer its event to visitors from all over the world, according to an April 28 statement. For safety’s sake, however, the board decided to cancel the Summer 2020 Lobster Festival.
“Our president and executive board have met with state and local officials, our board has been monitoring CDC, federal and state guidelines, and we feel that the safest strategy... Read more
Montessori students brighten grocery deliveries
Students from pre-school through 8th grade at Damariscotta Montessori School decorated grocery bags to brighten up deliveries from Main Street Grocery in Damariscotta. The students used art supplies on hand at home to turn plain brown bags into masterpieces as part of their community service projects for the week of April 13. DMS students will do a simple and meaningful service project for the community each week while distance learning is in place.
The bags are used to hold grocery deliveries... Read more
Pets and COVID-19
Amid concerns and news about COVID-19, there also came news reports of a tiger in a New York zoo and three cats and two dogs in China, France and Belgium all testing positive for the virus after being exposed to it by humans.
Fortunately, dogs and pet owners are still loving and caring for their beloved furbabies, according to Mary Sundeen, president of Midcoast Humane in Brunswick and Edgecomb and Dr. Dean Domeyer of Boothbay Animal Hospital.
Domeyer said there have been many conversations... Read more
Governor extends ‘Stay Safer at Home’ mandate; releases four-stage plan for ‘restarting’ Maine economy
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills presented her Administration’s plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy April 28.
The plan, which comes as the State appears to be successfully flattening the curve, establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins May 1.
The stages focus not on essential versus non-essential designations like those used to originally limit business operations and activities, but on the ability of a business to operate or an activity to occur ... Read more
April 28 update: New COVID-19 case in Knox County; recoveries in Knox, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 28, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.Today, there are 1,040 cases confirmed across the state. Across the state, 585 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 51 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 163.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 33 hospitalized, including 17 in critical care and seven on a ventilator. There are... Read more
BBB Scam Alert: US Census scam preys on stimulus confusion
The 2020 United States Census is happening at the same time as a global pandemic, shelter-in-place orders, and government stimulus payments. With so much going on at once, scammers are using the unique circumstances to create confusion. Their goal is to get their hands on your personal information, which they then use to steal your identity.
How the Scam Works
You receive an unsolicited message via text, email, or a social media messenger. The message explains that in order to qualify for... Read more
Governor renews calls on feds to provide states with flexibility to use funding
Maine to take stock of state economy earlier than scheduled; freezes some spending and hiring
AUGUSTA — Maine’s Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission and Revenue Forecasting Committee are to convene off-cycle to examine the economic ramifications of COVID-19 on the state government’s revenues. The committees will meet in July and August, in advance of and in addition to the statutory dates currently set for November and December, respectively. The CEFC and RFC are responsible for projecting revenues that the Administration and Legislature then use to determine the State’s budget... Read more
COVID-19 antibody testing now available locally
The Boothbay Region Health Center in the Meadow Mall at 185 Townsend Ave now has access to one of the most advanced COVID-19 antibody tests currently available. Vibrant America has been a lab we have used for tick-borne disease testing and we've been pleased with their accuracy. The company has developed a COVID-19 antibody test that will test four (4) antigens and three (3) antibodies each, resulting in 12 different measures for past exposure or current exposure to COVID-19. This test is more... Read more
LMP Family Medicine returns to Wiscasset location
After spending nearly a month providing an additional layer of support on LincolnHealth’s Miles campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the team from Lincoln Medical Partners’ Family Medicine in Wiscasset has returned to its office on 49 Hooper Street. The Wiscasset team is able to make this move because LincolnHealth’s preparedness for a potential surge in patients is complete.
“We appreciate the flexibility of all of our teams during this unprecedented time,’’ said Timothy Fox, LincolnHealth’s... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 death toll rises to 51 statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 27, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 51.
The individual, a male in his 70s, was a resident of Kennebec County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 27 update: Only eight new COVID-19 cases statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 27, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.Today, there are 1,023 cases confirmed across the state. Across the state, 549 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 51 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 161.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 39 hospitalized, including 16 in critical care and seven on a ventilator. There are... Read more
Maxmin to host virtual town hall
Chloe Maxmin will host a virtual town hall on Thursday, April 30 from 6-7 p.m. Log on to Facebook.com/ChloeForSenate to tune in and ask questions.
Maxmin, currently the State Representative for District 88, is challenging Sen. Dana Dow for the District 13 State Senate seat this year.
The Town Hall will serve as a space to answer questions and talk about the work that has been happening during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an opportunity to connect around a new kind of politics that is by and... Read more
April 26 update: New Knox County COVID-19 case; Lincoln County resident recovers
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 26, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.Today, there are 1,015 cases confirmed across the state. Across the state, 532 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 50 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 159.Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 39 hospitalized, including 17 in critical care and seven on a ventilator. There are... Read more
Due to pandemic, Alna gives contractors more time to bid on plowing
“We realize that contractors have been thrown for a loop, like we all have, with the pandemic,” Alna Second Selectman Doug Baston said via Zoom Friday afternoon, as the board unanimously pushed snowplowing bids’ due date from April 26 to June 3.
“Sounds good to me,” Third Selectman Greg Shute said.
“We’re just giving people more time to figure out their business options,” Baston said.
No bids had come in yet, but they tend to come in last minute, First Selectman Melissa Spinney explained in... Read more
Opinion
As states fight COVID-19, revealing partisan responses, Maine takes protective action
On April 2, Gov. Janet Mills put a Maine stay-at-home order into effect, joining in the third wave of states issuing those orders to limit the spread of COVID-19.
States began acting when New Jersey made the order on March 21. The states sought to keep ahead of the spread, after trying to avoid limiting the freedom of movement valued by most people as a right.
Mills’ order recognized the right of each state to protect public health and safety within its borders, especially needed in the... Read more
Can’t stop, won’t stop
Five thousand Maine children and adults with intellectual disabilities, rely on and look forward to the 75 events offered by Special Olympics Maine each year. The athletes train hard and get excited about all of the opportunities they usually have, to be seen for their abilities and not their disabilities. For many of them, the state events are like their state championship. They also look forward to seeing old friends, spending time with their team mates, traveling to other towns for training... Read more
UPDATED: Waldo County’s COVID-19 death toll rises, statewide toll hits 50
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 25, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 50.
The individuals were residents of Waldo, Androscoggin and Franklin counties. Each of the individuals were females and were in their 80s, according to WGME.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 25 update: Rise in Waldo County COVID-19 cases; recoveries in Knox, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 25, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Additionally, a new interactive data feature has been released by the Maine CDC, which is embedded at the end of this story. Today, there are 990 cases confirmed across the state. Across the state, 519 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 50 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 156.Looking... Read more
UPDATED: Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises to 47
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 24, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 47.
One was a man in his 60s from York County, one was a woman in her 90s from Kennebec County and one was a man in his 70s from Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 24 COVID-19 update: Knox County individual recovers, 965 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 24, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 965 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 499 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 47 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 152.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 39 hospitalized, including 17 in critical care and seven on a ventilator. There are... Read more
Alna eyes town meeting, solar options; selectman apologizes
According to selectmen, with a pandemic on, Alna’s July tax commitment puts the town in a tougher spot than some are for getting in a town meeting. The meeting could be held as late as the end of June and still get taxes committed in July, First Selectman Melissa Spinney said in the board’s Zoom meeting April 22.
Some towns commit taxes in September, Spinney said. Alna’s fiscal year starts Feb. 1. An abbreviated town meeting was held March 21 with social distancing in the fire station’s bay,... Read more
more than twice the peak number in early 2009 during the last recession
Maine’s unemployment claims dip, though level remains historically high
AUGUSTA – Initial claims for unemployment compensation totaled 11,560 in the week ending April 18, according to the Maine Dept. of Labor.
This is the lowest number of initial claims in the last five weeks, but the level remains historically high.
Continued claims for the week totaled 66,470, the highest number on record and more than twice the peak number in early 2009 during the last recession. Continued claims are up from 55,700 the prior week.
According to the DOL, $73.3 million in... Read more
UPDATED: Five COVID-19 deaths recorded in Cumberland County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 23, an additional five COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 44.
Each of the men were residents of Cumberland County and passed at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough. The men were in their 50s, 70s (two) and 90s (two).
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
Local volunteers stitch and donate masks to Lincoln Home
Lincoln Home and Harbor View Cottage employees are grateful to have members of the community offer their creativity and support by making and donating cloth masks. These masks are for employees to wear for their home and essential shopping use. We extend our thanks to Sara Sandberg, Yvonne Lamoreaux, Erica St. Peter and Cathy Lane, the Lincoln County coordinator for “Sewing Masks for Maine.”
“Sewing Masks for Maine.” is a statewide network of volunteers who make and donate cloth masks to Maine... Read more
April 23 update: New COVID-19 cases in Waldo County; Lincoln, Waldo County individuals recover
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 23, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 937 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 485 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 44 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 150.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 42 hospitalized, including 18 in critical care and 11 on a ventilator. There are... Read more
Fellow Alna residents donate to quarantining responder
An Alna resident who works as a responder is quarantining after being exposed to COVID-19, selectmen said April 22. And they said they and other donors including members of the new group Alna Cares have given a combined total of about $200 to get the person gift certificates good at any Hannaford supermarket.
The board talked about possibly adding to the community’s gift with some money also recently donated to Alna’s food pantry. “Personally, I wouldn’t feel it was inappropriate,” since the... Read more
UPDATED: Two COVID-19 deaths recorded in Waldo County, one in Cumberland County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 22, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 39.
One was a female in her 70s from Cumberland County, one was a man in his 80s from Waldo County and one was a woman in her 70s from Waldo County.
Two of the individuals were residents of Waldo County and one was a resident of Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been... Read more
April 22 update: New COVID-19 cases, recoveries in Waldo County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 22, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 907 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 455 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 39 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 144.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 42 hospitalized, including 18 in critical care and 10 on a ventilator. There are... Read more
Two Maine organizations collaborate to launch emergency grants for Maine farms
Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) are introducing new Maine Farm Emergency Grants to assist farmers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. A recent survey conducted by the Beginning Farmer Resource Network of Maine indicates farmers and food producers are experiencing significant market disruption. This collaborative effort will provide support to farmers who need assistance mitigating the economic impact of COVID-19, and will help them adapt... Read more
Turkey season opening early, spring registration requirement suspended
AUGUSTA — In order to provide more opportunity for both youth and adult turkey hunters and abide by current executive orders, Commissioner Judy Camuso with the support of Governor Janet Mills, will open the turkey season early, providing hunters with additional days to hunt this spring season, and will also suspend the requirement to register your harvested turkey, according to a news release.
“The extra days will provide hunters with more opportunities to enjoy one of Maine’s most popular... Read more
United Way distributes grants to agencies helping during Covid-19
United Way of Mid Coast Maine announced that it has made grants totaling $47,370 to 16 agencies that are working to meet the increased needs of people in Lincoln and Sagadahoc Counties, Brunswick and Harpswell, during the pandemic.
“Our United Way made the first round of COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund grants for: food, shelter, the ability to provide these basic needs safely in the pandemic, and for outreach to especially vulnerable people, including elders, people with disabilities, and victims... Read more
sea change: In crisis and starting anew
Tackling in tandem the existential threats of coronavirus and climate chaos
Last week’s storm decimated the trees in our yard, exposing raw tissue where limbs severed. Branches, graced by buds that will never open, lay scattered on the killing snow.
Taking in the scene, I felt more grief than shock. Wreckage from erratic weather is one inevitable consequence of an atmosphere turbocharged by excess greenhouse gases.
With coronavirus, as with climate upheaval, our species is confronting realities that are horrifying but should come as no surprise. Scientists have... Read more
Loving Local Meals for food security
Answer: Beef stew, soup, vegetarian red bean gumbo, microgreen salads, ciabatta bread.
Question: Name what’s been on the menu of the Loving Local Meals Initiative, distributed at select local food pantries.
That’s exactly what’s been happening for clients of food pantries in Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset and Somerville (pop-up version) the past two weeks, with Jefferson being added this week.
The Initiative is the brainchild of Rising Tide Co-op, in partnership with Salty Boyz food truck, local... Read more
Counting our nest eggs: BRLT preserves aflutter with spring nesters
As the days grow longer, birds are flocking back to Maine, and many local species have begun their search for the perfect home. For a lucky few, BRLT is helping out with some prime nesting real estate with stunning water views!
