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VIRUS COUNT ESCALATES

Maine now has 10th death, 456 cases of coronavirus

The Maine CDC reports 24 new cases, and the latest death is a man in his 70s from York County.

News

Trump approves federal disaster declaration for Maine

Gov. Janet Mills says the action by the president unlocks critical federal assistance for state agencies and municipalities as they fight the coronavirus.
Health care

Amid crisis, Maine confronts a shortage of respiratory therapists

The state needs ventilators to treat the worst COVID-19 cases – and people who can run them.

Nation & World

Trump says ‘toughest’ weeks ahead as coronavirus spreads

The number of people infected in the U.S. has exceeded 300,000, with the death toll climbing past 8,100, more than 3,500 of which are in New York.
Business

Governor orders travelers to self-quarantine, suspends all lodging businesses

The executive order requires anyone traveling from out of state to Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Southern Maine communities call for out-of-state visitors to quarantine for 2 weeks
Nation & World

Which DIY mask pattern should you use? Even experts can’t pick one to recommend.

The easiest solution is to simply use a bandana.
Business

Overwhelmed Maine unemployment office announces hiring, new rules for applicants

In order to reduce call volume, Mainers are asked to call on one of three days next week, depending on the first letter of their last name.
- Maine unemployment claims hit new record of nearly 24,000 last week
Health

Preble Street opens new ‘wellness’ shelter at USM gym to ease overcrowding

The nonprofit is providing 50 emergency shelter beds at the Sullivan gymnasium in a setting that allows people to follow social distancing protocols.
- Portland quarantines dozens at Expo as 2nd illness confirmed at city homeless shelter
Nation & World

The Latest: New Jersey announces 200 more deaths from virus

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the country is starting to see a slowdown in new coronavirus cases.
News

At Lewiston hospital, quarantined staff must use own sick time

Some employees of St. Mary's criticize management for requiring staffers who are quarantined after coronavirus exposure to use their own sick/vacation time.
- Maine’s rural hospitals preparing for surge in coronavirus cases
Local & State

Maine Acts of Kindness: Health care workers get vital help at home

A group of medical students handles chores for doctors and nurses while they work on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Maine Acts of Kindness: Farmer’s market yields food donations
- Maine Acts of Kindness: Taking care of those on the front line of the pandemic
Local & State

The Virus Diaries: ‘My business had been going very well. Then this happened’

A Freeport woman who runs an Airbnb catering to people seeking her dog-training services has lost business because of the virus outbreak.
- The Virus Diaries: Read Mainers’ stories of how the pandemic is affecting them

How is the coronavirus affecting you?
Are you suddenly out of work? How is your child’s remote education going? Are you struggling with isolation? Has getting a home repair become a challenge? Are you having trouble buying essentials? We want to hear how Mainers are coping. Email us at [email protected]. Please include your name, town and phone number so a reporter can contact you.

Amtrak further limits Downeaster service in response to COVID-19

Starting Monday, the rail line will operate only one round trip per day between Brunswick and Boston.

Local & State

Chebeague Island ferry won’t transport suspected COVID-19 patients

The island town's primary ferry responds to emergency calls but says it won't transport anyone suspected to be infected with the coronavirus.

Local & State

Maine rural hospitals cut pay, hours while preparing for surge of patients

The cost-cutting measures are happening because hospitals are no longer getting revenue from emergency room visits and elective procedures were canceled to make room for COVID-19 patients.

Nation & World

Pandemic stigmatizes New Yorkers fleeing city to Connecticut, Maine

America’s largest city is pandemic central, and New Yorkers have become the face of the fearsome infection – virtual pariahs whose potential arrival has spurred anxious demands for roadblocks up and down the East Coast.