Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center

MIDCOAST — A total of 91 businesses in Knox and Waldo counties received aid money from the second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program. 

The grant program, backed by $200 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, provides some financial relief for businesses and non-profit organizations that incurred business disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second phase of the program expanded access to funds by increasing the number of eligible…

MIDCOAST — A total of 51 businesses in Lincoln County received aid money from the second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program. 

The grant program, backed by $200 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds, provides some financial relief for businesses and non-profit organizations that incurred business disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second phase of the program expanded access to funds by increasing the number of eligible organizations.…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 24, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 779 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 11 new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 680 cases, 217…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 23, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 731. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 23, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 768 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes no changes since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 675 cases, 217 recoveries, 26…

Islesboro Central School submitted the following statement:

Staff at Islesboro Central School (ICS) have begun receiving their vaccinations and are preparing to expand the school week to five days for all K-12 students.

Throughout the pandemic, ICS has made decisions based on caution regarding social distancing and continues to remain COVID free. We developed a hybrid/cohort model that has served us well. Now that the vaccine is being administered to educational…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 22, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 768 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of four new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 675 cases, 217…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 21, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 729. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. …

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 21, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 764 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of six new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 674 cases, 217…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 20, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 758 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of five new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 673 cases, 217…

ORONO — The University of Maine has cancelled a scheduled series for the Black Bears baseball program this weekend on the road against Stony Brook following a positive COVID-19 case in the program.

Following contact tracing, six members of the baseball program have been placed into quarantine or isolation.

“Our student athletes have modeled safe practices this year and we are proud of what they have accomplished in competition and in the effort to limit the spread of infection…

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Friday the State is accelerating the timeline of its vaccination plan to make more people eligible for COVID-19 vaccines earlier.

Beginning Tuesday, March 23, Maine residents age 50 and older will be eligible for the vaccination.

Beginning Monday, April 19, all Maine residents age 16 and older will eligible for vaccination.

The accelerated timeline comes as some Maine vaccine providers are reporting availability of appointments…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 19, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 728. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. …

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 19, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 753 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 10 new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 671 cases, 217…

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is preparing to place an order for first doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and single doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccine, for 35,190 people, to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed.

This is an increase of 1,170 doses, not counting doses controlled by the federal government sent directly to…

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday the State of Maine will move the deadline for Maine individual income tax payments from April 15 to May 17, a change aligning Maine with the federal government’s recent extension of the federal tax filing and payment deadline.

Additionally, the filing deadline for Maine tax returns, which is distinct from the payment deadline, is automatically tied to the federal date. As a result, the filing deadline for 2020 Maine income tax returns…

ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals plan to open an offsite, community COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Ellsworth. The Northern Light Hancock County Community Vaccination Clinic will allow access to COVID-19 vaccine for even more Mainers as it becomes available. 

“Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals have been working closely with the city of Ellsworth since the beginning of the pandemic,” said John Ronan, FACHE, President Maine Coast and Blue…

AUGUSTA — COVID-19 has created the need for extended unemployment, and there are now a number of people who are coming to the end of their benefit year, according to the Maine Department of Labor. 

If an individual filed their unemployment claim a year ago, their benefit year may be expiring soon. A benefit year is the 52-week period following the date someone filed their initial claim. For example, if someone filed a claim in March 2020, their benefit year would end in March 2021 and…

AUGUSTA — For the week ending March 13, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 1,900 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 300 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

In total, approximately 2,600 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.

About 15,600 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment, with another 13,600 weekly certifications…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 18, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 727. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 18, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 743 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 26 new cases and one new hospitalization since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Health Committee, and Angus King announced Wednesday the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded a total of $9,772,660 to support mental health and substance use programs throughout the state.

This funding, awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was allocated through the December COVID-19 relief package.

“No community is immune from…

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills extended Wednesday the State of Civil Emergency through April 15.

The Governor’s decision to extend the emergency is in line with nearly every other state in the nation which have ongoing emergency declarations, according to the National Governors Association. 

“We are in a race between vaccinations and variants,” said Governor Janet Mills. “And with more than a quarter of all Maine people now having received their first dose, we are making good…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced Wednesday the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15 to May 17.

The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days, a news release noted. 

“This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 17, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 717 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of two new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 644 cases, 215…

ROCKLAND—Good Tern, the co-op that rounds up change for worthy causes each month as covered in a previous PenBay Pilot story, is dedicating the month of March to the Portland-based community effort, Maine Needs, which accepts…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 16, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 715 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of eight new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 643 cases, 215…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 15, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 725. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. …

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 15, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 707 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 10 new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 641 cases, 215…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 14, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 697 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of five new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 636 cases, 214…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 13, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 724. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. …

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 13, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 692 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of five new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 633 cases, 214…

AUGUSTA — In line with President Joe Biden’s directive, Governor Janet Mills announced Friday her administration is accelerating the schedule of Maine’s vaccination plan to make all Maine adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1.

