Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‑19)

Maine CDC will continue to regularly update this page. For additional resources and up-to-date information, please visit the U.S. CDC's COVID‑19 website.

Maine CDC is responding to the COVID‑19 pandemic, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. We urge Maine people to practice good hand hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home as much as possible. If you are concerned that you have been exposed to COVID‑19, call your health care provider, who will determine whether you should be tested and, as appropriate, submit a sample for testing.

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Situation in Maine

Maine CDC will host a COVID-19 media brief at 2:00 PM EDT Monday-Friday. If the time changes, we will update this statement with the new time.

Watch recordings of past press briefings.

Maine COVID‑19 Cumulative Case Data
Updated: May 25, 2020 at 11:30 AM
Total Cases1 Confirmed Cases Probable Cases Recovered Hospitalizations Deaths
2,074 1,858 216 1,290 257 78

1Maine's total case count includes both confirmed and probable cases. For more information about this data, please see the "Read Details About the Data" section below.

View a Table of All Reported COVID-19 Tests in Maine New as of 5/20/2020

Result
Antibody
PCR
Total
Positive
177
2,201
2,378
Negative
2,704
35,450
38,154
Indeterminate
3
74
77
Total
2,884
37,725
40,609

Maine CDC will publish the total number of tests once a week on Wednesdays. Because of the number of outside labs that are testing samples from Maine, it is not currently possible to post a complete count of tests on a daily basis.

Updated May 20, 2020 at 2:30 PM

View a Table of Maine COVID-19 Current Hospital Use and Capacity Data

Hospitalized: Confirmed Cases
Total Hospitalized 59
    In Critical Care 27
        On a Ventilator 13
Capacity
Available Critical Care Beds 165
Total Critical Care Beds 391
Available Ventilators 242
Total Ventilators 316
Alternative Ventilators 439

Updated May 24, 2020 at 1:00 PM

Note: Hospitals will not be reporting data on Monday, May 25, 2020 due to the holiday. Maine CDC will update Hospital Use and Capacity Data on Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

View a Table of Cumulative COVID‑19 Cases by County

Cumulative COVID‑19 Case Counts by County
County
Cases
Recovered
Hospitalizations
Deaths
Androscoggin
238
97
24
2
Aroostook
8
6
2
1
Cumberland
1,040
601
118
40
Franklin
36
28
2
1
Hancock
11
9
1
1
Kennebec
128
99
23
9
Knox
20
18
2
Lincoln
20
12
2
Oxford
21
17
1
Penobscot
99
83
17
1
Piscataquis
1
1
  
Sagadahoc
28
19
5
Somerset
21
16
Waldo
51
36
4
14
Washington
2
2
  
York
350
246
56
9
Unknown
0

Updated May 25, 2020 at 11:30 AM

View a Table of Cumulative COVID-19 Cases by Age

Cumulative COVID-19 Cases by Age
Age Range
Count
Percentage
<20
90
4.3%
20s
257
12.4%
30s
277
13.4%
40s
322
15.5%
50s
378
18.2%
60s
291
14.0%
70s
224
10.8%
80+
235
11.3%

*Totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

Updated May 25, 2020 at 11:30 AM

View a Table of Cumulative COVID-19 Cases by Race and Ethnicity

COVID-19 Cases by Race
American Indian or Alaskan Native 3
Asian or Pacific Islander 28
Black or African American 235
White 1,145
Two or More 4
Other 42
Not Disclosed 362
COVID-19 Cases by Ethnicity
Hispanic 54
Not Hispanic 1,212
Not Disclosed 553

Updated May 20, 2020 1:30 PM

View a Table of Cumulative COVID-19 Cases by Sex

Sex
Count
Percentage
Female
1,076
51.9%
Male
998
48.1%
Unknown
0

Updated May 25, 2020 at 11:30 AM

Read Details About the Data  

When are Data Updated? Data are updated daily between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM with COVID-19 results included as of 11:59 PM the previous day.

Who is Included in the Data? Data are about individuals who claim residency in Maine regardless of what state they were tested in, or where they are currently living. For example, an individual who claims residency in Maine but lives in Florida will appear in this data even if they were living in Florida at the time of illness. County listings are by residence of patient, not location of the hospital or testing location.

What are Confirmed Cases? This represents the number of persons tested with a SARS CoV-2 PCR test result from any approved lab.

What are Probable Cases? There are two instances in which someone can meet the probable case definition:

  • A close contact identified through an epidemiological investigation of a confirmed case becomes symptomatic OR
  • An individual has a positive SARS-CoV-2 serology test AND
    • Is a close contact of a confirmed case (as identified through an epidemiological investigation) OR
    • Is symptomatic with:
      • A cough and/or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing OR
      • At least two of the following symptoms:
        • Fever
        • Chills
        • Repeated shaking with chills
        • Muscle pain
        • Headache
        • Sore throat
        • New loss of taste or smell

What are Recovered Cases? Recovered means a person has met the released from isolation requirements defined by Federal CDC. The requirements are: at least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery, defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and, at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

What is Other Confirmed? Other Confirmed is the number of cases left over after removing recovered and deaths from the cumulative total.

What is an Indeterminate Test?New as of 5/20/2020 Indeterminate means that the test did not provide a clear negative or positive result.

What is Included in Deaths?A COVID-19 associated death is defined as a death resulting from an illness that is clinically compatible with COVID-19 that is confirmed by an appropriate laboratory test. There should be no period of complete recovery between the illness and death. It is not necessary that COVID-19 be the primary cause of death.

What Categories are Mutually Exclusive? The only categories that are mutually exclusive are Deaths and Recovered. Deaths are counted both in Cumulative Confirmed/Probable Cases and Deaths. Hospitalizations are counted in the Cumulative Confirmed/Probable and may also be counted in Deaths or Recovered depending on the outcome of the individual.

What are Some Limitations? Confirmed data represent only those individuals with positive test results, which likely under-represents the true number of cases in Maine. For individuals not considered to be at high risk, medical providers were advised to diagnose COVID-19 based on symptoms prior to May 18, 2020. Those diagnoses are not reported. All data are preliminary and may change as Maine CDC investigates confirmed cases.

 

News Releases

Office of Governor Janet T. Mills

Read more press releases from the Governor's office.

Travel

Travel Advisories
Updated: March 28, 2020 at 10:30 AM
Level 3: Avoid all nonessential travel. Most foreign nationals who have been in one of these countries during the previous 14 days will not be allowed to enter the United States. China, Iran, Most European Countries, United Kingdom and Ireland
Level 3: Avoid all nonessential travel. Global
U.S. CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel
U.S. State Department: Travel Advisories

What do I do if I'm traveling or returning to Maine from out of state?

It is mandated that all out-of-state travelers coming into Maine, as well as Maine residents returning to Maine, complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. This means:

  • You need to arrive with enough food for 14 days or arrange to have food delivered to you. You cannot go out to grocery stores.
  • Stay at home. You cannot go out to public places.
  • Avoid contact with others, especially those who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

There is no order to quarantine for people who make short trips back and forth across the border for work. Travel should be limited to essential trips.

Current Testing Guidelines for Maine State Lab

New as of 5/18/2020 The acquisition of the IDEXX PCR Test Kit enables HETL to process up to 1,000 tests each day.  Training on the new equipment and quality assurance have been completed. Therefore, Maine's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) can now conduct an increased number of tests.

Effective Monday May 18, 2020, the testing priorities and tiers outlined in the March 19, 2020, HAN “Updated Guidance for COVID-19: Prioritization of Testing and Discontinuation of Home Isolation” are rescinded and the following new guidelines are established:


HETL will now test specimens from any person who has one or more symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19.  Testing must be ordered by a clinician.

  • Maine health care providers should use their clinical judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested.

HETL will now also test persons without symptoms who may be at risk for spreading COVID-19 to others.  As examples, these may include but are not limited to:

  • Asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases in an outbreak setting. For reference, Maine CDC generally defines an “outbreak” as three or more epidemiologically linked cases of a specific disease, and generally defines “close contacts” as individuals who have spent 30 minutes or more within 6 ft of an individual with confirmed COVID-19.
  • Asymptomatic health care workers, including first responders, who have had contact with or exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case; or
  • Asymptomatic persons tested as part of a sentinel COVID-19 disease surveillance program established by Maine CDC.

In order to maintain laboratory capacity for the activities noted above, HETL will not test specimens collected by congregate facilities that choose to conduct universal testing of their staff and residents when that recommendation has not been approved by Maine CDC.

Maine CDC recommends following the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19.  Read the IDSA Guidelines.

Accessing Testing At HETL.  If facility has not previously submitted specimens to HETL, please set up an account with HETL PRIOR to submitting any samples to HETL for COVID testing. To set up an account, please fax the following information to HETL at 207-287-1727: 

    • Facility name
    • Contact name
    • Facility address
    • Phone number, and
    • Confidential fax number. 

HETL will contact your facility with confirmation of receipt of the information. 
Once an account is established, specimens can be forwarded to HETL.

Testing forms and information on acceptable swabs and transport media are found on HETL's website. Download the information and forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the Full List of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).

What is COVID‑19?

COVID‑19 is a novel (new) coronavirus which was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has now been detected in other countries, including the United States.

For some, the respiratory virus causes mild symptoms like the common cold or influenza (flu), for others it can cause severe pneumonia that requires medical care or hospitalization.

The virus is named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes is named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID‑19").

What are the Symptoms?

People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Or at least two of these symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Repeated shaking with chills
    • Muscle pain
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

Most patients experience mild symptoms and can recuperate at home, but others, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, may experience more severe respiratory illness. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms.

How does it spread?

The virus appears to spread in similar ways to influenza (flu) and the common cold. This may include spreading through:

  • The air by coughing and sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

The virus can spread from person-to-person and in some locations there is apparent community spread, meaning some people are infected and are not sure how or where they became infected. Find out more about how COVID-19 spreads.

How can I help to prevent the spread?

There are simple steps you can take to reduce the possible spread of COVID‑19 and other illnesses such as influenza and the common cold:

  1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  4. Stay home while you're sick and avoid close contact with others

Currently there is no vaccine available to prevent the spread of COVID‑19.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

Call ahead to a health care professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing. Tell your health care professional about any recent contact with other COVID‑19 cases. Your healthcare professional will work with Maine CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID‑19.

Additional Coronavirus Resources

Additional Resources and Translated Materials
Updated: May 20, 2020 at 10:00 AM
Document/Resource Source
Full List of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) New as of 5/20/2020 Maine CDC
Public Health Considerations for Re-Opening Maine (PDF) New as of 5/14/2020 Maine CDC
Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes U.S. CDC
System for COVID-19 Related Activity of the Health Inspection Program and Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations (PDF)  Maine CDC
Information on Face Covering Options (PDF) Maine CDC
Which Type of Mask Do I Need? (PDF) Maine CDC
Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings (PDF) U.S. CDC
Guidance for Using Personal Protective Equipment (PDF) U.S. CDC
Tips for Safely Engaging in Outdoor Exercise Activities Maine DACF
Chronic Diseases and COVID‑19: What You Need to Know (PDF) National Association of Chronic Disease Directors
COVID-19 Resources in American Sign Language (YouTube) U.S. CDC
COVID‑19 Factsheet (PDF): Acoli | عربي | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | ខ្មែរ | Ikirundi | Lingala | Português | Soomaali | Español | Kiswahili | Tiếng Việt Maine CDC
Stop the Spread of Germs Factsheet (PDF): عربي | فارسی | Français | پښتو | pусский | Español | Kiswahili | Українська U.S. CDC
Read and Listen to Translated Maine COVID‑19 News Updates: عربي | فارسی | Français | ខ្មែរ | پښتو | pусский | Lingala | Soomaali | Español | Kiswahili | Tiếng Việt Maine Catholic Charities
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Rights (PDF) U.S. Department of Labor
Accessing COVID‑19 Testing and Care for People Who Are Uninsured (PDF) Maine CDC
Find a Dental Office in Maine Open for Emergencies New as of 5/19/2020 Maine Partnership for Children's Oral Health
Recommendations for Virus Control in Hotels (PDF) Maine CDC
Recommendations for Virus Control in Eating Establishments (PDF) Maine CDC
Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/ Delivery Services During COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF) U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Executive Order for Restaurants and Bars - Questions and Answers (PDF) Maine CDC

Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare providers no longer need to call Maine CDC about when they test a patient for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19). Clinicians should use their judegement to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested.

No vaccine for COVID-19 is currently available; however, vaccine trials are in progress.

For more information, visit U.S. CDC's webpage on evaluating and reporting a PUI and U.S. CDC's webpage on infection control.

Additional Coronavirus Resources for Providers

Additional Resources for Providers
Updated: May 19, 2020 at 12:00 PM
Document/Resource Source
Increased COVID-19 Testing Capacity at Maine CDC Laboratory - Health Alert - May 18, 2020 (PDF) New as of 5/18/2020 Maine CDC
Updated Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response U.S. CDC
Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE U.S. CDC
Updated Guidance for COVID‑19: Prioritization of Testing And Discontinuation Of Isolation - Health Alert - March 19, 2020 (PDF) Maine CDC
Updated Guidance for COVID‑19 Testing - Health Alert - March 16, 2020 (PDF) Maine CDC
Actions to Take Now for Community Transmission of COVID‑19 - Health Alert - March 15, 2020 (PDF) Maine CDC
Guidance About Global Travel on Cruise Ships - March 15, 2020 (PDF) U.S. CDC
First Presumptive COVID‑19 Case in Maine - Health Alert - March 12, 2020 (PDF) Maine CDC
Interim US Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential 2019 Novel Coronavirus Exposure in Travel-Associated or Community Settings U.S. CDC
Screening Checklist for Skilled Nursing Facilities (PDF) AHCA and NCAL
Guidance for Preventing COVID‑19 From Entering Your Skilled Nursing Center (PDF) AHCA and NCAL
Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID‑19 in Nursing Homes (PDF) CMS
Guidance for Preventing COVID‑19 From Entering Your Assisted Living Facility (PDF) AHCA and NCAL
Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (PDF) Maine CDC