LincolnHealth reported 79 new cases of COVID-19 from 746 tests for the week of Nov. 15 and 72 new cases from 549 tests for the week of Nov. 22. With a significant dip in tests and modest dip in cases, the positivity rate rose from 10.6% to a new record of 13.1%.

Breakthrough cases, those who have been vaccinated and tested positive, have decreased over the past three weeks from 40 cases (54%) the week of Nov. 8 to 28 (35%) the week of Nov. 15 and to 16 (22%) the week of Nov. 22.

LincolnHealth’s John Martins said a drop-off in numbers was expected over the Thanksgiving holiday, but numbers are rising again and the Respiratory Care Clinic is busy.

“Hospitals continue to be at or near capacity in Maine. At LincolnHealth, we’re evaluating our surgical cases involving patients who need to spend an overnight as part of the recovery process to make sure the hospital has a bed available.”

Martins said like most hospitals LincolnHealth has had to reschedule necessary surgeries in which extra wait time would have no negative health impacts on patients. The hospital’s goal is to monitor surgeries closely, completing as many treatments and procedures as capacity allows, he said. “We appreciate the flexibility of our patients and recognize this is not ideal for any of us.”

LincolnHealth is continuing its school-based vaccination clinics for 5-11 year-olds and beginning to deliver second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to students, said Martins. All vaccinations remain by parental consent, he said. Clinics have delivered over 2,500 booster shots by appointment, averaging about 185 a day.

Anyone seeking a booster shot can make an appointment at https://vaccine.mainehealth.org/booster or by phone: 1-877-780-7545. Patients will need to provide information on their last dose which can be found on their vaccination card.

Said LincolnHealth President Cindy Wade, “Our team continues its tireless efforts to make sure all who want to be vaccinated or receive a booster shot gets it as soon as possible. We are busier than ever across our organization and in the throes of an active COVID surge, yet our teams continue to stay focused on the needs of our patients and residents. It’s amazing, inspiring and I could not be any prouder of the LincolnHealth team.”