Two additional COVID-19 deaths registered in Maine, including MDOT employee

Sun, 03/29/2020 - 2:45pm

    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. 

    Governor Janet Mills confirmed the man in his 60s from Cumberland County was a long-time employee of the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), in a news release.

    “Those who serve the people of Maine in State government are not only dedicated public servants, they are family. Today, I am saddened to say that we have lost a member of that family,” said Governor Mills. “I am grateful for his years of service to our State, and, on behalf of the people of Maine, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, as well as our faithful employees at the Maine Department of Transportation and throughout State government during this difficult time. Please know that we share in your grief, and we support you.”

    “Our entire MaineDOT family mourns this tragic loss,” said MaineDOT Commissioner Bruce Van Note. “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to our colleague’s family and friends, and we remain forever grateful for his service to the State of Maine.”

    Due to privacy laws, Maine CDC is limited in releasing further details, the press release noted.

    “However, based on the employee’s travel history, and the fact that he did not return to work after his vacation, Maine CDC reports that risk to other MaineDOT employees is extremely low,” the release read.