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SETBACK IN TESTING

Two more Mainers die from COVID-19; testing plan falters

The director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the agency has not been able to get the rapid-response testing kits it expected from a Scarborough manufacturer and is going ‘back to the drawing board.’

Business 12:38 AM

Smartphone, traffic data reveal sharp reduction in Mainers’ mobility

Movement in densely populated areas of southern Maine has plummeted, while declines in some rural areas have been less pronounced.
Related Stories
- Auto insurers giving discounts as Mainers drive – and crash – less
Arts & Entertainment 6:17 AM

Ten years ago, Lois Lowry wrote a book depicting Portland in a pandemic. Now, she’s rewriting the intro.

'Like the Willow Tree' tells the story of a girl whose family died during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918.

Business

MaineHealth confirms reduction of work hours for some of its staff

The state's largest health care network says the reductions became necessary as it adapted to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic in Maine.
- Central Maine Healthcare furloughs 300 workers
Nation & World

The Latest: Runners may be exposing themselves to virus even when 6 feet apart

Slovakia’s authorities have ordered a lockdown of five poor settlements where the Roma live separated from the majority population after 31 people there tested positive for the coronavirus
Schools and Education

School districts following state recommendation to keep classrooms closed

Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Yarmouth and others say they'll stick with remote learning to complete the academic year as the coronavirus outbreak continues.
- Maine says schools should plan to keep classrooms closed for rest of academic year
Business

Idexx cutting workers’ pay by 10% as business wanes during outbreak

The Westbrook-based biotechnology company is also suspending some benefits, including a 401(k) match, as it deals with fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Business

Auto insurers giving discounts as Mainers drive – and crash – less

A number of insurance companies have announced payments or credits on auto premiums, and others are considering it.
- Plummeting Maine Turnpike traffic a ‘proxy for economic collapse’
News

The Virus Diaries: ‘I had to join the 21st century’ to adapt

A Portland fifth-grade teacher quickly becomes proficient in using social media apps and educational websites to connect with her students remotely.
- The Virus Diaries: Read Mainers’ stories of how the pandemic is affecting them
Local & State

Coronavirus how-to: Use a face mask or cloth covering properly

Protect others by covering up when you're out in public.
- Which DIY mask pattern should you use? Even experts can’t pick one to recommend.
Business

Gyms are closed, but some members are still paying

Some fitness centers are letting members freeze memberships while they're closed, but others are asking members to continue their monthly fees.
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.