Early this spring, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) volunteer and enthusiastic birder, Stan Wakefield, was busy preparing for the return of our winged residents. Wakefield has long enjoyed birding both here and in his native Florida where, prior to relocating year-... Read more
Home gardening on rise on peninsula
Gardening has long been a hobby for green thumbs, but as social distancing continues, many are turning to growing fruits and vegetables to cut back on grocery runs. Boothbay Region Greenhouses’ Bob Boyd has been in the green industry over 50 years and said the demand for seeds, soil and other growing materials has been staggering.
Many people are either return customers or have experience in home gardening, but there are also many in need of all the basics of starting gardens for the first... Read more
MSMT announces cancellation of 2020 season
After much consideration and taking direction from the federal CDC, Maine CDC, Bowdoin College, and the Town of Brunswick in regard to the Covid-19 crisis, Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) is saddened to announce the cancellation of its 2020 summer season.For 62 years, MSMT has been an integral part of summer in the Midcoast, providing the public with Broadway-caliber performances that celebrate the magic and value of musical theatre, lift the collective mood of the region, and contribute to... Read more
Edgecomb summer resident dies from coronavirus complications
A New Jersey man connected to the Edgecomb Fire Department died April 19 due to complications derived from the coronavirus. Fire Chief Roy Potter announced the death of Capt. Steve Fenton who served as a volunteer fireman when he lived in Edgecomb as a seasonal resident. Potter reported the fire station’s flags would fly at half-mast in Fenton’s honor. “The protocol is to fly them at half-mast until the funeral, but there aren't any due to the coronavirus. So I need to find out how long the... Read more
UPDATED: Cumberland County records state’s 36th COVID-19 death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 21, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 36.
The individual was a resident of Cumberland County, a man in his 80s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 21 update: New COVID-19 case in Knox County; 888 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 21, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 888 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 443 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 36 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 139.
Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 46 hospitalized, including 18 in critical care and nine on a ventilator. There... Read more
Meals on Wheels available through Spectrum Generations
With the emergence of COVID-19 some of the federal and state rules regarding who qualifies for Meals on Wheels have been temporarily changed, and now, anyone over the age of 60 who is practicing social distancing can receive meals throughout Spectrum Generations’ service territory. Disabled adults living with someone receiving meals are also eligible temporarily.
Meals typically would go to older adults who struggle physically to obtain and prepare their own food, people who have chronic... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 death recorded in Waldo County, statewide toll hits 35
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 20, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 35.
The individual was a female in her 70s from Waldo County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 20 update: New COVID-19 case in Waldo County; recoveries in Knox, Lincoln counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 20, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 875 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 414 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 35 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 138.
The Maine CDC reports 14,076 negative cases, as of April 15. “Maine CDC will publish negative results once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs that are... Read more
UPDATED: Two COVID-19 deaths recorded in Cumberland County as toll hits 34
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 19, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 34.
Both individuals were males, in their 60s and 80s, from Cumberland County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 19 update: 867 confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 19, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 867 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 393 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 34 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 136.
The Maine CDC reports 14,076 negative cases, as of April 15. “Maine CDC will publish negative results once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs that are... Read more
COVID-19 deaths recorded in Waldo, Kennebec counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 18, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 32.
Two of the individuals were from Waldo County and one was from Kennebec County. Further information was not available at publishing time.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
After technical difficulties, Maine CDC announces 847 total COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 18, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 847 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 382 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 32 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 136.
The Maine CDC reports 14,076 negative cases, as of April 15. “Maine CDC will publish negative results once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs that are... Read more
Encouraging signs
Who were those masked women putting in signs below First Congregational Church of Wiscasset’s sign at the bottom of the common, next to Route 1 April 14?
Residents Beth Maxwell, in a face mask she made, and Terry Heller, in a bandana-face mask, pounded in the plywood signs Maxwell made by painting “Bells ring, light shines, love prevails” onto the backs of Garden Club of Wiscasset signs. Maxwell is the club’s president and is in the church’s Ladies Organ Society, where the idea for posting a... Read more
UPDATED: Waldo County records two more COVID-19 deaths, statewide toll at 29
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 17, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 29.
Both individuals were from Waldo County and females. One was in her 70s and one was in her 80s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 17 update: Waldo County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 827 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 17, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 827 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 352 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 29 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 133.
The Maine CDC Director reports 14,076 negative cases, as of April 15. “Maine CDC will publish negative results once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs... Read more
Governor announces housing protections, rental assistance amid COVID-19
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced steps April 16 to keep Maine people in their homes and Maine businesses in their storefronts as COVID-19 continues to create financial hardships across the state, according to a news release.
The Governor signed an Executive Order that, when taken in combination with a March 18 order issued by the Maine Court System, will prevent the immediate eviction of tenants other than those who engage in dangerous or unlawful conduct for the duration of the state... Read more
From the Senate
Nursing homes: Keep your distance to keep them safe
There are 93 long-term care facilities in Maine, most of which are either nursing homes or assisted living facilities for seniors. About a dozen of these are in Lincoln County.
This past weekend, after a handful of patients and workers tested positive for COVID-19 at an Augusta facility, the Maine CDC tested all staff and residents there and found that 55 of them were positive, including nearly two-thirds of the residents. There are now four of these facilities in Maine experiencing outbreaks... Read more
Coulombe, country club members raise $101,415 for Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine
With so many Mainers unable to work during these difficult and uncertain times, many Maine families are experiencing food insecurity. The need has never been greater. Recognizing this great need and wanting to help, Paul Coulombe initiated a matching fund campaign drive with members of Boothbay Harbor Country Club. The response was incredible! In less than two weeks $50,000 was raised and on Wednesday, April 15, Coulombe provided a $50,000 matching donation. At the time of this press release, a... Read more
Need for ‘Veggies to Table’ grows amid coronavirus pandemic
In 2012, Massachusetts native Erica Berman and husband, Frenchman Alain Ollier, left Paris, France and arrived in Midcoast Maine searching for a “more meaningful life.” The couple made Newcastle home, and began planning on creating a non-profit organic farm providing food-insecure families with access to fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.
In 2019, the couple began Veggies to Table, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit in Newcastle. In the inaugural season, it produced 4,250 pounds of food distributed to... Read more
SVRSU budget passes board, goes on ice; distance learning planned for rest of school year
Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 Superintendent of Schools Howie Tuttle said April 16, unless conditions change, the district that serves Alna and Westport Island will keep distance learning until the school year ends, and will not end school early.
Tuttle told the board of directors in the live-streamed meeting on the district’s YouTube channel, some Maine districts may end students’ year May 31 and fill the June dates with staff training. “I’m not recommending that. I don’t know what... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 deaths recorded in Waldo, York counties as toll hits 27
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 16, an additional three COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 27.
The individuals were a woman in her 70s from Waldo County, a woman in her 80s from York County and a man in his 70s from York County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 16 update: Waldo County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 796 cases statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 16, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 796 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 333 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 27 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 130.
The Maine CDC Director reports 14,076 negative cases, as of April 15. “Maine CDC will publish negative results once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs... Read more
Wiscasset School Committee
‘Building the plane as we fly it’: Wiscasset talks remote learning
Communication on everyone’s part is the most important piece to remote learning, administrators and Wiscasset school committee members said April 14 in the committee’s Zoom debut. The panel unanimously passed a remote learning plan officials said will get school days to count with the state. And participants praised staff and families’ efforts and voiced concern for all, amid the changes the pandemic has brought.
Wiscasset Middle High School Principal Charles Lomonte said some students are... Read more
UPDATED: Four more COVID-19 deaths recorded as toll hits 24
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 15, an additional four COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 24.
The 24 deaths is an increase from 20 cases previously announced.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
How to see when your COVID-19 money will be deposited and how to get it sooner
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Working with the Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service unveiled April 15 the new “Get My Payment” with features to let taxpayers check on their Economic Impact Payment date and update direct deposit information.
With an initial round of more than 80 million Economic Impact Payments starting to hit bank accounts over the weekend and throughout this week, this new tool will help address key common questions, a press release noted.
“Get My Payment” will show the... Read more
April 15 update: COVID-19 cases rise in Knox, Lincoln, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 15, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 770 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 305 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 24 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 126.
The Maine CDC Director reports 14,076 negative cases, as of April 15. “Maine CDC will publish negative results once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs... Read more
Governor extends State of Civil Emergency through May 15
AUGUSTA — As the State of Maine continues to respond to COVID-19, Governor Janet Mills signed April 14 a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency for another 30 days through May 15.
The original state of civil emergency was scheduled to expire Wednesday, April 15.
A state of civil emergency, according to a news release, places Maine on highest alert and allows Governor Mills to deploy all available state resources to protect the health and safety of Maine people and to take... Read more
UPDATED: COVID-19 death recorded in York; Sagadahoc’s death now attributed to Kennebec
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 14, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 20.
The individual was a resident of York County, a woman in her 70s.
In addition to announcing the state’s 20th COVID-19 death, the Maine CDC announced the one individual’s death was previously attributed by the Maine CDC to the wrong county.
Upon further investigation, the individual recently attributed to Sagadahoc County should have been attributed to... Read more
April 14 update: Knox County’s COVID-19 cases decrease, Lincoln County’s rise
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 14, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 734 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 292 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 20 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 124.
In an April 9 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 11,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Maine Medical Center
Maine Medical Center joins two clinical trials examining potential treatment for COVID-19
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Medical Center has joined a pair of clinical trials designed to examine the efficacy of the drug Remdesivir for treatment of moderate and severe COVID-19. The trials’ Principal Investigator is David Seder, M.D., MMC’s chief of critical care, and was organized under the Maine Medical Center Research Institute (MMCRI).
MMC enrolled its first patient in the study of treatment for severe disease on April 9 and now has three patients enrolled in that study. MMC has not yet... Read more
Wiscasset elderberry biz gives to responders
Maine-ly Elderberry owner Daisy Cunningham of Wiscasset has given the town’s police, fire and emergency services some teas and diffusers and about a case and a half of syrup.
The donated products probably totaled about $300-$350, but Cunningham wasn’t thinking about that. She just gave them what she had. “I figured, they keep us safe,” she said about the responders. “Every little bit helps. They’re out there facing even more challenges right now.” In an interview, Cunningham was clear: The... Read more
Wiscasset public safety, health priorities as pandemic continues
Only a month ago, we thought that Coronavirus (COVID-19) was something that happened to other people in other places. We are now facing the reality that the virus could be anywhere, and see that it is spreading and coming to almost everywhere.
We all watch the reports from the Center for Disease Control in Augusta and very much rely on the impressive professionalism of Dr. Shah and his excellent communication skills. Good information on the spread of this virus is hard to come by but we can be... Read more
State announces support for people with substance use disorder amid COVID-19
AUGUSTA — Governor Mills and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced April 13 a series of actions to ensure that Maine people affected by Substance Use Disorder can access critical treatment and resources in the face of COVID-19, including facilitating access to medication and counseling, promoting harm reduction strategies, and accelerating financial relief for providers, according to a news release.
“While physical distancing is our best tool to... Read more
LincolnHealth
Infectious disease expert Dr. Catherine Cavanaugh talks COVID-19
With Lincoln County having among the eldest population in the eldest state, the fears of COVID-19’s potential for rapid and rampant disaster are very real. LincolnHealth infectious disease expert Dr. Catherine Cavanaugh, DO, one of many Lincoln County health professionals on the front lines of the pandemic, spoke to the issue in a phone interview with the Boothbay Register.
While age is not a factor in how the virus spreads, it is one of many factors with the fatality rate, and is a factor in... Read more
Edgecomb educators use social media in distance learning
Edgecomb Eddy School had a couple days’ head start on distance learning prior to Gov. Janet Mills’ emergency declaration. On March 13, Principal Ira Michaud believed it was only a matter of time before the coronavirus would result in Maine closing public schools. So he directed the school’s pre-kindergarten to grade six staff to help students pack up books, laptops and other materials for an extended school break. On March 15, Mills ordered public schools closed until the end of April.
While... Read more
Maine YMCAs remain busy providing essential services
Despite their fitness and membership facilities being closed, the YMCAs across Maine continue to provide essential services in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including childcare, emergency food distribution, online wellness classes, and check-ins on seniors.
Across Maine:
9 YMCAs are providing childcare for essential workers, serving an average of more than 200 children per day;10 YMCAs are providing food assistance, distributing an average of more than 1,800 meals per day;15... Read more
Merry Barn offering books
Although schools and libraries are closed, the Merry Barn Writers’ Retreat wants to encourage kids to continue reading, writing and creating. We are lending books to children in the Midcoast area. We’ll curate a collection based on kids’ wishes, use gloves and wipes to sanitize, and leave the books on the porch by the side entrance of the barn. Return when you’ve finished so we can share with others. Request a new supply anytime. Send a request from the Contact page of our website www.merrybarn... Read more
Gratitude from Lincoln Home
What a difference a month makes. In February one of our biggest challenges was finding enough parking spaces for our Senior College classes due to a muddy field that could not be used. When March arrived, the world had changed. Lincoln Home’s COVID-19 Task Force had begun meeting and implementing plans to keep our staff and residents healthy and safe. We continue to meet almost daily.
Gratefully, to date all the residents and staff continue to be well at Lincoln Home and Harbor View Cottage.... Read more
April 13 update: COVID-19 cases rise in Knox, Lincoln counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 13, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 698 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 273 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 19 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 124.
In an April 9 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 11,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Gov. Mills signs Executive Order moving June elections to July
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills signed April 10 an Executive Order moving Maine’s primary election from Tuesday, June 9 to Tuesday, July 14.
The Order, which is effective immediately, allows applications for absentee ballots to be made in writing or in person, without specifying a reason, up to and including the day of the election, according to a news release.
It also extends the deadline for qualifying contributions under the Maine Clean Election Act to May 19.
Read the Executive Order by... Read more
April 12 update: Waldo County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 633 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 12, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 633 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 266 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 19 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 120.
In an April 9 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 11,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Wiscasset teen prints mask extensions to give healthcare workers
With a 3D printer he built last year and materials he bought with money he earned doing lawn care, Wiscasset’s Sullivan “Sully” Joyce, 14, is making healthcare workers more comfortable in their surgical masks.
Parents Sarah and Brendan Joyce and Sully’s gifted and talented teacher of three years, Rachel Sugarman, are proud but not surprised he would help during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing his eighth grade year at Wiscasset Middle High School, like everyone else, remotely. And the... Read more
COVID-19 deaths recorded in Cumberland, York counties as toll hits 19
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 11, two additional COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 19.
The individuals were a male in his 80s from York County and a male in his 70s from Cumberland County, according to WGME.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 11 update: Waldo County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 616 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 11, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 616 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 256 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 19 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 114.
In an April 9 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 11,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Wiscasset to continue remote learning for rest of school year
This letter from Wiscasset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Terry Wood to families was posted at wiscassetschools.org Saturday:
Due to the recent press release from Maine’s Commissioner of Education, encouraging schools to begin to plan for emergency remote learning for the remainder of the school year, it has been clarified that the intent of that message was to effectively close all schools to classroom/group instruction through the end of the academic year.
Therefore, I am writing to let you... Read more
How CMP is responding to power outages amid pandemic
AUGUSTA — Central Maine Power has been clearing debris and downed wires across its service territory this morning, April 10, and is working to restore more than 200,000 customer outages, a midday news release said.
Coordinating with state, county and local emergency management officials, CMP has focused on ensuring all hospitals and critical care facilities have power, the release noted.
The company is advising that given the extensive scale of outages, customers should be prepared to be... Read more
To date, Paycheck Protection Program approves forgivable loans for 5,334 Maine small businesses
So far, 5,334 small businesses in Maine have been approved for more than $1 billion in forgivable loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, according to a news release from the office of Sen. Susan Collins.
Dozens of Maine lending institutions are currently participating in the program.
Paycheck Protection Program loans were created by the Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, which was authored by Senator Collins along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and... Read more
UPDATED: Maine’s 17th COVID-19 death recorded in Sagadahoc County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 10, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 17.
The individual was a female in her 80s and a resident of Sagadahoc County.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
April 10 update: Waldo County COVID-19 cases increase; recoveries in Knox, Lincoln counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 10, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 586 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 246 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 17 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 111.
In an April 9 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 11,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Keeping kids connected at the Center for Teaching and Learning
During a pandemic, what is a workshop-based, interaction-focused school to do?
The Center for Learning (CTL) in Edgecomb has long prided itself on being a school that relies on authentic instruction, connection, and collaboration between students and teachers through face-to-face mentoring in the classroom. CTL students use technology when needed, but the school makes an effort to keep screen time low and to de-emphasize computer use in school. Third grade students learn basic keyboarding and... Read more
Ship the bookstore to your door with Maine Authors Bookstore Direct
Maine Authors Publishing is partnering with local bookstores to do their part in sustaining the local and independent literary community through Maine Authors Bookstore Direct, where they will ship the bookstore to your door.
“We are honored to be able to donate our labor to the limited-time Bookstore Direct program to increase sales to bookstores (instead of online) and to assist with shipping,” said Jane Karker, president of Maine Authors Publishing.
If a reader wants to purchase a Maine... Read more
Montessori students lift nursing home residents’ spirits
As part of their distance learning during the week of March 31 through April 4, Damariscotta Montessori students sent letters, cards and drawings to Lincoln County nursing home residents. Residents at local facilities such as Harborview Cottage, Lincoln Home, and Cove’s Edge are in need, because they cannot receive visits from family members and friends during the statewide “Safe at Home” to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Public service and global citizenship are a fundamental part of the... Read more
Wiscasset residents out of work, handle pandemic
Wiscasset resident and college student Gabby Chapman is one of many out of work due to the pandemic. “Prior to the chaos, I was working at Portland Pie Company in Brunswick as a server. After being laid off due to the pandemic, I filed for unemployment. While it doesn’t bring in nearly as much income, every little bit helps. I encourage everyone that is able to file for unemployment do so because it’s money that your employer and you have accounted for in the past and it’s deserved money. Given... Read more
MaineHealth team members see roles change during COVID-19 outbreak but without layoffs or loss of pay
Portland, Maine – Noting that none of its employees have been laid off or seen their pay and benefits diminished, MaineHealth today released details on how it is redeploying staff amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
“In an effort to provide financial security and assurance to our employees at a time when so much is being demanded of them, we have decided that all MaineHealth employees who are sent home for any COVID-19- related reason will receive their regular pay and benefits and will not be... Read more
MPA cancels high school spring sports season
AUGUSTA — The Maine Principals’ Association announced April 9 it is canceling the upcoming spring sports season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision comes less than 48 hours after Governor Janet Mills and Maine Department of Education Commissioner Pender Makin recommended educators begin to make plans for school campuses to remain closed for the remainder of the academic year.
The decision also comes earlier than anticipated as it had previously been indicated committee... Read more
April 9 update: COVID-19 cases rise in Knox, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 9, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 560 cases confirmed across the state.
Across the state, 202 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 16 people have passed. The number of hospitalizations across the state stands at 105.
In an April 9 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 11,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Additional COVID-19 deaths recorded in Waldo, Cumberland counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 9, two additional COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 16.
One individual was a male from Cumberland County in his 80’s while one individual was a female in her 90’s from Waldo County, according to WABI.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
Lincoln County EMA seeks volunteers, provides resource information
Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency wants to help those people in Lincoln County affected by Governor Mills’ recent Executive Order requiring anyone recently returning to the state of Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days.
There are resources available, including grocery delivery, that will allow you to stay in quarantine. If you need groceries delivered, please call Main Street Grocery in Damariscotta at (207)563-3507 or place an online order at https://www.mymainstreetgrocery.com/... Read more
Maine Department of Education
Recommending schools prepare to teach remotely rest of the year
As you may know, US CDC guidance recommends an eight to 20-week timeframe for avoiding large group/in-person instruction once there is evidence of community transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, I am recommending, with the support of the Governor, that you begin to plan to replace classroom/group instruction with remote/distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
It is difficult to make such a recommendation, recognizing the profound challenge of reinventing public... Read more
Lincoln County Historical Association offers interdisciplinary lessons for students at home
The Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) Education Outreach Program offers nine Lesson Resources for students and educators. These lessons are geared to American Colonial and early 19th century history. The topics, which offer an interdisciplinary approach to sharing history, cover the subject areas of Art, English, Math, and Social Studies.
Background information and work sheets that make up each lesson can be adapted for grades three and up. The PDF files are free upon request from... Read more
From Washington, D.C.
Sen. Angus King pushes to support local journalism amid Coronavirus pandemic
U.S. Senator Angus King, I-Maine, joined a group of 19 senators seeking to support local journalism and media in any future coronavirus relief package, according to an April 8 news release. In a letter to Senate leadership and appropriators, the senators stress that the widespread impact of the pandemic – including plummeting advertising revenue – could decimate regional and local news outlets even as communities have become increasingly reliant on their reporting amidst the public health... Read more
April 8 update: Waldo County’s COVID-19 cases rise, Lincoln County resident recovers
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 8, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 537 cases confirmed across the state.
One hundred eighty-seven people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while 14 people have passed. One hundred one people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing... Read more
COVID-19 deaths recorded in Waldo, Cumberland counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 8, two additional COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 14.
A female in her 80s from Waldo County and a male in his 80s from Cumberland County were announced April 8 as the state’s newest COVID-19 related deaths.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
Lincoln County Dental, local dentists donate much needed PPE to first responders
Lincoln County Dental delivered boxes of personal protective equipment April 7 to Lincoln County Courthouse in Wiscasset for local first responders. LCD President Jim Olson and Executive Director Holly Stover collected equipment from four dental offices throughout the region and pooled their own equipment and resources for much needed relief on the front lines of the COVID-19 response. Stover said donations included gloves, masks, safety boot covers, goggles and general eye protection, and... Read more
Two county businesses change to making COVID-19 protection products
A sign of the times is people working together to bring calm during a crisis. And that is exactly the case in Lincoln County, according to Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens. With the state under a stay at home order from Gov. Janet Mills, Stevens told county commissioners April 7 that public response to the crisis is “phenomenal.” He described community efforts especially in food distribution as the best example of people coming together.
Another example is two Lincoln County... Read more
UPDATED: Statewide COVID-19 death toll rises to 12
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 7, two additional COVID-19 deaths in the state.
Both individuals were from Cumberland County. One individual was a man in his 50s, while the other was a female in her 80’s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge ... Read more
opinion
Mainers urge Gov. Mills to prevent evictions and foreclosures during COVID-19
On Tuesday, Mainers facing the threat of eviction, landlords, and housing advocates called on Gov. Janet Mills to take executive action to place a moratorium on all residential and commercial evictions and foreclosures, with rent forgiveness, until the public health emergency created by COVID-19 is over. Advocates electronically delivered over 1,800 messages to Governor Mills from Mainers across the state urging action.
"Our landlord has given us an extension for April, but we still don't have... Read more
April 7 update: Lincoln County resident recovers from COVID-19; 519 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 7, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 519 cases confirmed across the state.
One hundred seventy-six people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while 12 people have passed. Ninety-nine people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples... Read more
Press release
Hannaford donates $750,000 to COVID-19 response efforts
Scarborough, Maine -- In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Hannaford Supermarkets is donating $750,000 to numerous hunger relief and homeless outreach organizations throughout the Northeast as they work to support some of the most at-risk members of the community during the pandemic.
The health crisis and related economic impact are creating unprecedented demand for food assistance, resulting in operational disruptions and significant new costs for the agencies that provide emergency meals. In... Read more
Sprague’s, Red’s Eats food stands standing by to open
Normally, Red’s Eats and Sprague’s Lobster are almost open now. But in the coronavirus spring, their owners do not know when the food stands on opposite sides of Route 1 in Wiscasset will start their seasons.
Red’s Eats’ Facebook page announced plans Feb. 21 for an April 20 opening, weather permitting. Then on March 27, a post read: “Many are asking and we are trying to stay very positive ... but due to COVID-19, we have to take things day by day. Please stay tuned for our 2020 opening date.... Read more
Wiscasset school staff sing for students on YouTube: ‘Gonna be alright’
Social distancing could not keep Wiscasset school staff from telling students they miss them and that “Every little thing’s going to be alright.” The staff’s rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” on YouTube Monday morning and shared on the school department’s website, was closing in on 1,000 views before sunset.
“I think it is amazing that so many people are getting to see Wiscasset teachers singing together for our kids! We are truly together, apart, and we are so lucky to be here... Read more
A pandemic report from a Boothbay native in China
Christmas break doesn’t exist in China. We might celebrate the holiday with the children we teach, share the joys of secret gifts, Christmas carols, candy canes, and flying reindeer – but we don’t get the week off, or even the day. For those of us in this foreign country, the holiday we look forward to the most is Chinese New Year. The date follows the lunar calendar so it’s not the same each year but usually occurs between late January or February. What does remain standard is the entire... Read more
CLC YMCA awarded $10,000 by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has awarded Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA a COVID-19 assistance grant in the amount of $10,000. This special grant program is to support non-profit organizations like the CLC YMCA that are helping to provide assistance services and supplies to people in need as a result of this pandemic.
