LincolnHealth reported 114 new COVID-19 cases from 840 tests for the week of Dec. 6. Cases were at their highest in a single week and the positivity rate, 13.6%, was second highest behind the previous week’s 14.2%.

Breakthrough cases, those who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and contracted the virus, also rose over 25% from the previous week to 36 cases and 32% of all cases. Under-18 numbers also spiked with 36 cases or 31.6% of cases.

LincolnHealth’s John Martins said requests for booster shot appointments at Watson Health Center on the Miles Campus in Damariscotta have slowed and that is likely due to the approaching holidays. Appointments were still available for Monday, Dec. 20 and Tuesday Dec. 21 only, but new days would open up if demand grows, said Martins. Boosters are now available for ages 16-17. To make an appointment, call 1-877-780-7545 or visit vaccine.mainehealth.org

Over 1,600 vaccine doses have been administered in schools to students ages 5-12 and additional doses have been provided to school staff, said Martins. “Kudos to the team that took this on as well as the schools for their support. We’re working on ways to continue to vaccinate this age group outside of the school clinics.”

Martins said the Respiratory Care Clinic, formerly at Miles, would move to 40 Belvedere Road over the Dec. 18-19 weekend. Testing was set to begin Dec. 20 by appointment only.

New LincolnHealth visitor restrictions have gone into effect as of Dec. 15. Hospital inpatient areas are allowing no visitors for adult patients or COVID-19-positive patients; pediatric and obstetric patients can have two visitors over 18 for one visit a day; intensive care unit patients can have one immediate family members over 18 for one visit a day and visitors of patients going through end-of-life care will be managed by the care team.

Adult outpatients and day surgery patients cannot have visitors, but pediatric patients can have one parent or guardian. Patients in urgent care or in the emergency department cannot have adult visitors except for two parents or guardians if enough room for social distancing.

Lincoln Medical Partners asks patients’ escorts to only drop patients off and pick them up. Patients requiring special assistance are allowed one escort, to be determined by the care team.