Following the President’s directive Thursday night, the planned vaccine schedule is now as follows:

March 3: Age 60 and older

April 1: Age 50 and older

May 1: All adults…

On March 12, 2020 — a year ago — the State of Maine recorded our first case of COVID-19. You know, we have suffered great hardship and loss in the last twelve months as a state and a nation, but the greatest grief is borne by the families whose loved ones are no longer with us because of the deadly coronavirus.

Today, we pause to remember the more than 527,000 Americans, including more than 720 Mainers, we have lost over the last year. Each was a life lived with meaning and purpose, a…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 12, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 687 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of four new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 629 cases, 214…

AUGUSTA — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a continuation of needed flexibilities for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) through Summer 2021.

"We are so grateful for the USDA waiver extensions through this incredibly difficult time," said Walter Beesley, Maine Department of Education's Director of Child Nutrition. "The newest extension will allow Maine schools to continue to provide complimentary…

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is preparing to place an order for first doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and single doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccine, for 34,020 people, to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed.

This is an increase of 520 doses, not counting doses controlled by the Federal government sent directly to…

AUGUSTA — For the week ending March 6, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 1,500 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 130 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

In total, approximately 2,000 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.

About 16,000 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment, with another 13,400 weekly certifications filed…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 11, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 683 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of three new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 626 cases, 214…

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands anticipates the popularity of its outdoor destinations to continue this year and urges guests to expect crowded parking areas and trailhead bottlenecks.

As such, the Department is reminding visitors of ways to stay safe during the pandemic and still enjoy the beauty of Maine’s outdoors. 

BPL broke its record for recreation visits during 2020. Despite the pandemic, BPL's State Park system…

ORONO — The University of Maine System is preparing to welcome students back to campuses for a traditional, in-person college experience at the start of the fall semester, according to a news release.

New guidance posted Wednesday by the University of Maine System alerts faculty and staff to plan for classroom instruction, residence hall occupancy, and campus-based activities for community members that resemble pre pandemic operations.

“Maine is moving forward responsibly,”…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 10, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 680 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of four new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 619 cases, 214…

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday a new, free option for Maine people who need a ride to and from a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

Maine DHHS is partnering with ModivCare, one of the organizations that coordinates rides for MaineCare members, to provide rides for any Maine resident who is unable to drive, lacks reliable transportation or is otherwise unable to travel to their appointment, according to a news release. 

ModivCare…

AUGUSTA — Maine has been selected as the inaugural cohort of states in the Workforce Innovation Network, the National Governors Association (NGA) and Cognizant U.S. Foundation announced Tuesday.

The state will receive a grant to improve employment outcomes in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19, connecting job seekers to training, education, job opportunities and essential support services, according to a news release. 

Maine is one of nine states selected for the…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A total of 10,040 Maine small employers have been approved for a total of $692,399,551 in forgivable PPP loans since the PPP reopened in January, according to the latest data from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

 Financial institutions across Maine and the country are currently accepting and processing PPP applications for eligible small businesses seeking a forgivable loan for the first time and for those hardest hit small businesses who may receive a…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 9, an additional 17 COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 723. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 9, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 676 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of one new case and one new recovery since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 611…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 675 cases, 211 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of six new cases since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 611 cases, 214…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 7, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 706. 

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. 

On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. …

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 669 cases, 211 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of four new cases and one new hospitalization since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has…

The following is a transcript of a weekly radio address presented by Governor Janet Mills:

Saving lives and preventing serious illness and suffering has been my fundamental goal throughout this pandemic.

Last week I announced how we intend to use the vaccines to do just that.

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for listening.

Well after consulting with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine CDC, I concluded that it…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 6, 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.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 665 cases, 211 recoveries, 27 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of one new case since yesterday’s update.

Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 604 cases, 214 recoveries…

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education jointly announced Friday the Mills Administration’s dedicated COVID-19 vaccination clinics for school staff and teachers who are age 60 and older will begin next week.

The State is partnering with more than 25 health care organizations throughout Maine to offer these dedicated clinics which will be held March 12, March 13, and March 14, with a few happening the following week.

Each school…

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills unveiled Friday a plan to protect public health and support Maine’s economy as the state approaches its busy spring and summer tourism season.

The Moving Maine Forward plan maintains critical health and safety protocols that have protected Maine people over the past year, establishes a clear timeframe to increase capacity limits to support economic activity, and standardizes these limits across sectors by transitioning to a simple model based on…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 5, a subtraction of a COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll down to 704 from 705. 

“The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention revised the death toll from 705 after a previously reported death of a man in his 60s from Oxford County did not meet the criteria to be considered a COVID-19-related death,” according to the Bangor Daily News. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine…