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 an outbreak of the respiratory illness called COVID‑19, 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.

On this page:

Download Factsheets and Translated Materials:

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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 breifings.

Maine COVID‑19 Cumulative Case Data
Updated: May 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Total Cases1 Confirmed Cases Probable Cases Recovered Hospitalizations Deaths
1,205 1,136 69 720 186 57

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.

Number of Individuals with Negative COVID‑19 Test Results in Maine
Updated: April 29, 2020 19,546

Maine CDC will publish negative results 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 negative tests on a daily basis.

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

Hospitalized: Confirmed Cases
Total Hospitalized 37
    In Critical Care 18
        On a Ventilator 11
Capacity
Available Critical Care Beds 141
Total Critical Care Beds 330
Available Ventilators 296
Total Ventilators 319
Alternative Ventilators 395

Updated May 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM

View a Table of Cumulative COVID‑19 Cases by County

Cumulative COVID‑19 Case Counts by County
County
Confirmed
Recovered
Hospitalizations
Deaths
Androscoggin
60
31
14
2
Aroostook
5
3
1
Cumberland
558
328
77
28
Franklin
29
17
2
1
Hancock
10
9
1
Kennebec
105
40
17
6
Knox
16
13
2
Lincoln
13
11
  
Oxford
15
12
1
Penobscot
85
46
16
Piscataquis
1
1
  
Sagadahoc
19
14
5
Somerset
17
14
Waldo
49
28
3
13
Washington
2
2
  
York
219
151
47
7
Unknown
2

Updated May 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM

View a Table of Cumulative Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by Age

Cumulative Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by Age
Age Range
Count
Percentage
<20
28
2.3%
20s
131
10.9%
30s
131
10.9%
40s
175
14.5%
50s
234
19.4%
60s
201
16.7%
70s
158
13.1%
80+
147
12.2%

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

Updated May 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM

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

COVID-19 Cases by Race
American Indian or Alaskan Native 1
Asian or Pacific Islander 13
Black or African American 41
White 731
Two or More 2
Other 18
Not Disclosed 250
COVID-19 Cases by Ethnicity
Hispanic 23
Not Hispanic 665
Not Disclosed 368

Last Updated April 29, 2020 at 12:45 PM

View a Table of Cumulative Confirmed COVID-19 Cases by Sex

Sex
Count
Percentage
Female
647
53.7%
Male
558
46.3%

Updated May 4, 2020 at 12:30 PM

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

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 are currently advised to diagnose COVID-19 based on symptoms. 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

On March 25, 2020, Maine met U.S. CDC’s criteria for a Moderate level of community transmission for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Maine's testing capacity is inhibited by the limited national supply of laboratory materials. Therefore, consistent with U.S. CDC guidelines, Maine is now creating a prioritization system to test individuals in high-risk categories.

To preserve Maine’s specimen collection and testing supplies for patients who may develop severe COVID‑19 illness over the coming months, effective immediately, Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) will prioritize testing to high-risk individuals and will only accept specimens for testing from symptomatic individuals who have fever or respiratory symptoms and who fall into one of the following high-risk categories: 

Tier 1:

  • Those who are hospitalized
  • Health care workers
  • First responders (e.g., EMS Police, Fire)
  • Patients living in congregate setting (e.g., LTCFs, group homes, assisted living facilities, jails, shelters)

Tier 2:

  • Patients older than 60 years
  • Patients with underlying medical conditions

Testing within these categories is likely to be prioritized further based on availability of laboratory materials. This guidance is in general accordance with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommendations for prioritizing COVID‑19 testing for individuals.

Note: Samples from individuals who do not fall into any of these six categories should be sent to a commercial laboratory.


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? New

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 travel or 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: April 29, 2020 at 4:30 PM
Document/Resource Source
Full List of Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) New Maine CDC
Public Health Considerations for Re-Opening Maine (PDF) New Maine CDC
Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes New U.S. 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
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

Maine healthcare providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients with fever and acute respiratory illness. Healthcare providers no longer need to call Maine CDC about when they test a patient for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19).

Limited information is available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with COVID-2019. No vaccine or specific treatment for COVID‑19 infection is available; care is supportive.

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: April 29, 2020 at 12:30 PM
Document/Resource Source
Updated Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response New 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