Maine CDC Reports 41 Deaths of People Diagnosed with COVID-19

The latest information from the Maine CDC marks the deadliest day for the COVID-19 pandemic, with a record 41 people who have died.

On Friday, 789 new cases of COVID-19 were reported by the agency, which also breaks the previous record of 746. 41 deaths were reported on Friday, although the BDN states not all deaths occurred in the past 24 hours, but were confirmed to be connected to the pandemic during that time.

The deceased were from all corners of the state, including: 8 from Aroostook County; 6 from Hancock County; 6 from York County; 5 from Oxford County; 4 from Kennebec County; 3 from Penobscot County; 3 from Androscoggin County; 2 from Franklin County; 2 from Cumberland County; 1 from Somerset County; and 1 from Washington County. The majority of the people who have died, during the pandemic, were over the age of 60.

The total number of cases of COVID-19 now stands at 28,407 and the number of deaths is 426.

Dr. Nirav Shah, Executive Director of the Maine CDC, had cautioned about a surge after the holiday, predicting that it would begin about 2 weeks after Christmas. With the rise in numbers, health officials are stressing the importance of social distancing, wearing face coverings, and washing hands often.

Anyone who has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 is encouraged to quarantine at home for a period of at least 10 days, to avoid spreading it outside their household.

And, if a person tests positive for the virus, they need to isolate at home for the duration, which means separating themselves from other family members, avoiding sharing bathrooms (if possible), and wearing a mask whenever they are around others.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: