Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center

Since the first testing for COVID-19 in Maine, information and important notices from community and state officials, business owners and educators have flowed to our inboxes at a rapid pace.

So, the Pilot established a resource page, a collection center for all the alerts and vital information our readers need to know.

Innovative solutions, before long, were brought to our attention, easing life for everyone as we moved through the unfamiliar sequestering days.

As Mainers line up to receive their vaccine doses and continue to figure out normalcy, we are sharing information about pandemic recovery as it rolls in.

The latest information will appear at the top of the page, and the top of the subsections appearing within the sidebar.

Stay healthy, keep your distance, wear a mask (or two), and keep your chin up!

Feb. 23 update: Midcoast adds 71 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Feb. 22 update: Midcoast adds 485 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Testing and vaccines remain available

Northern Light discontinues drive-thru for COVID-19 testing, vaccine administration

ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital will no longer use its drive-thru building on the hospital campus for COVID-19 testing and vaccine administration.

Testing and vaccines are available at Northern Light Primary Care’s Walk-In services (207.664.7751) located at 32 Resort Way, in Ellsworth, open 7 days/week. No appointment is required, and new patients are welcome.

Primary care practices offer testing and some vaccines as well; please call for more information or to…

Feb. 19 update: Midcoast adds 355 new COVID-19 cases, three new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Feb. 18 update: Midcoast adds 381 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Feb. 17 update: Midcoast adds 436 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Maine CDC suspends school contact tracing recommendation, to revisit masks in March

The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) on Wednesday revised the Standard Operating Procedure for responding to a positive case of COVID-19 in schools by suspending the recommendations for contact tracing.

The previous guidance permitted schools with universal masking policies to suspend contact tracing. Now, regardless of masking policies, schools may suspend contact tracing. Those schools that have the resources to…

State expands eligibility for free mail-order COVID-19 tests to all households

AUGUSTA — Ahead of school vacation next week, the Mills Administration announced Wednesday it has expanded eligibility for Project Access COVID Tests, a partnership between the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and The Rockefeller Foundation that mails free COVID-19 tests directly to the homes of Maine people.

The initial supply of tests, which was originally limited to certain vulnerable communities in Maine, is now available statewide, with every household in Maine…

Maine CDC reverts press briefing schedule to as-needed basis

The Maine CDC is providing a briefing this afternoon, at 2 p.m., to discuss how the state is confronting the recent rise of COVID-19 cases.

The Maine CDC will hold briefings every Wednesday at 2 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 until further notice.

Watch the stream below.

Feb. 16 update: Midcoast adds 304 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Feb. 15 update: Midcoast adds 795 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

The Maine CDC has been processing a backlog of positive COVID-19 test results that accumulated because of the Omicron surge, and has…

Feb. 12 update: Midcoast adds 328 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 11 update: Midcoast adds 110 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 10 update: Midcoast adds 165 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 9 update: Midcoast adds 60 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

All vaccines and boosters remain available

The team at Lincoln Medical Partners stands ready to deliver COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots to those who need them. The vaccines are being delivered, by appointment or walk-in, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Watson Health Center.

Here’s a list of what is offered along with eligibility requirements:

Moderna, first and second doses, ages18 and older
Moderna booster, ages 18 and older, five months after completing the first and second dose…

Feb. 8 update: Midcoast adds 117 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 5 update: Midcoast adds 83 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 4 update: Midcoast adds 52 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 3 update: Midcoast adds 110 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 2 update: Midcoast adds 83 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Feb. 1 update: Midcoast adds 76 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Mark Fourre: Stay safe, seek care, be patient and kind

The recent surge in COVID cases has placed enormous stress on all of us, including the care teams at Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital and hospitals across the state.

Locally, our hospitals are experiencing a lack of available hospital beds and are faced with having to postpone scheduled surgeries that require an overnight stay. Our emergency departments are overcrowded, and we are experiencing severe staffing shortages…

Lincolnville, Islesboro residents eligible for free COVID-19 tests

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Friday the launch of a new pilot project with The Rockefeller Foundation to mail 125,000 free COVID-19 tests directly to the homes of Maine people most in need, improving access to testing in vulnerable Maine communities.

Through Project Access COVID Tests (ACT), 25,000 Maine households will receive five at-home rapid tests free of charge. No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free to eligible residents – and the…

Jan. 29 update: Midcoast adds 84 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

using the latest science to set standards for return

MaineHealth further refines its return to work policy in line with existing CDC guidance

MaineHealth said January 27, 2022, that it is altering slightly its policy with respect to how care team members return to work after a case of COVID-19, dropping a requirement for a negative antigen test following a completed quarantine period. The change does not conflict with existing CDC guidance for returning health care team members to the workplace after contracting COVID-19.

Under contingency staffing criteria, the US. CDC allows care team members to return after five days of…

Jan. 28 update: Midcoast adds 81 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Rockland, Boothbay, Belfast participating in COVID-19 wastewater screening

AUGUSTA — Two separate but complementary screening projects are being launched across Maine, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday, spanning more than a dozen sites throughout the state that will monitor wastewater for the virus that causes COVID-19, improving Maine’s ability to track the spread of the virus and tailor the state’s public health response in the face of the Omicron surge.

Seven sites in Maine are participating in a U.S. Centers for…

Jan. 27 update: Midcoast adds 155 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Jan. 26 update: Midcoast adds 76 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Jan. 25 update: Midcoast adds 195 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Press release

Maine tourism businesses predicting strong winter and spring but staffing shortages, pandemic still challenges

The Maine Tourism Association (MTA) recently polled its members about business over the holidays and what they are predicting for winter and spring business.