Since the CLC Y facility closed on March 17, CLC YMCA’s Karen-Ann Hagar, Youth, Teen & Outreach director, has been acting as a community navigator by making daily... Read more
April 6 update: New COVID-19 cases recorded in Lincoln, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 6, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 499 cases confirmed across the state.
One hundred fifty-eight people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while 10 people have passed. Ninety-two people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples... Read more
Action for Animals Maine
Lincoln County emergency pet food supply available
Action for Animals Maine is a non-profit foundation serving pet owners in Lincoln County. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, local pet owners may be facing challenges with reduced income and difficulty obtaining essential pet supplies. Action for Animals Maine is now offering assistance to provide pet food and supplies to those in need.
Our supply of pet food is limited, so we cannot provide a specific brand of cat or dog food, but will gladly share what we have. We encourage you to shop... Read more
https://youtu.be/1ig62wu6Y5k
Newcastle dad, LA grad son in New York City cope with distancing
On his college search 20 years ago, my son Noah emerged from the subway at Union Square, Manhattan and lit up with joy. It was as if growing up in Whitefield and Newcastle was merely the first chapter in his book of memories. He had skipped over two generations to find a new home in the Big Apple (his middle name is Apple). It was in the 1930s when my parents left New York City during the Great Depression to live in rural New Hampshire. They had a victory garden then and Noah grew up in... Read more
April 5 update: Statewide COVID-19 cases rise to 470
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 5, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 470 cases confirmed across the state.
One hundred fifty-six people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while 10 people have passed. Eighty-six people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples... Read more
Pandemic economic resources
Overwhelmed with calls, Maine Dept. of Labor institutes alphabetical unemployment benefits filing schedule
AUGUSTA — After receiving an unprecedented number of unemployment claims due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Maine Department of Labor has instituted a new alphabetical-by-last-name call-in schedule for Maine people filing for unemployment benefits. The new schedule will help reduce phone line congestion as the Department ramps up its capacity to receive and process claims.
Starting Monday, April 6, Maine people seeking to file for unemployment by calling the 800 number with last... Read more
New Hope for Women an important resource during isolation
Amid social distancing and self isolation to beat COVID-19, the idea of staying home can terrify those experiencing domestic violence.
Like many domestic violence organizations, New Hope for Women is moving to 100% online and over-the-phone support, said Director Rebekah Paredes. NHFW is working tirelessly to continue its swift, helpful response to victims.
“We primarily work with folks over the phone and we are still here to assist them (so) the main tenets of the work we do have not changed... Read more
State’s 10th COVID-19 death recorded in York County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced the 10th COVID-19 death in the state.
The individual was from York County and was a male in his 70s.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths.
CaseCountyAge Sex1Cumberland80sMale2Cumberland80sFemale3Cumberland60sMale4Kennebec80sFemale5York80sFemale6Cumberland80sFemale7Cumberland80sFemale8Cumberland70sMale9Cumberland80sFemale10York70sMale
April 4 update: Statewide COVID-19 cases rise to 456
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 4, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 456 cases confirmed across the state.
One hundred forty people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while 10 people have passed. Eighty-three people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Will they, won’t they: Annual events face pandemic’s impacts
Some of Wiscasset’s biggest spring and summer events are off, on, or in limbo as organizers keep safety first and cite other factors the pandemic has wrought on plans for the annual must-go’s.
Wiscasset Art Walk, historically the last Thursday in June though September, is on hold but, so far, not out of the picture for 2020. Longtime organizer Lucia Droby explained via email: “Since the WAW invites people to gather, meet neighbors, make new friends, and visit galleries and shops, the most... Read more
Gov. Mills orders quarantine restrictions on travelers arriving in Maine
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills issued April 3 an Executive Order mandating travelers arriving in Maine, regardless of their state of residency, self-quarantine for 14 days to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, according to a news release.
The Order, which directs the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, and others to post this guidance at all major points of entry into the State, exempts individuals who are providing essential services as defined by Governor Mills’... Read more
Conservation District plant sale canceled
In response to the national emergency created by COVID-19 and Maine Governor Janet Mills’ Executive Order of March 31, 2020, which mandates that Maine citizens “Stay Healthy at Home” through at least April 30, the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors made the difficult decision to cancel our Spring Plant Sale, scheduled for May 2 and 3 at Union Fairgrounds. This includes the public sale and all pre-order sales. Although the sale itself falls outside the... Read more
April 3 update: COVID-19 cases rise in Knox, Waldo counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 3, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 432 cases confirmed across the state.
One hundred thirteen people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while nine people have passed. Seventy-five people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples... Read more
Statewide COVID-19 death toll rises to nine
AUGUSTA — During a daily briefing from Augusta, the Maine CDC confirmed April 3 the passing of two additional individuals due to COVID-19, bringing the state’s death toll to nine.
Both individuals were Cumberland County residents, one was a male in his 70s and one was a female in her 80s. The former was a Veteran patient at the VA Maine Healthcare System’s Togus Campus, according to an April 2 news release.
The April 3 announced deaths follow a pair of deaths announced in Cumberland County... Read more
Maine Coast Fishermen's Association creates online resource for fishermen to protect themselves and their businesses
COVID-19 has made all our lives more difficult, but for Maine’s more than 5,000 community fishermen and seafood businesses, this is a crisis far beyond being trapped at home. Seafood sales, and the entire seafood marketplace, have been upended, undermining businesses and creating uncertainty and fear for the future of Maine’s fishermen. In response, today, MCFA launched a Covid-19 fishermen resource guide which is a clearinghouse of information for issues related to COVID-19.Located on the... Read more
Press release
Animal House creates two funds
The Animal House, a holistic pet suppy store with locations in Westbrook and Damariscotta, have created two new funds: “Sheltering-in-Place,” which helps provide Animal House food and supplies for area rescues, and “Neighbor-to-Neighbor,” which supports community residents with food and litter during this time of need.
Nearly $2,000 in Animal House gift cards have been donated so far.
Animal House president Aubrey Martin released a statement last week remarking on the generosity of their... Read more
Three steps for Mainers to follow before heading outdoors
AUGUSTA, Maine – The current “Stay Healthy at Home” mandate identifies “engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking” as essential personal activities, provided they are conducted in accordance with all public health restrictions and guidance. Maine’s conservation community, natural resource agencies, and outdoor brands want everyone to have the opportunity to get outside during this challenging time.
Most of our publicly accessible conservation lands... Read more
Woolwich’s May town meeting still on, but ...
The Woolwich Select Board will meet Monday, April 20 to decide whether or not to postpone the annual town meeting in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Town meeting is tentatively planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 in the Woolwich Central School gymnasium.
“I wish I could say more but at this point we don’t know,” Chairman David King Sr. told Wiscasset Newspaper Wednesday morning, April 1.
King said the board might choose to postpone the town meeting again, or continue running on last year’... Read more
Boothbay Region YMCA
Boating safety course to be rescheduled
In an effort to protect our students and instructors and in order to comply with stay-at-home orders currently in place, the Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron® has canceled the one-day recreational boating safety course at the Boothbay Region YMCA that was scheduled for Saturday April 25. A new date will be announced when it is safe to do so.
If you have any additional questions contact Rob Whitehouse, Squadron Education Officer at WhitehouseUSPS@gmail.com or 207-208-7343.
April 2 update: Knox County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 376 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 2, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 376 cases confirmed across the state.
Ninety-four people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while seven people have passed. Sixty-eight people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
Governor extends state’s property tax exemption deadline
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills issued an Executive Order extending the State’s property tax exemption deadline, according to a news release.
The order, which took effect March 31, extends the statutory April 1 deadline to either the commitment date of the municipality (the date set each year, usually in July, when the Tax Assessors commit the town’s assessment roll to the Tax Collector to allow for the receipt of payment), or 30 days after the termination of the Governor’s Proclamation of... Read more
Careless ... entitled ... dangerous?
“We’re all in this together.”
No, apparently we’re not. Some of us seem to be entitled to more than others. More toilet paper, more hand sanitizer, more – you name it. For some people, this virus is bringing out the worst in their behavior.
Most of us watched in horror as television news showed young adults crowding the beaches over spring break, wondering why they didn’t understand that their actions could harm others around them.
But from Hawaii to Maine, resort communities are facing a... Read more
Maine Dept. of Education increases flexibility to school meal programs feeding children in need
AUGUSTA — With the approval of an additional waiver submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and additional bulk packaging options, the Maine Department of Education has been able to add significant flexibility to its school food service programs, enabling schools to provide meals to students all over Maine, increasing the potential to reach even more hungry children in a more meaningful way, a news release stated.
The first waiver obtained by the Maine DOE expanded the Summer... Read more
Two more COVID-19 deaths recorded in Cumberland County
AUGUSTA — An additional two COVID-19 deaths have been announced April 1 by the Maine CDC, bringing the state’s death toll to seven.
Both individuals were women in their 80s and were hospitalized at their respective times of death.
The April 1 announced deaths follow a pair of deaths in Cumberland County announced March 29 of a woman in her 80s and a man in his 60s, as well as the death in Cumberland County reported March 27 of a man in his 80’s.
A pair of deaths were announced Tuesday,... Read more
April 1 update: Statewide COVID-19 cases climb to 344
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, April 1, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 344 cases confirmed across the state.
Eighty people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while seven people have passed. Sixty-three people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from Maine,... Read more
‘heartening to see dental practices in Maine step up like they have’
Dental practices throughout Maine donate personal protective equipment
The Maine Dental Association has submitted the following statement:
A number of dental practices throughout Maine have donated personal protective equipment to their local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and first responders, in an effort to help fight the spread of COVID-19, and aid in the response.
According to information collected by the Maine Dental Association from its members, more than 25 practices have donated more than 10,000 masks and more than 20,000 gloves, along with items... Read more
Gov. Mills issues ‘Stay Healthy at Home’ COVID-19 mandate
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills issued March 31 a series of substantial new mandates to protect public health and safety in the face of COVID-19, including a Stay Healthy at Home directive that requires people living in Maine to stay at home at all times unless for an essential job or an essential personal reason, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes.
The Governor also mandated a series of other new restrictions, including:
• For essential businesses and... Read more
Dept. of Labor joins new federal unemployment programs to help Mainers during COVID-19
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Labor has opted in to new temporary federal unemployment programs to provide relief to people in Maine affected by COVID-19, according to a news release.
Congress enacted and the President signed the new CARES Act which includes these provisions on Friday, March 28. On Saturday the 29th, the state completed the documentation to begin the process for receiving the new federal unemployment funds.
Because Maine already had in place emergency unemployment... Read more
COVID-19 deaths recorded in Kennebec, York counties
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC reported Tuesday, March 31 an additional two deaths in the state from COVID-19, bringing the state’s death total to five.
The new cases are individuals with full-time residency in Kennebec County, where 12 people have tested positive, and York County, where 59 people have tested positive.
Both individuals were women in their 80’s and were in hospitals at their respective times of death.
The two new deaths follow a pair of deaths in Cumberland County announced March... Read more
March 31 update: New Knox County COVID-19 case; one recovery in Knox, Waldo counties; 303 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 31, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 303 cases confirmed across the state.
Sixty-eight people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while five people have passed. Fifty-seven people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a March 30 press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from... Read more
MPS cancels public awards reception
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret to announce that the opening reception for the 15th annual Maine Photography Show (MPS) , scheduled for Saturday, April 4, is cancelled.
Award winners of the 2020 show will be notified directly and the winners announced on www.mainephotoshow.org at 2 p.m. on April 4.
And, because the photo show is a “non-essential business,” the MPS committee has had to postpone the exhibition. However, the work is posted on the MPS website as Gallery 2020. The... Read more
Mask maker, mask maker
Free face masks are in the making in Wiscasset for a 4-year-old with cancer, some nurses in and outside Maine, and others seeking masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the residents donating the fabric, their time sewing, or both. Residents interviewed via phone, email and text described multiple ongoing efforts to make and distribute masks.
King Family Farm’s June King has been a registered nurse 30 years, so she has a lot of friends in healthcare and she, her family and others “... Read more
Governor, DHHS commissioner accelerate benefits for personal care workers, home-bound seniors
AUGUSTA — Governor Mills and Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Jeanne Lambrew announced March 30 the acceleration of pay increases for personal care workers and expanding access to meals for older Mainers who are home-bound in response to COVID-19, according to a news release.
Maine DHHS will accelerate MaineCare (Medicaid) rate increases that are designated to support pay raises for personal care workers, including personal support specialists, home health... Read more
Next LC Commissioners meeting is by conference call
The Lincoln County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 7 at 9 a.m. will be by conference call.
To listen in, please call the number listed and use the access code highlighted.
Attached is a participant guide if you have questions on how to use the service.
The public comment option from the agenda has been suspended until we can resume in-person meetings.
We anticipate meeting telephonically until we are advised by the state to resume normal meetings.
Dial-in number (US): (978) 990-... Read more
CLC YMCA extends closure until April 27
Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA has extended the closure of the main facility and child care site until April 27. Management will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the town of Damariscotta, LincolnHealth, and the superintendent of the AOS93 school district to align with consistency on best practices.
CLC YMCA continues their virtual online fitness classes and has now added virtual story time and activities for child care participants. Outreach efforts are ongoing as... Read more
Lincoln County EMA develops resource website
In an effort to provide one stop shopping for anyone seeking local resources and information in Lincoln County, the EMA Emergency Operation Center has created a webpage where groups and organizations in Lincoln County can submit this information to be shared. https://www.lincolncountymaine.me/covid-19This webpage is made available to any organization in Lincoln County that is providing a resource or information directly relating to COVID-19.If your group or organization is supporting the... Read more
COVID-19
Wiscasset teen’s musical take on stay at home time
Julia Truesdell brought smiles to the faces of those staying at home on Monday afternoon with her original song, “We’re all at home.” The homeschooled eighth grader posted a video recording of the song on her YouTube music channel. With catchy lyrics such as “we’re all at home, no place that we can go, but you can be assured, everyone feels the same, cooped up inside, going insane,” and a ukulele accompaniment, her tune had already garnered over 250 views on YouTube as of 8:30 p.m. Monday night... Read more
letter to the editor
Looking toward better days
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the providers of Lincoln Medical Partners I want you to know that we miss you. Even though the reason for your visit is often listed as a “chief complaint,” we looking forward to seeing you every day. We look forward to hearing about your lives and families. We look forward to measuring your growth, learning of new achievements, and helping you set future goals.
We love the challenge of trying to figure out what might be causing that nagging pain, annoying rash, or... Read more
Diocese of Portland announces directives for celebration of Holy Week and Easter in Maine parishes
PORTLAND---The Diocese of Portland has informed Maine parishes of the protocols that will be in place for the celebration of the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter.
All celebrations must be limited to/not exceed 10 people or less, including all clergy, and will not be open to the public due to the regulations currently in place in Maine as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Without public Masses and commemorations, there will be unprecedented live-streaming and broadcasting of liturgies from... Read more
March 30 update: Lincoln County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 275 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 30, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.
Today, there are 275 cases confirmed. Forty-one people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while three people have passed. Forty-nine people have been hospitalized across the state.
In a press briefing, Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah noted there are more than 6,000 negative cases. “Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from Maine, it is no longer possible... Read more
Making work work during pandemic
With the COVID-19 outbreak, many residents have been adapting to working remotely. What it means to work from home varies greatly for each profession and for Lorna Weber of Wiscasset, it means two very different professions. Weber is both an assistant vice president mortgage loan officer at the First National Bank in Boothbay Harbor and a fitness instructor at Wiscasset Community Center (WCC). Both jobs have now become remote, and she’s made some unique adjustments to make it work.
When WCC... Read more
MaineHealth cancels non-urgent office appointments
MaineHealth institutes telehealth to keep patients out of doctors’ offices
MaineHealth, the nonprofit that owns Pen Bay Medical Center, in Rockport, and Waldo County General Hospital, in Belfast said March 28 in a letter to individuals who have used MaineHealth medical services and provided an email address to the organization that it is offering secure telehealth video visits, “for patients seen at our outpatient practices.”
“If your provider decides that video is needed for your upcoming visit, your practice will contact you with more information,” according to... Read more
From the House
Responding to COVID-19 together
Since Maine’s first case of COVID-19 was announced on March 12, individuals across our state have sprung into action. People in our community have quickly adapted to protect public health, from temporarily closing schools and businesses to moving to remote work, practicing social distancing and more. I am grateful and proud for the consideration and support we are providing each other, and wanted to provide some additional insight and resources.
In our coastal community, I know many of us are... Read more
Wiscasset shows support with lights
Wiscasset residents have been showing support in the fight against COVID-19 by displaying lights.
Here are some from March 28. Are you displaying lights or another sign of support? To share it, email a photo and your name and town to news@wiscassetnewspaper.com
From the Senate
A quick summary of Maine’s COVID-19 response law
Under extraordinary circumstances, leaders of the Maine State Legislature came together working tirelessly throughout the March 14-15 weekend and reached agreement on a package of new laws to address the immediate needs of state government in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The following Tuesday, the last day of the recent legislative session, the entire State Legislature passed, and Governor Mills signed those changes in law granting special temporary powers to the governor to act while... Read more
First Congregation Church of Wiscasset, UCC/St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
Virtual Holy Week services scheduled
While the First Congregation Church of Wiscasset, UCC, and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church are closed to the public until further notice, Rev. Josh Fitterling and Rev. Marcia Richardson will celebrate Holy Week via email and Facebook
On April 5, Palm Sunday, Rev. Fitterling will conduct a worship service beginning at 10 a.m. which may be viewed on Facebook or via email (fccw@myfairpoint.net).
Also, on Palm Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., the public is invited to pick up a palm and say a prayer on... Read more
CANCELED: Conservation District extends plant sale order deadline
UPDATE: In response to the national emergency created by COVID-19 and Maine Governor Janet Mills’ Executive Order of March 31, 2020, which mandates that Maine citizens “Stay Healthy at Home” through at least April 30, the Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors made the difficult decision to cancel our Spring Plant Sale, scheduled for May 2 and 3, 2020 at Union Fairgrounds. This includes the public sale and all pre-order sales. Although the sale itself falls... Read more
Two additional COVID-19 deaths registered in Maine, including MDOT employee
AUGUSTA — Two additional individuals from Maine have passed away due to COVID-19, according to the Maine CDC.
The Maine CDC website was updated with the new death count at 2:20 p.m., though the county of residence for the individuals was not posted to the Maine CDC website.
Both WGME and WABI are reporting the individuals are from Cumberland County and were a woman in her 80’s and a man in his 60’s.
On Sunday, the Maine CDC announced there were 253 confirmed cases statewide, including an... Read more
Red Cross blood drive in Damariscotta collects from 40 donors
Forty donors donated to the Red Cross blood drive on March 26 at the Central Lincoln County YMCA. The blood drive was co-sponsored by the Second Congregational Church, UCC in Newcastle and the CLC YMCA.
The blood drive was originally planned to be hosted at 2nd Congo, one of the bi-monthly drives the church has committed to. A week ago it was determined by church leadership that the use of the church’s Fellowship Hall, normally the site for blood drives, wouldn’t meet CDC social distancing... Read more
March 29 update: Knox County’s COVID-19 cases rise; 253 statewide cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 29, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 253 cases confirmed.
Forty-one people in Maine have recovered from COVID-19, while one person has passed.
By sex, 129 males tested positive in the state and 124 females tested positive.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from state, reference, or... Read more
March 28 update: Two recover from COVID-19 in Lincoln County; statewide 211 confirmed cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 28, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 211 cases confirmed.
Thirty-six people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19, while one person has passed.
By sex, 104 males tested positive in the state and 107 females tested positive.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from state, reference, or... Read more
Healthy Kids provides support to parents, professionals online
Healthy Kids knows this is a hard time for everyone. In order to be helpful, the following are available online. Healthy Kids Facebook page, @healthykidsmaine, is posting activities for children of all ages daily. Any parent wishing to get some parenting support can call the office and/or ask to take a parenting class through Zoom. Contact Mindy at 563-1818 or email mcorrell@tidewater.net for information.
Healthy Kids will also be posting professional and family information in their e-... Read more
Please stay home
Wiscasset public safety agencies would like to remind people that they can help keep our first responders safe and healthy by heeding the advice of our governmental and public health professionals and remain at home to help minimize the threat of community transmission of COVID 19.
Please, only go out into the public when necessary. We realize this is hard, but by all working together we can defeat this unseen enemy.
LincolnHealth
LMP Family Medicine in Wiscasset temporarily moves to Miles campus
In order to strengthen its response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) while continuing to provide care for patients with other health needs, LincolnHealth has temporarily relocated Lincoln Medical Partners Family Medicine in Wiscasset to the Watson Health Center in Damariscotta.
“This is a time where we must anticipate the growing needs related to COVID-19,’’ said James Donovan, pesident of LincolnHealth. “Having this team on the Miles campus creates another layer of resources we may need if COVID-19... Read more
After adjournment due to COVID-19, lawmakers feel pressure to decide on more than 450 bills
More than 450 pieces of legislation are in limbo, including measures to reform Maine’s criminal justice system, following the sudden adjournment of the Legislature last week because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Some of the criminal justice bills address how juveniles are punished and rehabilitated, whether steps can be taken to reduce the use of cash bail and whether some violations now considered crimes should be reduced to civil offenses.
“The unfortunate thing with the... Read more
Maine records first death of individual who tested positive for COVID-19
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) today, March 27, reported the first death of an individual who had tested positive for the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was a man in his 80s from Cumberland County. Due to privacy laws, Maine CDC is limited in releasing further details.
“This is a sad day for the State of Maine. I know I join countless people in extending my condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this... Read more
March 27 update: Number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise in Knox County, statewide
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 27, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 168 cases confirmed.
Twenty-four people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19, while one person has passed.
By sex, 82 males tested positive in the state and 86 females tested positive.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from state, reference, or... Read more
Governor launches online resource outlining ways Mainers can help Mainers amid COVID-19
AUGUSTA — In response to the extraordinary generosity of Maine people, businesses, and organizations looking to help during these challenging times, Governor Janet Mills launched a new online resource, coronavirus.maine.gov/mainehelps, to outline ways in which Maine people can support efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The kindness and generosity of Maine people during this challenging time is nothing short of inspiring. I want to thank all of you for stepping up with innovative... Read more
Gov. Mills extends state income tax filing, payment deadline to July 15
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services Commissioner Kirsten Figueroa announced today, March 26, the State will extend the deadline for Maine income tax payments from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020, according to a news release.
The change aligns with the Federal government’s recent extension of the Federal tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020.
“It is my hope that moving back this deadline will help provide a measure of relief... Read more
Bureau of Parks and Lands announces steps to help slow the spread of coronavirus
Popham Beach among State Parks closed due to overcrowding
Effective Friday, March 27, at 12:01 a.m., the following Midcoast and Southern Maine coastal State Parks and beaches are closed until April 8: Reid State Park, Popham Beach State Park, Fort Popham, Fort Baldwin, Kettle Cove State Park, Two Lights State Park, Crescent Beach State Park, Scarborough Beach State Park, Ferry Beach State Park, and Mackworth Island.
The closure could be extended depending on the spread of the potentially deadly virus, according to the Department of Agriculture,... Read more
March 26 update: 155 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases; one in Knox County, two in Waldo County, five in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 26, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 155 cases confirmed and 3,394 tests have returned as negative.
Sixteen people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
By sex, 76 males tested positive in the state and 79 females tested positive.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from state,... Read more
How to safely spend time outside
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department and Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry know that during these stressful times, everyone wants to get outside and recharge. One challenge we all face right now is how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly during this civil state of emergency.Here are a few reminders on how you can get some fresh air while being smart, staying safe, and sticking close to home.Go where they aren’t (AKA how to avoid crowds!)
Visit a lesser-... Read more
Lincoln County request for personal protective equipment
The Lincoln County EMA Emergency Operations Center issued a request March 26 for new, unused Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist our front line Emergency Medical, Fire Department and Law Enforcement first responders, health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19. Needed supplies include: N95 masks (NIOSH approved equivalent or similar), surgical protective masks, nitrile gloves, eye protection, face shields, disposable protective gowns or suits, disposable... Read more
Making it home from Mexico
For Nikki and Jimmy MacDonald of Boothbay Harbor, life in Oaxaca, Mexico, was the beginning of a new adventure. “We’d been there for about two months and planned to stay indefinitely,” said Nikki MacDonald.
The MacDonalds teach English as a foreign language online. “We loved Oaxaca, we were enjoying learning Spanish, the people were great,” MacDonald said.
