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VIRUS IMPACT INTENSIFIES

Maine CDC confirms nine deaths as state sees largest single day increase in coronavirus cases

As of Friday there were 432 confirmed cases of the virus in Maine, and nine people had died as state health officials repeatedly urge the public to practice social distancing and stay at home except for essential activities.

Local & State

Lapses in hospitals’ reporting left Maine CDC lacking key data

As the agency has prepared for a surge in coronavirus cases, not all hospitals have shared numbers of intensive care unit beds and ventilators.
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- Hospitals fear any surge of virus cases, supply shortages
News 3:15 PM

At Lewiston hospital, quarantined staff must use own sick time

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

Business

Overwhelmed Maine unemployment office announces hiring, new rules for applicants

In order to reduce call volume, Mainers are asked to call on 1 of 3 days next week, depending on the first letter of their last name.
- Maine unemployment claims hit new record of nearly 24,000 last week
Local & State

Southern Maine communities call for out-of-state visitors to quarantine for 2 weeks

South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and Old Orchard Beach urge new arrivals from outside Maine to isolate for 14 days.
- Police plan education, measured enforcement of statewide stay-at-home order
Local & State

Chebeague 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.
- Maine island life in the age of coronavirus
Nation & World

Experts, Trump advisers doubt White House’s estimate of 240,000 deaths

Forecasters, whose research the White House used to conclude that 100,000 to 240,000 people will die nationwide from the coronavirus, were mystified when they saw the administration's projection this week.
- White House projects 100,000 to 240,000 U.S. deaths from virus
Nation & World

IRS to start sending stimulus checks; some won’t receive them until September

The Trump administration is rushing to issue the funds, starting to send checks next week, but the process for many households will be delayed.
- Calculate whether you qualify for federal stimulus funds
Nation & World

The Latest: Florida finally allows cruise passengers, some on stretchers, to disembark
Bill Nemitz

'Crossing the bridge' from a Maine nursing school to a world in crisis

St. Joseph's College of Maine's nursing Class of 2020, deprived of a real graduation, prepares to take on a 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
Local & State

Confronting a pandemic: Photos of the coronavirus crisis from Maine

The power of a new, frightening virus is being felt in the Pine Tree State. As Mainers, we’ll do as we’ve always done – persevere as one.

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.