According to Tony Cameron, chief executive officer, 32% of members responding to the survey stated that business through December’s holiday season was better than a normal year like 2019, while 19% said business was normal. Some 26% said business was worse than that of past holiday periods. The number of respondents who said…

Jan. 22 update: Midcoast adds 107 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Jan. 21 update: Midcoast adds 108 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Jan. 20 update: Midcoast adds 95 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Jan. 19 update: Midcoast adds 127 new COVID-19 cases, three new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

“Daily case counts are, and always have been, an underestimate of the true number of cases out there," Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the Maine CDC,…

Jan. 18 update: Midcoast adds 50 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,689 cases, 68 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 10 new cases since…

Jan. 15 update: Midcoast adds 132 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,679 cases, 68 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 33 new cases and one…

National Guard members to deploy to Rockport, Belfast hospitals

AUGUSTA — Following engagement with Maine’s hospitals, Governor Janet Mills announced today that the 169 members of the Maine National Guard she activated earlier this week will deploy to 16 health care facilities across the state beginning January 20.

Governor Mills activated the additional Guard members in response to record-high COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maine, the majority of which are among people who are not vaccinated.

As of today, there are a near record high 424…

Jan. 14 update: Midcoast adds 103 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,646 cases, 67 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 42 new cases since…

Jan. 13 update: Midcoast adds 133 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,604 cases, 67 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 52 new cases since…

Maine revises COVID-19 guidance for schools to support in-person learning during omicron

AUGUSTA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Education announced Wednesday further revisions to the Maine CDC’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for responding to COVID-19 in schools.

Following discussions with school superintendents, the Maine CDC has revised the SOP to state that schools enforcing a universal masking policy may choose to suspend contract tracing in light of the transmissibility of the Omicron variant and…

Jan. 12 update: Midcoast adds 105 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,552 cases, 67 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 78 new cases and one…

Jan. 11 update: Midcoast adds 250 new COVID-19 cases, one new death

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,474 cases, 66 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 93 new cases and one…

Booster shot schedule now offers walk-ins, evening hours

LincolnHealth has made changes to its booster clinic schedule and expanded vaccine eligibility in the hope more individuals age 12 and up will receive this extra layer of protection against COVID-19.

Beginning today (Monday, Jan. 10), those seeking a booster shot have the option of scheduling an appointment for a booster shot or walk-in to clinic at the Watson Health Center on the Miles campus in Damariscotta when the clinic is open. In addition, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the hours…

Jan. 8 update: Midcoast adds 128 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,381 cases, 65 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 37 new cases since…

Gov. Mills announces purchase of 250,000 rapid antigen tests

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Friday the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has purchased an additional 250,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests from Maine-based manufacturer Abbott Labs and will distribute them to Walgreens pharmacies, health care sites, schools, and congregate care settings across Maine in January and February.

This purchase of rapid antigen tests is one of the largest ever by the State and represents nearly a quarter of all the rapid tests the…

Jan. 7 update: Midcoast adds 124 new COVID-19 cases

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,344 cases, 65 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 47 new cases since…

RESCHEDULED: St George Ambulance clinic for Moderna vaccines planned for Jan. 13, Feb. 10

Due to forecasted inclement weather, the St George Ambulance will be holding its clinic for Moderna Vaccination first vaccinations and booster shots Thursday, January 13, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1 to 3 p.m.

Moderna second vaccinations and booster shots will be scheduled for Thursday, February 10, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 1 to 3 p.m.

If you are interested, please call the Town Office @ 207-372-6363…

MaineHealth

MaineHealth reports surge in care teams’ COVID-related absences

Community members can help mitigate the impact of a sharp increase in cases that is further straining the health care system’s resources. Find information on MaineHealth’s vaccination clinics at https://www.vaccine.mainehealth.org

MaineHealth has seen a sharp increase in recent days in the number of care team members out with COVID-19. The surge is likely caused by the arrival of the highly contagious omicron variant in Maine and New…

Jan. 6 update: Midcoast adds 132 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,297 cases, 65 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 36 new cases since…

COVID-19 information from Waldo County General Hospital Public Health Nurse Association

The Waldo County General Hospital Public Health Nurse Association has provided some information pertaining to Covid-19 vaccinations, boosters, testing, and quarantine/isolation guidelines. A PDF of the document can be found here.

Covid Vaccines and Booster

Both Maine Health (Waldo County General Hospital) and Seaport (PCHC) Providers are seeing…

now offering boosters to those ages 12 and older

MaineHealth opens high-volume vaccination clinic in Portland

MaineHealth is responding to an increase in demand for both booster shots and first dose vaccinations in southern Maine by opening a temporary high-volume vaccine clinic at 110 Free Street in Portland three days a week beginning this Wednesday, Jan. 5.

The clinic, which can accommodate up to 600 patients a day, will be operating by appointment only this Wednesday, Jan. 5 from noon to 6 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, Jan. 6-7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m…

Jan. 5 update: Midcoast adds 150 new COVID-19 cases, three new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,261 cases, 65 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 29 new cases and one…

Jan. 4 update: Midcoast adds 177 new COVID-19 cases, five new deaths

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.

Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 3,232 cases, 64 hospitalizations and 20 deaths. This data includes an increase of 63 new cases since…

On Friday, March 13, 2020, residents were stocking up on groceries and other items, filling the roads and parking lots.

Search form

Forging new paths in times of change ...