But when the coronavirus began to impact the U.S., everything changed.
“We’d been keeping an eye on things,” said MacDonald. “And when we... Read more
UPDATE: Bouchers welcome daughter home to Edgecomb from Vietnam
UPDATE: Deb Boucher said via email Monday, her daughter arrived back in Maine Saturday night. “She is at the (friend’s) house where she is isolating. She is fine, healthy and in good spirits although a bit tired as you would expect.”
Original post: The distance between Edgecomb, Maine and Hanoi, Vietnam is 7,933 miles. The long trip is further complicated by current travel restrictions due to the coronavirus. But a former Edgecomb resident is returning home from Vietnam Saturday with some help... Read more
Maine bankers take action to help feed families
WESTBROOK, ME – With the spread of COVID-19 and social distancing in place, many Mainers find themselves out of work or working remotely with children home due to school closings. Many of Maine’s school children depend on school meals for their nutrition and in this current crisis may be forced to go hungry. To support families in need, the Maine Bankers Association has rallied 34Maine banks – listed below – to raise $61,000 in a matter of hours to support food pantries throughout the state.
“... Read more
https://youtu.be/90k2jE0zjDo
Newcastle woman sculpts socially distanced snowmen
Nicole St. Cyr of Newcastle is taking social distancing seriously. She thinks it should also apply to snowmen. March 24, after the overnight snowstorm, she got busy building a line of snowmen on her lawn being careful to make sure they were at least six feet apart.
“The snowmen can’t be together,” said St. Cyr, who lives with her family on Academy Hill Road.
She even made one on the roof of her van to show how some snowmen are exercising extreme caution. St. Cyr had to work fast as she... Read more
Sec. Dunlap: CDLs, registrations extended during emergency; Real ID enforcement delayed
AUGUSTA – Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is updating all Maine residents with the latest developments surrounding BMV transactions during the emergency closure period.
Sec. Dunlap closed all BMV offices Tuesday, March 17 to aid in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among staff and the public, and the closure will remain in effect until further notice.
The Maine Legislature, in its actions last week, waived enforcement of all motorized vehicle, watercraft and trailer registration and... Read more
Governor also urges large essential businesses to limit in-store customers
Gov. Janet Mills orders further steps to protect public health, issues new order effective March 25
Under the authority granted to her during a State of Civil Emergency, Governor Janet Mills today issued an Executive Order mandating that all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing, meaning those that allow customer, vendor or other in-person contact. The Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than ten workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible. Non-essential businesses and... Read more
Update on Maine unemployment insurance during COVID-19 pandemic
AUGUSTA – A significant number of individuals are filing unemployment insurance (UI) claims and reaching out to the Maine Department of Labor with questions as Mainers lose work due to COVID-19.
“The Maine Department of Labor is working as quickly as it can to process the unprecedented number of unemployment claims,” said Commissioner Laura Fortman, in a March 24 news release. “The unemployment insurance program provides a critical economic lifeline and is experiencing extremely high... Read more
A Bird’s Tale
Cool Critters in Our Own Backyard
Our column two weeks ago was about nature-based activities any of us can do from the backyard, as Maine and the world practice physical distancing due to COVID-19. We have been enjoying watching spring slowly unfold as we have time to pay closer attention to the small things around our home. Yesterday we had the first purple finches at the feeder that we have seen since last fall, and the goldfinch numbers seem to be continuing to climb. Mom Wells told us that she, too, has had the return of... Read more
From counting Woolwich alewives to offering comic relief in pandemic
Andrea Smith has been getting looks when she drives her Subaru Forrester lately.
“Just some big smiles from other drivers going by in passing.”
Smith has been a Woolwich alewife counter every May since she moved to Brunswick from Vinalhaven six years ago. And she drives through Wiscasset often to get to the ferry in Rockland. So when she heard Wiscasset Newspaper did an article about a new happening that interested her – noontime bell-ringing in Wiscasset village – she called us.
We sent... Read more
Maine Health Care Association launches intergenerational online effort to reach long term care residents
The Maine Health Care Association has launched an intergenerational program designed to reach nursing home and assisted living residents with messages of encouragement, love, and support during these unprecedented times.
Currently, federal and state guidelines are restricting visits to nursing homes and assisted living communities to protect vulnerable residents from illness and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We recognize the hardship this places on our long term care residents and... Read more
‘Surge preparation’ underway on Miles Campus
From Thursday, March 26, medical staff from St. Andrews Urgent Care will begin caring for patients on the Miles Campus in Damariscotta.
John Martins, director of Communications and Public Affairs at LincolnHealth, explained. “The decision was made based on projected needs due to COVID-19 and our ability to provide coverage for other types of emergent care. It also assists in our surge preparation. There is still care available on the St. Andrews Campus and for the same hours. We just ask that... Read more
March 24 update: 118 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases; one in Knox County, one in Waldo County, 5 in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 24, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 118 cases confirmed and 3,014 tests have returned as negative.
Seven people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
By sex, 57 males tested positive in the state and 61 females tested positive.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from state,... Read more
Wiscasset eateries deal with pandemic
Global pandemic nor rain kept customers away from Treats curbside pickup Thursday afternoon, March 19. “We’ll definitely try it again next week,” said owner Stacy Linehan via Facebook post. Treats had posted an order form online and customers could pick up their order curbside during a specific window of time.
On moving to takeout only, Linehan said, “I think it’s a good decision, it’s just a really hard one ... I just do want to ... thank everyone who has been so supportive of this tiny... Read more
United Way launches COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund
United Way of Mid Coast Maine announced Monday that it has created a special Fund to help initiatives and agencies meet the increased needs of local people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund is being set up to match the needs of vulnerable people in Mid Coast Maine with the generosity of people who want to help others during this difficult time,” said Bill Brillant, United Way’s Board Chair. “United Way partner agencies and others are working hard to help people with... Read more
Wiscasset’s Vanessa Dunn navigates college, travel in pandemic
The coronavirus is affecting everyone's life right now. With stores, schools, and more closing, everyone is coming to terms with our new reality.
Life as a college student right now has been a saddening experience. College students all over have had to pack up their things and move back home, while their professors switch classes to online learning and students learn how to get the most out of their education while staying home. While this may be upsetting for all students, it is the seniors... Read more
Special Olympics Maine suspends activities through May 31
The coronavirus is affecting everyone, both personally and professionally. With new recommendations from our governor, Maine Department of Health, the CDC and a new directive from Special Olympics, Inc. (distributed last week) that strongly advises all programs to cancel all Special Olympic activities through May 31st, we have developed an updated plan to take us through the next few months.
In light of these recommendations, Special Olympics Maine has made the difficult decision to take the... Read more
March 23 update: 107 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases; one in Knox County, five in Lincoln
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 23, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 107 cases confirmed and 2,791 have returned as negative.
Three people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
The tables below are updated once each day by noon.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from state, reference, or commercial laboratories,... Read more
Press release
Boothbay Region Health Center open to all
Boothbay Region Health Center, located in the Meadow Mall, Boothbay Harbor continues to serve local people during this time of need. We plan to be here for the community through thick and thin, as long as our staff remains healthy. Although other healthcare facilities are reducing their primary care services, we remain open and we welcome walk-ins and same day appointments. You don't need to be a current patient to use our services. And, you don't need to switch providers in order to avail... Read more
CLC YMCA extends closure and increases virtual options
Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA has extended the closure of the main facility and child care site through April 5. Management will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the town of Damariscotta, LincolnHealth, and the superintendent of the AOS93 school district to align with consistency on best practices.
To best support the community to stay healthy during this time of social distancing, CLC YMCA is providing virtual options for online fitness and exercise classes. Options... Read more
Still studying, but ‘some days just sheer madness’
The closure of in-person education for K-12 education as a COVID-19 precaution has posed unique challenges for local parents suddenly finding themselves with lesson plans and kids at home all day. Many parents are feeling the schools’ support.
In a phone interview, Lisa Pettis Wright of Wiscasset said the teachers “are amazing at answering questions.” Daughters Makynlee, in third grade, and Tayia, in second grade, were working with their mother to complete their lessons. “Getting the packet (... Read more
Concord suspends Midcoast bus service
Concord Coach Lines has suspended its service to and from the Midcoast for the foreseeable future during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company had been making stops in Belfast, Rockport, Lincolnville, Damariscotta, Rockland, Searsport, Waldoboro and Wiscasset en route to Boston and Logan Airport.
The news was announced by the company March 18 with the changes effective March 22.
The company also announced it was suspending its New York City service.
To view the revised Concord schedule,... Read more
https://youtu.be/_jal8UFkK8A
‘Solidarity’ in the ringing: Wiscasset villagers take bells in hand
Social distancing had a ring to it in Wiscasset Village Sunday. A lot of them: From a cowbell to Christmas ones, bells rang out at noon in the coronavirus spring.
Helen Russell and son Ben, 4, walked down their Federal Street driveway carrying a bell she said came with the house. As they rang the bell, Russell said they wanted to help show solidarity. Across the street, organizer Elizabeth Palmer rang bells and a passing motorist peeped.
Peter Wells rang a cowbell about 75 years old. “My... Read more
SVRSU 12, RSU 2 follow 1 and Wiscasset in extending closures
Regional School Unit 2 that includes Dresden, and Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 that includes Alna and Westport Island, have followed Woolwich’s district, Regional School Unit 1, and Wiscasset in extending their school closures about another month.
Based on announcements on all the districts’ websites in recent days, Wiscasset and RSU 1 schools are closed through April 26; RSU 2 and SVRSU 12, through April 27.
In a letter dated Sunday, March 22 on SVRSU 12’s site, Superintendent... Read more
March 22 update: 89 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 22, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 89 cases confirmed and 2,264 have returned as negative, though negative tests results are not updated on the weekend.
Three people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
The tables below are updated once each day by noon.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents... Read more
‘A way to be together’: Wiscasset villagers, churches to ring bells at noon Sunday; other area volunteer efforts emerge
From fundraising for families, to village bell-ringing from porches and churches, and the new group Alna Cares, area residents are finding ways to connect and to help one another through the coronavirus crisis.
The bell-ringing in and beyond Wiscasset village, including by St. Philip’s Episcopal and First Congregational churches, is set for noon Sunday, Elizabeth Palmer said in a phone interview Saturday night. Her idea was inspired by scenes of Italians and others around the world breaking... Read more
March 21 update: 70 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 21, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 70 cases confirmed and 2,264 have returned as negative, though negative tests results are not updated on the weekend.
Many of the confirmed cases are in their 50s and 60s, although the age span is under 20 to over 80, with 39 females and 31 males.
Three people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
The tables below are updated once each day Monday through... Read more
LincolnHealth responds To COVID-19 by making staffing adjustments
In order to strengthen its response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) while continuing to provide care for patients with other health needs, LincolnHealth is making some proactive temporary staffing adjustments.
On Thursday, team members at the St. Andrews Urgent Care Center will begin caring for patients on the Miles Campus in Damariscotta and services at the Center will be temporarily suspended. In order to strengthen access to care in Boothbay Region, the Family Care Center (FCC) will expand its... Read more
Baston blasts as ‘despicable’ Alna’s write-ins for first selectman; town meeting practices social distancing
Alna residents who wrote in Leslie T. Fossel for first selectman Friday do not deserve to be called fellow citizens, Second Selectman Doug Baston told annual town meeting-goers Saturday afternoon.
Incumbent First Selectman Melissa Spinney kept her seat, with 48 votes to the 28 write-ins for Fossel. All of Friday’s elections were uncontested on the printed ballot.
At the start of the 11-minute town meeting, shortened due to the coronavirus, Baston said those who filled in Fossel’s name “... Read more
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine rescheduling Midcoast Bowl for Kids’ Sake
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s Midcoast Bowl for Kids’ Sake events, previously scheduled for April in Belfast, Waldoboro and Rockport, are being postponed. As recommended by the CDC, the agency is following social distancing guidelines for the safety of supporters, staff, and Bigs and Littles. Bowling events originally planned for April 2-11, will be held in May and June according to the following schedule:
Thursday, May 28, 1 to 6 p.m., at ALLPlaY Family Entertainment Center in... Read more
UPDATED: Wiscasset, Woolwich schools now closed through April 26
UPDATE: Woolwich’s district, Regional School Unit 1, also announced Friday its schools will stay closed through April 26.
Original post, of Wiscasset Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood’s statement at wiscassetschools.org: “In an effort to mitigate and slow the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Mills and the Department of Education have recommended the continued importance of social distancing. Based on these recommendations, Wiscasset schools will be closed through April 26, 2020.
