LincolnHealth reported 57 new COVID-19 cases from 426 tests for the week of April 25. With test levels remaining steady, the positivity rate though high at 12.68%, broke a month-long upward trend. Breakthrough cases, those who have been vaccinated and contracted the virus, were about 84% of cases.

There were 1,557 tests conducted throughout April for a total of 194 positive cases and a 12.46% positivity rate. In March, there were 1,167 tests, 87 cases and a 7.46% positivity rate; February, 1,503 tests, 208 cases, 13.84%; and January, 4,250 tests, 990 cases, 23.3%.

LincolnHealth’s John Martins said readers should keep in mind that one week does not make a trend.

“But we are hopeful that this short run of increases has passed,” said Martins. “With more people gathering in public places and not wearing a mask or social distancing, it’s difficult to predict the future with COVID-19.”

The demand for booster shots, especially second boosters has been low, said Martins. LincolnHealth continues to encourage patients to get vaccinated and to get their boosters. Patients and nonpatients can walk into any Lincoln Medical Partners primary care office during normal practice hours for a vaccine or booster shot. While appointments can be made by visiting vaccine.mainehealth.org, they are not necessary.

Vaccine and booster eligibility information can be found on the CDC website at this link: https://bit.ly/37iwjqz