Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center: Alerts, Closings, Cancellations

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 10, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,436 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,312 confirmed cases and 124 probable cases. 

Across the state, 861 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 64 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 199.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are…

Retail shops in 12 of Maine’s 16 counties can reopen for business beginning Monday, May 11 so long as they follow a set of guidelines (appearing below). 

Under the newly released plan by Governor Janet Mills, retail stores will be permitted to open in-store operations, with enhanced safety precautions, in counties where community transmission is not present.

Those counties are Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox,…

Maine organizations that support animal welfare have been awarded $110,000 in grants as part of the Maine Community Foundation’s COVID-19 crisis response.

“These 16 grants support animal shelters, humane societies, and pet rescue and adoption services across the state that are responding to increased demand for pet food and supplies, increased surrenders and need for sheltering due to the virus and increased need for financial support for medical needs,” said Director of Grantmaking…

Schools may be closed, but Educate Maine and the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein are teaming up to get books into the hands of students studying remotely.  

The 2020 Maine Books Challenge is designed to help educate Maine students who are home from school while also supporting local bookstores. In addition to Internet connectivity and meals, educators say books are what students need most right now.

Every $10 donation is counted as one book and gift certificates can be purchased…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 9, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 64.  

The individual was a resident of Waldo County and, according to WGME, was a woman in her 80s. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 9, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,408 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,287 confirmed cases and 121 probable cases. 

Across the state, 857 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 64 people have died. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 198.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are…

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering guidelines for community gardens during the COVID-19 outbreak based on CDC recommendations.

Community Garden Guidelines in the Time of Social Distancing includes recommendations for at-risk individuals, how to support social distancing, manage the numbers of gardeners, and suggested changes for garden…

Red Cloak Tours is offering a new product that will allow small groups or families in Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, and other Maine locations to enjoy a personalized, guided outdoor adventure while learning about history and/or mystery, all while staying within COVID-19 distance and safety guidelines.

The new 30-40 minute TeleTours will be walking tours done by telephone on speaker as a Red Cloak guide narrates the folklore, history and sometimes ghostly tales of each area. The…

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced May 8 a rural reopening plan aimed at reopening certain additional businesses in rural Maine over the course of the next two weeks with added health and safety measures.

The plan comes after Governor Mills stated last week that her Administration was considering opportunities for regional variation as part of its Restarting Maine’s Economy plan.

It also follows the announcement of a …

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 8, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 63.  

The individual was a resident of Hancock County. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 8, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,374 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,246 confirmed cases and 110 probable cases. 

Across the state, 836 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 63 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 194.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are…

As Maine restaurants face a climb back to a semblance of normality, many that have remained open or opened back up are handling business differently. We want to keep you all updated with the latest information on who is open and how you can order. Call the establishments to ask about menus, curbside or takeout service and whether or not delivery service is available. As always, if we’ve missed your business or if plans have changed, please email news@boothbayregister.com

Barbara…

The priest quickly pulled on a black clergy shirt and a white clerical collar.

Moments earlier, Rev. Benjamin Shambaugh received an emergency call from Mercy Hospital in Portland.

“They wanted me to see a patient who was dying of COVID,” said Shambaugh, Dean of St. Luke’s Cathedral, an Episcopal church located across from the State Street hospital.

That Feb. 27 morning marked the final time Shambaugh would administer last rites to a dying hospital patient during the…

The main aims of the #MyTravelPledge campaign are threefold: Give something for healthcare workers to look forward to, and boost morale, at this hugely difficult time; give property owners some hope that their tourism businesses might have a future when travel restrictions are lifted, and invite travelers to start visiting New England and Spain and other European countries again once the crisis abates.

Mark Osborn and Buzz Makarewicz, owners of …

AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced May 7 her Administration has secured a major expansion of COVID-19 testing for the State of Maine.

The Administration has partnered with Maine-based IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. to purchase enough of the company’s recently authorized COVID-19 testing kits to more than triple the State’s testing capacity, according to a news release.

The breakthrough will soon allow anyone in Maine suspected of having COVID-19 to receive a test, per the…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 7, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,330 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,231 confirmed cases and 99 probable cases. 

Across the state, 787 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 62 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 192.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data,…

Governor Janet Mills announced May 6 she is convening an Economic Recovery Committee charged with developing recommendations to mitigate the damage to Maine’s economy caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to jumpstart a long-term economic recovery for Maine people, businesses, and organizations.

The 37 member Committee — co-chaired by Laurie Lachance, former Maine State Economist and President of Thomas College in Waterville, and Josh Broder, CEO of Tilson — includes…

A blast of horns from 30 to 40 cars, a poignant “Thank You” message read over a public address system, thank you signs posted on a sandwich board, cardboard and windshields provided a moving show of support to Boothbay Harbor Hannaford employees Wednesday morning, May 6.

Organized by Sue Burge, Jane Carpenter, Nancy Van Dyke and others who wanted to thank and recognize the Hannaford employees for being on the front line during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the thankful customers…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 6, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 62.  

The individual was a resident of York County. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 6, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,254 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,174 confirmed cases and 80 probable cases. 

Across the state, 766 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 62 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 191.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data,…

The Maine Tourism Association (MTA), the organization that represents all segments of Maine’s largest industry, has released a video of members talking about the challenges of the pandemic crisis, what they are doing to survive the current situation, and their optimism about an eventual recovery.

The release of the video, “Voices of Maine Tourism,” coincides with the start of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual celebration created by Congress in 1983 to underscore the…

As we all work to flatten the COVID-19 curve by staying home and taking precautions when we do need to go out, our healthcare providers are busy helping those of us who need medical attention. It has perhaps never been a better time to thank nurses and show appreciation for their dedication to personal and public health during National Nurses Week.

The Speakers for Nurses organization said this year’s theme is “…

The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has created a shortage of available personal protective equipment, but Lincoln County is on track to receive 141 ENVO N-95 masks. Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens announced the department was buying masks in bulk for towns. Each mask cost $128 and municipalities would reimburse the department. On May 5, Lincoln County Commissioners approved using emergency funds to front the purchase. Stevens estimated the total cost around $11,000.…

As some local residents and businesses remain absent from homes and storefronts across the northeast, they may also be socially distanced from their mailbox.  So what happens to that mail delivery that you put on hold?

The Postal Service’s Hold Mail service is designed for customers who plan on being away from their home or business for up to 30 days.  For many displaced by local conditions, those holds are set to expire, putting weeks of business mail or household correspondence at…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 5, an additional four COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 61.  

Two of the individuals were residents of Kennebec County and two were residents of Cumberland County. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 5, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,226 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,150 confirmed cases and 76 probable cases. 

Across the state, 741 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 61 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 187.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data,…

A week after announcing an outdoor graduation June 11, Wiscasset Middle High School on Tuesday announced the following details:  

Where: WMHS Upper Parking Lot
When: June 11, 2020 7-9 p.m.

All aspects of the ceremony will be live-streamed, and filmed.

*(50 person max rule – If the governor allows us to march in using social distancing from the parking lot by cafeteria doors. Using the recommended 12-foot by 15-foot guidelines to…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins is warning Mainers to be on alert for criminals attempting to use fraudulent text messages about COVID-19 to gain access to their personal information.

Through this scam, which was reported by the Thomaston Police Department after an officer was targeted, criminals are sending text messages alleging that the recipient has come into contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has exhibited symptoms.  The message recommends…

Edgecomb selectmen are mulling when to reschedule the annual town meeting. Gov. Janet Mills’ continued “Stay Safer at Home” order bars groups of 50 or larger in gathering in public spaces until at least the end of May. This means Edgecomb’s May 16 town meeting is postponed, but on May 4, selectmen didn't really know what day to reschedule the municipal election and annual town meeting. The state Secretary of State’s office rescheduled the June Primary to July 14. Town officials are hoping to…

Westport Island selectmen agreed via UberConference call Monday night, as state agencies the town works with are still working remotely under Gov. Janet Mills’ first stage of restarting Maine’s economy, the town office staff can also.

Deputy Town Clerk and Deputy Emergency Management Agency Director Gaye Wagner said staff met via Zoom last week to discuss what they felt most comfortable with. “We talked about lots of adaptations we might be able to make to allow some foot traffic at…

Healthy Kids has partnered with Maine Children’s Trust to launch a new digital campaign to help Maine parents navigate the challenges of parenting, especially amid the current uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak. The campaign, titled In It Together Maine, aims to connect Maine parents with local parenting resources that will support them through this difficult time.

Parenting is hard under normal circumstances, but in crisis situations it’s even harder. The onset of…

Throughout its 160-year history, the YMCA has supported communities through incredible challenges, including world wars, economic recessions, and public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA continues to innovate to meet critical needs and wants everyone to know: We’re here for good.

The YMCAs of Northern New England continue to mobilize staff, volunteers, community partners and financial resources to provide critical services during the pandemic, including childcare…

The ambulance comes to a stop. The doors fly open and I rush out wearing my protective suit. Thermometer in hand I reach the patient. “How to you do feel? Do you have a fever? Is it difficult to breathe?” I fire questions in rapid succession, not giving her time to absorb my appearance in the giant white suit and face mask. “When did this start? Have you been out of the country? Have you been near anyone sick?” I continue my assault. Finally, I slow down and take my first breath and see the…

Dear Editor:

We have been hearing many members of the public asking for an antibody test, only to be disappointed when learning that such a test is not available yet at LincolnHealth.

According to Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Nirav Shah, MD, there are now more than 150 antibody tests on the market, most of which have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Shah also cautioned about the usefulness of the data.

“It’s…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 4, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,205 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases across the state, including 1,136 confirmed cases and 69 probable cases. 

Across the state, 720 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 57 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 186.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data,…

The last Saturday in June has for the last 67 years been the traditional day in Wiscasset for huge and delicious strawberry shortcakes, dipped berries, strawberry ice cream, and fresh-picked berries to buy. It has been a cheery, family-friendly event that has long signaled the start of the summer season in Midcoast Maine.