“When additional... Read more
Hannaford Supermarkets commits quarter million dollars to area foodbanks
Scarborough, ME—Hannaford Supermarkets announced today its commitment to donate $250,000 to support area foodbanks that are experiencing increasing and unprecedented demand during the widening of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The monies will be distributed to foodbanks in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York.
Additionally, Hannaford is kicking off a register and store kiosk donation program at all Hannaford grocery stores that will make it easy for customers to donate... Read more
SBA offers disaster assistance to Maine small businesses economically affected by COVID-19
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Maine small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Janet... Read more
LincolnHealth visitor policy updated
Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor: In response to the latest medical guidance to reduce community spread of COVID-19 in Maine, LincolnHealth has expanded its restriction to visitors on the Miles and Boothbay campuses, as well as at the Lincoln Medical Partners practices in Boothbay, Damariscotta, Waldoboro and Wiscasset.
Under the new policy, no visitors are permitted at
• Pediatrics (one parent/guardian at a time allowed in all areas)• Obstetrics (one spouse/birth partner allowed in labor and... Read more
Maine CDC March 20 update: Cases of COVID-19 at 44 confirmed, 12 presumptive positive
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 20, of presumptive positive and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 44 cases confirmed, 12 presumptive positive and 2,264 have returned as negative. Many of them are in their 50s and 60s, although the age span is under 20 to over 80, with 29 females and 27 males.
The tables below are updated once each day Monday through Friday by noon.
The majority of cases are in Cumberland County, with 26 confirmed and 9... Read more
Maine Medical Center announces further visitor restrictions in response to COVID-19 outbreak
PORTLAND, Maine – In response to the increased risk of community spread of COVID-19 in Maine, Maine Medical Center (MMC) is limiting visitors to pediatric patients and patients with other special circumstances beginning Saturday, March 21.
These visitor restrictions are being made to protect the health and safety of patients and employees of Maine Medical Center and are in addition previously announced restrictions. They apply to all hospital, outpatient clinic and medical practice, urgent... Read more
Reminds Mainers of what not to flush
Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection warns of sewer systems and COVID-19
Properly functioning sewer systems are extremely important for the protection of public health and to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
To help keep these systems functioning properly, the DEP is reminding people that the following products should not be flushed:Baby wipes or cleaning wipesPaper towelsTissuesDental FlossTampons and sanitary productsCotton balls and swabsCat litterPrescription drugsOver-the-counter medicinesCigarette buttsUnlike toilet paper, these... Read more
COVID-19 update from CLYNK
CLYNK is a redemption company born out of community. You rely on us to get you back your deposits, and our hardworking employees value your business as it gives them dependable income and basic benefits. Never has this been truer than during the COVID-19 outbreak.
CLYNK is open for business. We are committed to keeping this little corner of your life “easy and convenient” even while the rest is anything but. We are taking extra precautions to keep our employees safe, including increased... Read more
‘Uncharted territory’: Wiscasset area churches adjust for COVID-19
Rev. Josh Fitterling won’t be all alone in First Congregational Church of Wiscasset when Sunday service gets recorded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Music minister Linda Adams and a partial choir will join him, and Jim Nelon will record it all. The church has suspended its in-person March 22 and 29 services.
Other Wiscasset-area churches are also adjusting for the viral outbreak that has state and federal officials calling on people to not gather in groups bigger than 10.
“In a lot of ways,... Read more
Edgecomb postpones town meeting, election
In light of the uncertainty around the Covid-19 crisis, the selectboard of the town of Edgecomb has postponed the town’s annual meeting and election scheduled for May 16. Both will be rescheduled at a date to be determined when events normalize.
“The state has enacted special measures that will allow the town to operate (pay its bills, accept payments, etc.) without a new budget voted into place, provided the town operates on the current year’s budget,” explained Jack Sarmanian, selectboard... Read more
Hannaford Supermarkets dedicates shopping hours for high-risk, vulnerable customers
Scarborough, Maine —Hannaford Supermarkets announced effective Tuesday, March 24 that its stores will offer dedicated shopping hours for people age 60 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems. Stores will open early from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Tuesday through Thursday to service this vulnerable population and allow a less crowded shopping environment, which enables better social distancing.
In addition, Hannaford is shortening its general store-operating hours starting Saturday... Read more
Woolwich closes town office to public
Until further notice, the Woolwich Municipal building is closed to the public. The selectboard made the decision Wednesday afternoon, March 18 as a COVID-19 precaution.
Town Administrator Kim Dalton said the office staff will still be working at the municipal building but only to answer the phones and process payments. The hours to call are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The closure will remain in effect until further notice, she added.
“We’ll continue to post updates on the... Read more
Profiteers be warned: Maine has a law against price-gouging
Emergencies have a way of bringing out the best and worst in people and for those who tend toward the latter, Maine has a price-gouging law to protect consumers.
Under Title 10, MRSA, section 1105, which prohibits “profiteering,” the Governor must first declare that an “abnormal market disruption” has occurred. That took place on March 17, when Gov. Mills issued a proclamation stating, in part:
“NOW THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine ... hereby declare and proclaim... Read more
Maine Delegation: Protect workers’ health at BIW
The Maine Delegation wrote to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly today, urging them to take action to protect the health of shipyard employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In their letter, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden said that the safety of shipyard workers is “paramount.” They also told Secretary Esper and Acting Secretary Modly that they stood ready to provide the Department of Defense with... Read more
Shaw’s establishes reserved shopping hours for senior citizens, at-risk individuals
Shaw’s Supermarket will be making two hours available for senior citizens and at-risk community members to do their shopping on select days.
“To help ensure that the most at-risk members of our community who must leave home to obtain groceries are taken care of, we are reserving 7 AM to 9 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays for them,” the company posted to social media.
“During those times, we ask that you avoid shopping so that the stores can be available for senior citizens, and other at-risk... Read more
Governor Mills urges federal government, Vice President to release personal protection equipment from national stockpile
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills today pressed the Federal government to provide more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing supplies to the State of Maine, she said, in a news release.
In a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, Governor Mills requested that the Federal government expedite the release of PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile and pushed for “a steady and reliable supply” of testing materials as the outbreak... Read more
Help Yourself Shelf continues in Wiscasset
Help Yourself Shelf at St. Philip’s Church will run from 4:30 to 5:30 each Thursday set up as grab 'n go: Attendees will come to the hall door, check in, and we will put a box of food outside for them to take away, trying to minimize physical contact. If people cannot make the open time, they can call the church at 882-7184, leaving their name, number, number of people in the household, and someone from the group will call back and arrange a pick up for them.
Dresden selectmen approve COVID-19 protection plan
Dresden selectmen on March 17 approved a five-point protocol to limit public exposure to COVID-19. The meeting was closed to the public except for the press.
Effective through the end of March, the town office will be closed to the public. Staff will maintain regular hours and be available during business hours to answer questions by phone or online. Vehicle re-registration, hunting and fishing licenses and property tax payments may be made online or by mail. No interest on late property taxes... Read more
letter to the editor
Help by promoting social distancing
Dear Editor:
We find ourselves dealing with an unprecedented health crisis. While plans are changing rapidly, the most important and consistent part of the plan is social distancing. COVID-19 is in our community, so we want to remind folks that we can all help by promoting social distancing.
1) What does that mean for you and your family? We recognize that the closure of schools, businesses, and day cares may be disruptive to our lives, but we support all decisions made by local officials to... Read more
All Masses in Maine temporarily suspended in response to CDC guidance on COVID-19
PORTLAND---With attention to the guidance from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and upon consideration of the size of the usual congregations, Bishop Robert P. Deeley is temporarily suspending all daily and Sunday Masses and religious services throughout the Diocese of Portland (covering the entire state of Maine), effective immediately. The bishop is also issuing a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass for Maine Catholics during this time. There are nearly 300,... Read more
UPDATE: Lincoln County’s third COVID-19 case moves to ‘confirmed’
UPDATE: The state’s online chart updated Thursday, March 19 shows Lincoln County with three confirmed results for coronavirus, and still none listed for Sagadahoc County.
Original post; Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday, Lincoln County has a third presumptive positive test result for coronavirus. Word came online in the agency’s daily update at noon, bringing the county’s total to three. The first two moved to confirmed status earlier this week. Presumptive... Read more
From the assistant editor
Same concept, in reverse; and, it’s OK, Tom
When freedom’s enemy has been terrorism, domestic or foreign, the Midcoast and the rest of America have shown support by coming together and turning out. We’ve shown we can still go to the movies, still worship or not, still vacation, dine, run a marathon, educate, learn and vote.
Now the enemy is invisible; it sounds as a cough or other symptoms, and it is tiny. But it is many.
While we can rightly analyze, learn from and, if we choose, criticize any nation’s handling of the coronavirus, for... Read more
‘Skiing in new snow’: Selectmen recommend low turnout for Alna’s voting days
Days of mulling, consulting and planning for Alna’s uncontested elections this Friday and the annual town meeting Saturday have led to a plan for munchies-free voting with other precautions and, on Saturday, a proposed compacted set of votes at town meeting.
In email announcements Tuesday night, selectmen suggested people skip the elections and keep town meeting quick, to help minimize residents’ exposure to one another in the global coronavirus outbreak. As of Tuesday, the state said... Read more
Learning, entertainment alternatives in coronavirus outbreak
Days into Maine’s state of emergency, social distancing and other novel terms have emerged. Seeing as they’re here for the foreseeable future, Boothbay Register is sharing some things adults and children can do to burn some time and maybe learn a few things.
From learning to doodle with Mo Willems to having a story read by a beloved author or celebrity (who doesn’t want to have “Harry the Dirty Dog” read to them by Betty White?) there is plenty on the web to keep everyone productive. There are... Read more
Funeral homes taking precautions during virus outbreak
At Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, the families we serve are always our top priority. During confusing and concerning times such as the current COVID-19 event, we want to share our plans with you. We want to assure you that we are all in this together.
First, we are closely monitoring and following all guidelines from the CDC, National Funeral Directors Association, as well as all local and state emergency services.
Social support is extremely important during a time of grieving,... Read more
Elective, non-essential services suspended at LincolnHealth
LincolnHealth is suspending elective medical procedures and postponing non-urgent, routine office visits to reduce community spread of coronavirus and redirect its most scarce and important resource – its care team members – to the patients who most need their help the most.
The public should not call to find out about their appointment. Patients will be informed by Friday, March 29.
Dresden to shut town office until April 1
Dresden selectmen plan to adopt a coronavirus protocol at their Tuesday, March 17 meeting. Town Administrator Michael Henderson said the town office will be closed to the public Wednesday, March 18 until Wednesday, April 1. That closure may be extended, he said. “Most things can be done online,” said Henderson. He said vehicle re-registrations can be done online as well as tax payments which can also be paid by mail.
Election of a first selectman is still scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 pending... Read more
many services can be done online
UPDATED: All Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch offices closed to public
AUGUSTA — Effective Tuesday, March 17, all Bureau of Motor Vehicles' offices will be closed to the public until further notice to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Maine, according to a news release.
All of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' Mobile Unit visits are also suspended until further notice.
The closure is in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among staff and the public, and will remain in place until further notice.
Secretary Dunlap, according to a news release, is... Read more
DHHS waiving copays for prescriptions, office visits, ER visits, radiology and lab services; allowing early refills of prescriptions
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is taking immediate steps, according to a news release, to ensure access to critical services and benefits for Maine people while protecting the health of employees and the public in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
“We are acting swiftly to maintain Maine people's access to health care coverage, nutritious food, and support for basic necessities in the face of COVID-19, while also safeguarding their health... Read more
UPDATE: Second Lincoln County case moves to ‘confirmed’; Miles nurse presumptive positive for coronavirus is showing no symptoms
UPDATE: At noon Tuesday, March 17, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s daily update showed the Lincoln County man’s test results changed from presumptive positive to confirmed, making two confirmed cases for the county.
Original post: An intensive care unit nurse at LincolnHealth’s Miles Campus hospital in Damariscotta has tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus, is self-quarantining at home and has no symptoms of the virus, said Dr. Russ Mack, a senior consultant at... Read more
BRLT offers healthy exercise and peace of mind in uncertain times
As a member of the Boothbay region for more than six years and an employee of Boothbay Region Land Trust, I am well versed in the many beautiful preserves that the land trust offers, free to the public all throughout the year. However, as I write, I have a renewed appreciation for the essential resource that our public lands offer each member of our community in these uncertain times.
This renewed appreciation comes from my recent experience living overseas. Since the beginning of January, I... Read more
MaineHealth to suspend elective procedures, non-urgent visits
Portland, Maine – The nine local health organizations within MaineHealth are suspending elective medical procedures and postponing non-urgent office visits to its practices in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Those cancellations are expected to take place by end of the day Friday.
“Supporting public health efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Maine is one of the approaches we can take to protect our patients, families and care teams,” said Joan Boomsma, MD, chief medical officer of... Read more
The Met Opera streaming performances this week
A day after canceling upcoming performances due to concerns around the coronavirus, the Metropolitan Opera announced that it would stream encore presentations from the award-winning Live in HD series of cinema transmissions on the company website for the duration of the closure.
The new offering will begin on Monday, March 16 with the 2010 HD performance of Bizet’s “Carmen,” conducted by Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and starring Elīna Garanča in the title role and Roberto Alagna as... Read more
Wiscasset feeding students through partnership
Wiscasset School Department announced plans Monday to provide meals for all students during the shutdown. See Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood’s letter here on how it will work.
COVID-19 causes Woolwich to delay town meeting
Covid-19 concerns caused the Woolwich selectboard to move the April 29 annual town meeting to late May. The board also announced Monday night a precautionary measures at the town office to safeguard staff.
The town meeting was tentatively rescheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 20 at Woolwich Central School. “Because of the uncertainty (associated with the coronavirus) it’s possible we may need to reschedule it again,” said Chair David King Sr. “If the need arises we could hold off until June... Read more
Lincoln Theater closed for now
In hopes of our helping slow the spread of the coronavirus and Covid-19 in our community, the Lincoln Theater of Damariscotta is suspending all programming as of Monday March 16.
We will revisit the decision to reopen/stay closed in three weeks.
The office, at 2 Theater Street, will remain open during this time.
We will resume programming as soon as it is prudent to do so.
Newspaper office closed but employees still working
Effective today, March 16, the Boothbay Register/Wiscasset Newspaper office at 97 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor will be closed to the public until further notice due to the coronavirus outbreak.
However, our employees are working diligently off-site to bring the communities the latest news of what is being done to combat the virus and to provide information where people can get help during this unknowing time.
We took this action to do our part to help slow the spread of the virus while also... Read more
Wiscasset using sneeze guards, other precautions for town business
Wiscasset shared this “notice to employees” with local media Monday afternoon. It also contains helpful information for the public on access and operations in light of the global concern of coronavirus:
As we all are aware, the coronavirus is a major health concern in Maine and across the globe. The situation is very fluid and is changing rapidly. Much is still unknown, but we do know that community spread is a concern. As such it is prudent to limit person to person contact as much as... Read more
Boothbay Region YMCA taking action
Effective Tuesday, March 17, amid what we know to be unprecedented and uncertain times and in the interest of public health, the Boothbay Region YMCA is suspending on-site operations until April 1, 2020. We will continue child care as outlined later in this letter.The BRYMCA serves a membership of more than 3,000,and we feel it is our responsibility to keep our community safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.We ask that you join us in this effort; our Y is going to need your support... Read more
‘Never seen this’: Doing business in Wiscasset amid pandemic
“Big Al” Cohen said Saturday, the only panic buying he has seen remotely close to what the coronavirus has caused was the 1970s gas shortage. “This, to me, is that, multiplied” because it isn’t one thing being bought up, “it’s everything. I’ve never seen this.”
And it isn’t a boon for his Big Al’s Super Values on Route 1; people were coming in for the hand sanitizer and toilet paper, but could only buy so many: Up to six hand sanitizers Friday, and down to two on Saturday to help the stock... Read more
Westport Island selectmen
Westport Island town office closed to foot traffic
Westport Island selectmen voted Monday to close the town office to all foot traffic for two weeks, effective immediately. With the decision, they join other area towns adapting their operations due to COVID-19. Westport Island office staff will still be available by phone at 882-8477 or by email during regular business hours (Tuesdays 11a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Deputy EMA Director Gaye Wagner said many services, such as renewal registrations, can be done online and other... Read more
Dresden’s school unit closes for two weeks
RSU 2 schools will be closed for two weeks, from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27. It is in the best interest of our school communities, Kennebec County, and the state of Maine to practice social distancing now in our collective attempt to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This action is not in response to any known or suspected case of COVID-19 in any RSU school or community but rather to the increasing number of confirmed cases in Maine.
In making this decision, I have met... Read more
UPDATE: Second presumptive positive case for Lincoln County
UPDATE: According to Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday, Lincoln County has had a second presumptive positive test and the first has gone from presumptive positive to confirmed. The Center lists the county’s latest case as a male in his 40s.
Original post: A Lincoln County case was among new ones Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced Sunday related to the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Maine CDC received five new... Read more
SVRSU schools closed through March 27
Sheepscot Valley Regional School Unit 12 schools are closed through March 27, Superintendent of Schools Howie Tuttle confirmed Sunday afternoon in a text reply to Wiscasset Newspaper.
The district serves Alna, Westport Island, Whitefield, Somerville, Chelsea, Windsor and Palermo. Tuttle announced on svrsu.org: “All RSU 12 schools will be closed for two weeks from March 16-March 27 in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The situation will be revisited next week. Educators will be... Read more
UPDATE: No school in Wiscasset School Department through March 27
Wiscasset Middle High School’s Facebook page announced Sunday afternoon: “Students in Wiscasset schools will not have school starting on Monday, March 16 and schools will stay closed until March 27.” Superintendent of Schools Terry Wood emailed local newspapers the following letter:
“Dear School Community,
“We have continued to monitor and evaluate the COVID-19 situation closely this weekend. I have gathered information from many sources, heard from many of you, and paid attention to the... Read more
All AOS 98 schools closed through April break
As you are probably well aware, at this time, the decision whether to open or close schools is being left to superintendents. After consultation with the Maine, Department of Education and other superintendents yesterday and today, I have decided that schools in the AOS will be closed to students beginning tomorrow and will remain closed until the conclusion of the Spring vacation period. At that time we will reevaluate what is the next course of action.
Administrators and teachers will report... Read more
Good Shepherd Food Bank
GSFB preparing for the COVID-19 virus
Good Shepherd Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Maine and distributes 25 million meals per year through more than 450 partner hunger-relief programs across the state. Including food pantries, meal sites, schools, and health centers that serve families and individuals who are struggling with hunger. We are continuing this work as Maine starts to realize the impacts of COVID-19.During times of crisis, a Food Bank’s role evolves. Good Shepherd Food Bank’s role in a declared... Read more
LincolnHealth restricts visitors at senior living facilities
LincolnHealth announced March 14 that it is limiting visitation to all of its long-term care, assisted living facilities and the Schooner Cove retirement community. Exceptions may be made for patients receiving end-of-life care after the visitor is screened.
“Given the impact COVID-19 has on the older population, we believe the best way to eliminate opportunities for infection and protect the health of our residents and team members is to limit visitation,’’ said Timothy Fox, MD, LincolnHealth... Read more
Harbor Theater closing temporarily
Out of sincere concern for our patrons and employees and following the advice of the Maine CDC to reduce the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) by social distancing, the Harbor Theater will be temporarily closed starting Monday, March 16.
For the latest information on our plans to reopen, go to the website at www.boothbaycinema.org., check out our Facebook page or call the Theater (207) 633-0438. We look forward to welcoming you back to Harbor Theater as soon as possible.
In the interim, please... Read more
Woolwich’s school unit closing school through March 27
In a decision Regional School Unit 1 Superintendent of Schools Patrick Manuel announced Saturday night, the unit, which serves Woolwich, Bath, Arrowsic and Phippsburg, is closing its schools through March 27.
Manuel’s letter to families and staff, posted at rsu1.org, explains the unit’s schools have no confirmed cases of COVID-19; the two-week closure is being done “out of an abundance of caution,” Manuel writes.
“As you are aware, we have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic ... We... Read more
Preliminary testing indicates two new presumptive positive COVID-19 cases in Maine
AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) was informed this morning, March 13, by MaineHealth that preliminary testing in their lab indicates two more individuals in Maine have tested presumptively positive for the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a press release.
Those test samples have been sent to the Maine CDC for review and will require confirmation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Maine recorded... Read more
Start of spring sports delayed to late April
AUGUSTA — The Maine Principals’ Association announced in a March 13 news release the start of spring sports will be delayed.
In response to recommendations from Governor Janet Mills to not have mass gatherings, the MPA Board of Directors and Interscholastic Management Committee voted Friday morning to delay practices for the high school spring sports season until April 27.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and will make the appropriate changes as needed to ensure the safety of all... Read more
Coronavirus scare impacts local lobster markets
While Maine lobster exporters are reporting a drop in prices due to lost sales to China, area dealers see a mixed picture of supply and demand at the local level.
“It is not the Chinese market. It is domestic,” said Spencer Fuller, a manager at Cozy Harbor Seafood, Inc. in Portland. “People are not going out.”
Fuller said prices are “soft” due to the fears connected with the coronavirus. “It is scaring everybody.”
Closer to home, Hugh Thompson of Robinson’s Wharf and Seafood Restaurant of... Read more
Governor announces insurance emergency proclamation, temporary suspension of non-essential out-of-state work travel for State employees, and a recommendation to postpone large, indoor gatherings
Maine announces first presumptive positive case, advises additional steps to respond to COVID-19
Governor Janet Mills and the Maine CDC announced today Maine’s first presumptive positive case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maine. The individual who tested positive is a woman in her 50s from Androscoggin County, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The Maine CDC is speaking to the individual and her medical provider to assess travel history and begin to investigate possible community exposure. The individual is quarantined at her home.
“The Maine CDC has... Read more
Press release
Midcoast Senior College cancels its spring courses
In the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, Midcoast Senior College has decided to cancel its spring term effective immediately. We are also suspending, until further notice, our Current Events forum in conjunction with Curtis Memorial Library and our sponsor, Thornton Oaks.
Midcoast Senior College is dedicated to its mission of providing educational opportunities for seniors in the Midcoast region of Maine. When this health concern has passed, we will continue to operate and plan future classes... Read more
Hotline available to answer general questions about COVID-19
AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and 211 Maine announced today, March 11, a new option for Mainers to get answers to questions about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at any time.
This service is available by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.
Maine has no confirmed cases or presumptive positive tests for COVID-19. Maine CDC will inform the public if positive tests are confirmed and... Read more
Special Olympics Maine suspends activities through March due to virus concerns
Special Olympics Programs worldwide have been very strongly advised by Special Olympics International to suspend all sports training and competition activities involving their athletes through March 31, at which time the situation will be re-evaluated.
Due to the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, Special Olympics Maine has made the difficult decision to suspend all sports, training and competition activities through the end of the month.
“This is a difficult time that calls for tough... Read more
Edgecomb school committee discusses precautions for coronavirus
Alternative Organizational Structure 98 schools are formulating plans for handling the coronavirus. Superintendent Dr. Keith Laser reported during the March 9 Edgecomb School Committee meeting the district is sending out letters to staff and parents updating precautions regarding the virus which originated in the People’s Republic of China and is spreading worldwide. Globally, 114,000 cases have been confirmed with 4,028 deaths reported by LiveScience.com since the virus occurred in December in... Read more
Where the germs are
As we watch the news about coronavirus, it seems like a good time to find out how to keep everyone’s exposure down. The coronavirus is primarily spread by droplets in the air so it’s important to cover coughs and sneezes.
But viruses can linger on surfaces, so here are some things you may want to consider so you can avoid what’s lurking out there – whether corona or flu or whatever.
- Avoid touch screen ordering at fast food restaurants and opt for ordering at the counter instead. Turns out... Read more
Preparing for the coronavirus
Like hospitals and health care provides across the state, LincolnHealth has been working since the earliest reported case of COVID-19, or coronavirus, to prepare for a response when it is needed.
The challenge with an evolving and novel virus is that the spread of misinformation and fear is often swifter than the movement of the virus. That’s why it is critical for all of us to choose reliable sources for the latest information.
If you visit www.lincolnhealthme.org, you can get the most up-to... Read more
Steps include updating equipment and protocols, working with partners statewide
Maine CDC continues coronavirus preparations
AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) outlined today, Feb. 28, steps that Maine is taking to prepare for the potential spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus to the state.
Maine currently has no confirmed cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus. As Maine CDC previously reported, one individual in Maine who met federal requirements to be tested for the virus tested negative. The risk to the public remains low, and Maine CDC continues comprehensive planning to... Read more
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