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FIRST MAINE DEATH

Essential Maine retailers try to keep shoppers and workers safe during pandemic

From cracking down on panic buying to creating distance between customers and workers, grocery chains and drugstores have implemented a number of unprecedented changes.

Local & State

Coronavirus claims state’s first fatality as case count rises

The victim was a Cumberland County man in his 80s. The number of cases has grown to 168.
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Health care

Maine preparing for increased demand for key medical professionals

The director of the Maine CDC says emergency medical personnel, hospital intake workers and those who can offer critical care will be key to the coronavirus response.
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Local & State

Tools for remote work become social lifeline for isolated Mainers

Zoom happy hours and family reunions, and other video conferencing options, are keeping Mainers connected despite being isolated in their homes.
Nation & World

Latest: Navy heads for ‘choppy waters’ as 2 dozen infections sideline aircraft carrier
Nation & World

Trump signs $2.2 trillion virus relief bill after urgent action by Congress

The legislation will speed government payments of $1,200 to most Americans and increase jobless benefits for millions of people thrown out of work.
- Calculate whether you qualify for federal stimulus funds
- Highlights of Congress’ $2.2 trillion virus relief package
Local & State

USM’s Sullivan Gym to be converted to homeless shelter by next week

The gym on Falmouth Street in Portland will be open to men and women who need shelter and aren't showing symptoms of having COVID-19.
Religion and Values

To keep their distance, Maine priests now offering drive-through confessions

As churches are forced to suspend regular services during the pandemic, some pastors are finding creative ways to stay connected with parishioners.
- Worries over virus prompt changes in many worship services
- Maine’s Catholic diocese suspends Masses
Local & State

The Virus Diaries: Daughters can visit with mom only through a windowpane

Their 95-year-old mother lives in an assisted-living center that has restricted visitors because of the coronavirus outbreak.
- The Virus Diaries: Read Mainers’ stories of how the pandemic is affecting them
- The Virus Diaries: ‘There’s no real bailouts for us’
Local & State

Southern Maine business leaders move quickly to address blood shortage

'Distance Saves Lives' blood drives will be held each of the next 10 Wednesdays with a goal of producing more than 1,000 pints of donated blood.
- Red Cross seeks blood donors as shortages loom
Business

Maine’s congressional delegation urges Navy to ease pressure on BIW to keep operating

The letter signed by Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden asks the Navy to apply the same standards to private shipyards such as BIW as it does to its 4 public shipyards.
- BIW extends unpaid leave as worker attendance remains low
Nation & World

Photos depict effects of coronavirus pandemic around the world

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.