Maine records more than 800 new COVID-19 cases for third straight day, 16 new deaths reported – WMTW Portland

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 16 new coronavirus-related deaths on Friday and 823 new cases.This is the third day in a row that Maine has topped more than 800 new cases. There are now 32,781 total cases since the beginning of the outbreak.The 16 new COVID-19-related deaths bring the total since the beginning of the pandemic to 477.Aroostook County reported five new deaths, Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Penobscot and Washington counties each reported two new deaths and Oxford County reported one new death.Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah is scheduled to provide an update on coronavirus in the state at 2 p.m. Beginning next week, his briefings will switch to Tuesdays and Thursdays.MAINE CORONAVIRUS DATA: Deaths: 477 Total cases: 32,781 Confirmed cases: 26,923 Probable cases: 5,858 Cumulative positivity rate: 2.85% 14-day positivity rate: 5.6% Currently hospitalized: 193 Patients in intensive care: 61 Patients on ventilators: 24Get more detailed COVID-19 data from the Maine CDCCOVID-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-19Emergency 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.