COVID-19 News and Updates

Hello all,

Nina Duggan here with the latest COVID-19 news and updates. This week we discuss rising case numbers in Maine and New England as a whole, best safety practices, and the staggering COVID death toll in the United States.

COVID Communication:

Rising Numbers Once Again: What Does That Mean for COVID Safety Practices?

As COVID cases and hospitalizations increase across the country many are wondering what this means regarding best COVID safety practices. The new information is essentially the same as the old information: take the precautions that we know work.

Until case numbers decrease and the current surge slows, please remember to:

· Make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations (including the booster)

· Wear appropriate masks when indoors or in crowded outdoor situations (preferably N95s or KN95s)

· Practice social distancing

· Take a COVID test (at home or PCR) if you feel ill, have been exposed, or are gathering with those outside of your household (for the best accuracy with the at rapid antigen home tests, take two tests 24-hours apart)

· Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face

· Make sure indoor spaces are properly ventilated, ideally with fresh air from outside

COVID in the News:

State of COVID-19 in Maine

Maine has the unfortunate distinction of being the New England state with the highest rate of COVID at present. The positivity rate is up to 11.5% with an average of 500-700 cases reported per day (not including many unreported at home antigen tests). Hospitalizations have increased to 193 people hospitalized from COVID-19 with three on ventilators.

U.S. Passes 1 million Deaths Due to COVID-19

The United States reached a grim milestone this past Wednesday; 1 million deaths from the COVID-19 virus. Despite being one of the first countries to have the vaccine widely available, the U.S. far surpasses the country with the next highest death toll, Brazil, at around 660,000 confirmed COVID deaths.

Most of these deaths are in the unvaccinated population (roughly 80% in 2021), with the risk of death for unvaccinated individuals being 20 times higher than an individual who is vaccinated and boosted. Health experts surmise this is likely due to misinformation around basic health practices such as vaccination, masking, and social distancing. Another exceedingly important factor is that the United States government has stalled in providing enough aid for people to be able to comply with these health and safety practices. Both masks and tests are expensive, and most people cannot afford, if they do test positive or are exposed, to be out of work for the 10-day quarantine.

The loss we have collectively suffered is astronomical, people are scared. It’s clear the pandemic is not over. As we encourage people to get vaccinated and continue to provide aid to our communities, it is important that we approach these conversations with a non-judgmental atmosphere and a deep empathy for the tragedy that has occurred these past two and a half years.

Links and Sources: NBC News reporting on 1 million deaths, BBC News Does the US really have the world’s highest Covid death toll?, PBS Why is the COVID death rate in the U.S. so much higher

Featured in the Field:

MeCAP: Maine Community Action Partnership

MeCAP is a statewide organization that works to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Maine. They have been doing good and steadfast work to support our communities through the pandemic, and have many resources available.

You can find them at their website and on Facebook.

Thanks again everyone for checking in this week. Stay safe, and remember to take care of each other. ~ Nina

Nina Duggan is Healthy Acadia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Project Coordinator. They share weekly updates about COVID-19 in the state of Maine and beyond, along with resources you may find useful on testing, vaccination, and best practices in preventative measures. 

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If you or anyone you know have questions or concerns about COVID-19 or the available vaccines please call or text our COVID-19 Peer Support Line at 207-271-6023, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.