Maine CDC reports more than 400 new COVID-19 cases for first time in 2 months – WMTW Portland

The Maine Center for Disease Control is reporting the largest increase in daily cases in two months.There were 402 new cases reported on Friday, which is the most since Feb. 1.The 402 new cases bring the total since the beginning of the outbreak to 51,189. The seven-day average jumped to 252.9.The Maine CDC also reported one new death, bringing the total to 744. The new death was reported in York County.The state reported that 288,590 Mainers have received their final vaccine dose, which represents 21.47% of the population.MAINE CORONAVIRUS DATA: Deaths: 744 Total cases: 51,189 Confirmed cases: 39,153 Probable cases: 12,036 Cumulative positivity rate: 2.67% 14-day positivity rate: 2.3% Currently hospitalized: 75 Patients in intensive care: 25 Patients on ventilators: 6Get 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 be eligible on April 7. The vaccine timeline was accelerated due to increases in vaccine shipments from the federal government.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.Maine CDC Pre-registration websiteThe Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has launched a new website to help Mainers pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine.Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah said the website is not meant to be a statewide vaccination registration system and will not supplant existing registration and appointment systems many of the state’s health care systems have already created.Retail pharmacies offering vaccines Walmart Sam’s Club Walgreens Hannaford Shaw’sMaine 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.