Unfortunately, given the need to adapt to pandemic avoidance behaviors, St. Philip’s Church in Wiscasset will be suspending its tradition for now. Looking forward…

“It is with a heavy heart and the utmost regard for health and safety that we have made the difficult decision to cancel Windjammer Days 2020. This pandemic has brought to light all that we at Friends of Windjammers are grateful for: long held traditions, seafaring history, the art of boat building, the passion of sailing captains, the dedication of amazing volunteers, a town full of hospitality and caring people, and the sweet joy of nostalgia. We look forward to Windjammer Days 2021…

In a Facebook announcement and a Wiscasset Newspaper phone interview, Cheryl Kaplan is being clear about the possible prom she is organizing for members of Wiscasset Middle High School’s Class of 2020: It is in no way connected to the school; and her holding it depends on how far state measures about the coronavirus are rolled back this summer.

She is thinking the event would need to be by the end of July “because kids will start going off to college or the service, or wherever ...…

Event organizer Ashlee Lowery announced Sunday, May 3 that the 35th annual Charles Begin Memorial Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races, scheduled for June 20, will be canceled this year, in conjunction with many other local events, due to the recent pandemic.

“We are pleased to say that during this unprecedented time, we are able to support the community that always donates to the maritime event,” said Lowery. “The Charles Begin Memorial Boothbay Harbor Lobster Boat Races will be…

Wiscasset school staff have another hit on their hands. And this one’s got Cindy Collamore on horseback telling jokes.

The first video sending students positive messages and music during the pandemic debuted on YouTube April 6 and had 1,884 views as of Sunday night, May 3. A second video, with some music plus kind comments and sharing what staff have been doing, debuted last week on Vimeo. As before, a link was shared at wiscassetschools.org…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 3, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 57.  

The individual was a resident of Cumberland County, and, according to WGME, was a man in his 90s. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 3, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,185 cases confirmed across the state. 

Across the state, 706 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 57 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 183.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 33 hospitalized, including 18 in critical care and 12 on a…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 2, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 56. 

The individual was a resident of Waldo County, and, according to WMTW, was a woman in her 80s. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 2, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,152 cases confirmed across the state. 

Across the state, 689 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 56 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 181.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 36 hospitalized, including 19 in critical care and 10 on a…

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is offering short-term workforce training programs aimed at providing in-demand skills training for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, SMCC’s Workforce Development Department is offering:

Online Pharmacy Technician Training. This 16-week program will prepare students for national certification and employment in the growing pharmacy technician field.

500 free Professional Education…

Viewers at wiscassetnewspaper.com checked out Principal Charles Lomonte’s letter to Wiscasset Middle High School seniors’ families in big numbers – 4,000-plus in the first few days. And over the week, Wiscasset Newspaper reached out by text, email and phone to two longtime WMHS staff members and a senior and her father for their thoughts on the…

The Maine Tourism Association and Poland Spring® 100% Natural Spring Water, part of the Nestlé Waters family, today announced the official launch of “The Maine Tourism Relief Fund, Founded by Poland Spring and the Maine Tourism Association.” Thanks to a generous donation of $100,000 by Poland Spring and the work of the Maine Tourism Association, one-time grants will be made available to Maine’s tourism businesses and employees who have been impacted by a loss of business, or decrease in…

COVID-19 aka the coronavirus has certainly upended our way of life and will likely continue to do so for some time to come. It is hard to keep up with information concerning the virus as new data is being released every day, sometimes contradicting data or information that was released only a couple of days before.

In some parts of the country and in some segments of society, COVID-19 has been devastating. However, across the country an equally devastating trend is also developing.…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, May 1, an additional two COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 55. 

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC. 

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, May 1, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine.

Today, there are 1,123 cases confirmed across the state.

Across the state, 657 people have recovered from COVID-19, while 55 people have passed. The number of people hospitalized, at some point during their illness, across the state stands at 177.

Looking at hospital COVID-19 data, there are currently 37 hospitalized, including 17 in critical care and nine on a…

On April 6, the League of Women Voters of Maine joined 12 other advocacy organizations committed to protecting the safety of voters, poll location workers, and the election process. The organizations forwarded suggestions to state government that called upon changes to the ways in which registration,…

Many of the staff members are reviving past talents and skills to provide extras for the residents at Lincoln Home and Harbor View Cottage. Decorating, Zoom computer gatherings, FaceTime, and window visits with families, special meals, ice cream sandwiches,  hair appointments, foot soaks, and anything at all the staff can do to cheer a resident, they happily fit into their already busy schedule. Making a resident’s day, always makes a staff person’s day.

Visit …

In order to open whether May 1 or in a later phase, Maine businesses must commit to complying with the requirements of these checklists by filling out a short online form.

In addition to completing the form, business owners are asked to download a general checklist, for all industries, and an industry-specific checklist, to identify best practices for safely…

AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, April 30, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 53. 

The individual, a woman in her 50s, was a resident of Cumberland County.

Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.