Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center

LINCOLNVILLE — The Lincolnville Central School school committee will be convening an emergency meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. at the LCS Library with a livestream available via Zoom. 

The highlight of the agenda is a vote on delaying school opening for students until Sept. 8, with teachers returning on the regularly scheduled date to prepare for reopening schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In March, the school committee had approved a start date of Sept. 1 for students…

AUGUSTA — Starting today, Aug. 4, recipients of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), whose income documentation was not automatically matched to their claim, can upload their tax documents within their ReEmployME account to determine if they are eligible for retroactive benefits.

This follows the Maine Department of Labor’s action last week to begin paying retroactive benefits to eligible PUA recipients whose claims were automatically matched to their available tax documentation,…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maine has been awarded $2,681,866 to support the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID).

In cooperation with the CDC, Maine will use this funding to carry out surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control, mitigation, communications, and other…

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…

UNITY — Unity College announced Monday the Board of Trustees’ decision to permanently transition the school to a hybrid learning model amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Unity College: Hybrid Learning grants students control over their education through a nonstandard calendar, shorter terms, differentiated tuition, and a multi-modality curriculum that does not rely on maintaining a physical campus, according to a news release.

The Board also authorized the College’s leadership team…

MIDCOAST — The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not only interrupted the traditional education in Midcoast schools, but has also affected the hiring process of some area school districts needing to fill a variety of staff openings. 

School districts across the nation have turned to virtual interviews as part of their modified hiring processes amid the pandemic. 

In fact, Jolie Hardin, executive director of leadership development and employment services for her Georgia public…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

With movie theaters closed half of the summer and most concert venues canceled during the Covid-19 pandemic, trying to find innovative ways to provide entertainment to crowds has been an extraordinary challenge for Midcoast’s arts and theatre venues. As a result, some have taken a page from history and revived the old-fashioned Drive-In. Here’s a look at three venues that are making it work.

The Shotwell Drive-In

…

The following is a transcript of Governor Janet Mills’ weekly radio address. 

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

First off I want to thank people all across the state. You all have turned to and taken the steps to protect the health and safety of all of us: by wearing face coverings; by keeping your distance; by adapting your businesses and safely serving customers and keeping staff and visitors safe; by encouraging friends and…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has provided the Maine Department of Education with a breakdown of community health risk levels per county through a color-coded list to inform education officials on whether students can potentially return to campus. 

The DOE and CDC is providing school superintendents and school boards with public health guidance in the form of a three-tiered health advisory system to assist them in making decisions about whether and how to bring students back to the…

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Education in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Devices and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is hosting press conference at 12:30 p.m. today following the release of updated guidance to Maine schools.

The Maine DOE updated its Framework for Returning to Classroom Instruction today with a three-tiered, color-coded health advisory system that reflects relative risk by county along with updated requirements to…

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. 

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…

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. 

…

AUGUSTA — The Mills Administration announced Thursday an investment of $1 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to significantly and quickly expand services to help reduce the disproportionately large racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 in Maine.

This funding through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services will expand education, prevention, and eligibility for services currently supported by the Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Generally, it will include individuals…

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.…

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. 

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…

AUGUSTA — For the week ending July 25, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 2,000 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 600 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). These claims represent about 2,100 individuals filing an initial claim.

About 61,200 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment. In addition, about 26,000 weekly certifications were filed under PUA. Weekly…

United Midcoast Charities is convening the Local Board for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to distribute federal funding for emergency food and shelter in Knox County. These funds will be made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program began in 1983 with a $50 million federal appropriation and was created by Congress to…

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,…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maine farmers have been awarded a total of $9,472,586 to date to help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19, according to a news release.

The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers.

In addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAP is providing…

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…

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…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a total of $10,251,895 in state and local preparedness grants to the State of Maine, according to a news release. 

This funding was awarded through the fiscal year (FY) 2020 State and Local Preparedness Grant Program to help address the nation’s immediate security needs and ensure public safety in communities across the country.

The State and Local Preparedness Grant Program aims to provide funding to state,…

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…

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…

The following letter from Kate Clark, Union 69 Superintendent was distributed Friday, July 24. Union 69 includes Appleton Village School, Hope Elementary School and Lincolnville Central School. 

Dear School Union #69 School Communities,

In a typical year, I would be introducing myself, sharing my summer adventures and school news as a way of welcoming our students and staff back to school in the fall. This year, however, the subject on everyone’s mind is whether or not…

The following letter was distributed Friday, July 24 by St. George MSU superintendent Mike Felton: 

Dear St. George Families and Community Members,

After almost two months of meetings, research, conversations, reviewing family and staff survey results, and pouring over ever changing federal and state guidelines, the Return to School Committee shared their …

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…

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…

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. 

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…

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…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Maine farmers have been awarded a total of $8,588,357, to date, to help offset the financial harm they have experienced due to COVID-19, per a news release.

The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), created through the CARES Act, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers.

In addition to facilitating the Farmers to Families Food Box program, CFAP is providing vital…

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…

AUGUSTA — For the week ending July 18, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 2,200 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 1,600 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), per a news release. These claims represent about 2,300 individuals filing an initial claim.

About 59,900 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment. In addition, about 25,000 weekly certifications were filed under…

AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Labor is ready to update the weekly benefit payments for Maine people currently enrolled in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, according to a news release.

This involves matching current tax information to individual claims to pay Maine people their full benefit, retroactive to the date of their PUA eligibility. This will happen in two phases.

Launched in Maine in May, PUA is one of three new federal unemployment…

Midcoast Community Chorus has submitted the following statement:

With great sadness, Midcoast Community Chorus (MCC), eleven years a non-auditioned choral group of annually between 100 and 130 singers, will suspend its operations as of July 15.

MCC’s Board of Trustees adopted guidance from health and choral experts suggesting that Covid-19 will continue to preclude group singing and concerts for some time. Although we cannot fulfill our mission to “sing as a community…

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…

Many Midcoast restaurants have had to completely re-think their seating models in the summer of 2020 due to the social distancing requirements during COVID-19 and adapt all of their protocols safely. Here is a comprehensive list of all of the Midcoast restaurants, food trucks, and places that serve prepared foods with outdoor seating. 

…

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…

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…

Islesboro Central School Head of School Chuck Hamm distributed the following letter Sunday, July 19: 

Dear ICS Community, 

I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones healthy and able to spend time outside, enjoying the beautiful Maine Coast. We are fortunate to live in a place with such natural beauty and diverse outdoor opportunities. As the summer weeks go by, we find ourselves preparing for several contingencies this fall with an eye on attending school in…

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…

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. 

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…

BELFAST —The City of Belfast launched a COVID-19 public education plan this week. As part of the Keep Maine Healthy initiative by the Mills Administration, the City of Belfast applied for and was awarded funding to develop and implement this COVID-19 prevention and protection plan.

The first phase includes signage for Belfast businesses and in public spaces downtown reminding residents and visitors of the mask requirement in the Governor’s most…

The following is a transcript of a Friday, July 17 radio address presented by Governor Janet Mills: 

As the daughter of a woman who taught in the public schools in Maine for nearly thirty-seven years, and as someone who brought up five daughters who attended and graduated from public schools in Maine, I am very sensitive to the needs of families and faculty and staff in our schools in this extraordinary time.

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for…

AUGUSTA — Members of the State’s leadership team including Governor Janet Mills, Education Commissioner Pender Makin, Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew and CDC Director Nirav Shah discussed Friday, July 17 how schools may operate in the fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic.