Maine CDC reports 2 new COVID-19 deaths, 131 additional cases – WMTW Portland

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting 131 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday and two new deaths.The number of Mainers with COVID-19 who have died is 731. The two new deaths were in Androscoggin and Cumberland counties.The 131 new cases bring the total since the beginning of the outbreak to 48,773.The Maine CDC said 222,243 Mainers have received their final COVID-19 vaccine dose, which represents 16.53% of the population.Tuesday marks the first day Mainers in their 50s are eligible to be vaccinated as part of the state’s accelerated vaccination timeline.MAINE CORONAVIRUS DATA: Deaths: 731 Total cases: 48,773 Confirmed cases: 37,660 Probable cases: 11,113 Cumulative positivity rate: 2.65% 14-day positivity rate: 1.6% Currently hospitalized: 79 Patients in intensive care: 25 Patients on ventilators: 13Get more detailed COVID-19 data from the Maine CDCMaine COVID-19 Vaccine LatestMainers 50 and older, as well as educators and child care workers are eligible to be vaccinated as of March 23.All Mainers 16 and older will become eligible on April 19.The state is expecting an increase in vaccine supply from the federal government in late March and early April.Health care providers offering vaccines MaineHealth: Call 1-877-780-7545 or register here. Northern Light Health: Call 207-204-8551 or make an appointment here. Central Maine Healthcare: Call 207-520-2917 or register here. St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center: Fill out this form. Get more information here. MaineGeneral: Call 1-800-968-8219 or register here. York Hospital: Call 207-752-8685 or register here.Retail pharmacies offering vaccines Walmart Sam’s Club Walgreens HannafordMaine COVID-19 vaccine hotlineThe Maine CDC has launched a COVID-19 vaccine hotline. The hotline is meant to help Mainers who have trouble with the internet or other access issues. People who need assistance can call 1-888-445-4111.MAINE/NATIONAL COVID-19 VACCINE DATACOVID-19 symptomsPer the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these are the symptoms you should watch out for: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting DiarrheaThis list does not include all possible symptoms. The CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about the virus.Should I get tested for COVID-19? Where can I get a test in Maine?The CDC recommends that you should consider taking a COVID-19 test if you: have symptoms of COVID-19. have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more) with someone with confirmed COVID-19. have been asked or referred to get testing by their health care provider, local/external icon or state ​health department.You can look up where to get a COVID-19 test in Maine by visiting Get Tested COVID-19.Emergency care for COVID-19 symptomsThe CDC says to look for emergency warning signs for coronavirus. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Bluish lips or faceThis list is not all possible symptoms. Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.Maine COVID-19 Resources StrengthenME: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services created StrengthenME to help Mainers cope with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. The program offers a hotline that is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone in need of assistance can call the hotline at 207-221-8198. Maine Helps: The Maine Helps website offers ways Mainers can directly help nonprofits, health care and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. FrontLine WarmLine: Maine Department of Health and Human Services phone line to help Mainers who are working on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. The phone line will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day by calling 207-221-8196 or 866-367-4440. The service will eventually include a text option, officials said. 211 Maine: The state’s 211 system can answer general questions about coronavirus from callers. Mainers can also text 898-211 to have their questions answered. NAMI Maine Resources: NAMI Maine is offering several programs to help people with mental health concerns due to the COVID-19 crisis.