Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center: Alerts, Closings, Cancellations
Maine CDC reverts press briefing schedule to as-needed basis
The Maine CDC is providing a briefing this afternoon, at 2 p.m., to discuss how the state is confronting the recent rise of COVID-19 cases.
The Maine CDC will hold briefings every Wednesday at 2 p.m. to discuss COVID-19 until further notice.
Watch the stream below.
… Read more‘Surge preparation’ underway on Miles Campus
From Thursday, March 26, medical staff from St. Andrews Urgent Care will begin caring for patients on the Miles Campus in Damariscotta.
John Martins, director of Communications and Public Affairs at LincolnHealth, explained. “The decision was made based on projected needs due to COVID-19 and our ability to provide coverage for other types of emergent care. It also assists in our surge preparation. There is still care available on the St. Andrews Campus and for the same hours. We just… Read more
March 24 update: 118 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases; one in Knox County, one in Waldo County, 5 in Lincoln County
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 24, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 118 cases confirmed and 3,014 tests have returned as negative.
Seven people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
By sex, 57 males tested positive in the state and 61 females tested positive.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number… Read more
UPDATED: Chamber provides help, resources for businesses
UPDATED: The order to stay home will hopefully protect individuals from the coronavirus, but it has the opposite effect on the area’s small businesses. Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce is busy pulling together information and resources to help business owners weather the stormy economic conditions.
“We’re trying to figure out how to best serve the community,” said Southport Marine’s Douglas Goldhirsch, who is chamber president. John Nunan, who directs the chamber’s… Read more
Cool Critters in Our Own Backyard
Our column two weeks ago was about nature-based activities any of us can do from the backyard, as Maine and the world practice physical distancing due to COVID-19. We have been enjoying watching spring slowly unfold as we have time to pay closer attention to the small things around our home. Yesterday we had the first purple finches at the feeder that we have seen since last fall, and the goldfinch numbers seem to be continuing to… Read more
United Way launches COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund
United Way of Mid Coast Maine announced Monday that it has created a special Fund to help initiatives and agencies meet the increased needs of local people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund is being set up to match the needs of vulnerable people in Mid Coast Maine with the generosity of people who want to help others during this difficult time,” said Bill Brillant, United Way’s Board Chair. “United Way partner agencies and others are working hard to help… Read more
Where to get take-out food in the Boothbay region and what is closed
This list has been updated since the original posting last week.
Boothbay Region Food Pantry will continue to operate on Fridays (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) as usual, said BRFP’s Doreen Dun. The pantry will also be providing as much as possible for non-clients. “The procedure is going to be quite different – you will stay in the car … and food will be in a pre-packaged box. If you can’t lift a box, please bring somebody who can.”
Dun said she is hoping the boxes will be useful to… Read more
Boothbay, Southport eye possible delayed water start
Boothbay is considering seeking opinions from its legal representation and Maine Public Utilities Commission about delaying the April 15 seasonal water start. Southport Selectman Gerry Gamage initiated the proposal due to concerns about seasonal residents arriving in the Boothbay region early to try to escape the growing coronavirus pandemic. Gamage proposed delaying seasonal water by a month in hopes of discouraging visitors from highly infected coronavirus states from seeking refuge in the… Read more
Looking toward better days
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the providers of Lincoln Medical Partners I want you to know that we miss you. Even though the reason for your visit is often listed as a “chief complaint,” we looking forward to seeing you every day. We look forward to hearing about your lives and families. We look forward to measuring your growth, learning of new achievements, and helping you set future goals.
We love the challenge of trying to figure out what might be causing that nagging pain,… Read more
Special Olympics Maine suspends activities through May 31
The coronavirus is affecting everyone, both personally and professionally. With new recommendations from our governor, Maine Department of Health, the CDC and a new directive from Special Olympics, Inc. (distributed last week) that strongly advises all programs to cancel all Special Olympic activities through May 31st, we have developed an updated plan to take us through the next few months.
In light of these recommendations, Special Olympics Maine has made the difficult decision to… Read more
March 23 update: 107 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases; one in Knox County, five in Lincoln
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 23, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 107 cases confirmed and 2,791 have returned as negative.
Three people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
The tables below are updated once each day by noon.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
Negative Tests: This number represents negative tests from… Read more
Boothbay Region Health Center open to all
Boothbay Region Health Center, located in the Meadow Mall, Boothbay Harbor continues to serve local people during this time of need. We plan to be here for the community through thick and thin, as long as our staff remains healthy. Although other healthcare facilities are reducing their primary care services, we remain open and we welcome walk-ins and same day appointments. You don't need to be a current patient to use our services. And, you don't need to switch providers in order to avail… Read more
CLC YMCA extends closure and increases virtual options
Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA has extended the closure of the main facility and child care site through April 5. Management will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with the town of Damariscotta, LincolnHealth, and the superintendent of the AOS93 school district to align with consistency on best practices.
To best support the community to stay healthy during this time of social distancing, CLC YMCA is providing virtual options for online fitness and exercise… Read more
Boothbay Region Food Pantry open March 27
The Boothbay Region Food Pantry, located at 125 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor, will be open as usual on Friday, March 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Future evening pantries on the second Monday of each month are suspended for now.
Clients whose regular day for monthly pick-up, new clients, and anyone in the region who has a food emergency are welcome.
This week you will be given a grocery list to fill out and we will do our best to supply you from what is on our shelves… Read more
Concord suspends Midcoast bus service
Concord Coach Lines has suspended its service to and from the Midcoast for the foreseeable future during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company had been making stops in Belfast, Rockport, Lincolnville, Damariscotta, Rockland, Searsport, Waldoboro and Wiscasset en route to Boston and Logan Airport.
The news was announced by the company March 18 with the changes effective March 22.
The company also announced it was suspending its New York City service.
To view… Read more
‘Solidarity’ in the ringing: Wiscasset villagers take bells in hand
Social distancing had a ring to it in Wiscasset Village Sunday. A lot of them: From a cowbell to Christmas ones, bells rang out at noon in the coronavirus spring.
Helen Russell and son Ben, 4, walked down their Federal Street driveway carrying a bell she said came with the house. As they rang the bell, Russell said they wanted to help… Read more
March 22 update: 89 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 22, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 89 cases confirmed and 2,264 have returned as negative, though negative tests results are not updated on the weekend.
Three people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
The tables below are updated once each day by noon.
Confirmed Cases: This number represents tests that come back positive from any approved lab.
LincolnHealth responds To COVID-19 by making staffing adjustments
In order to strengthen its response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) while continuing to provide care for patients with other health needs, LincolnHealth is making some proactive temporary staffing adjustments.
On Thursday, team members at the St. Andrews Urgent Care Center will begin caring for patients on the Miles Campus in Damariscotta and services at the Center will be temporarily suspended. In order to strengthen access to care in Boothbay Region, the Family Care Center (FCC) will… Read more
March 21 update: 70 confirmed statewide COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 21, of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 70 cases confirmed and 2,264 have returned as negative, though negative tests results are not updated on the weekend.
Many of the confirmed cases are in their 50s and 60s, although the age span is under 20 to over 80, with 39 females and 31 males.
Three people in Maine have since recovered from COVID-19.
The tables below are updated once each… Read more
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine rescheduling Midcoast Bowl for Kids’ Sake
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s Midcoast Bowl for Kids’ Sake events, previously scheduled for April in Belfast, Waldoboro and Rockport, are being postponed. As recommended by the CDC, the agency is following social distancing guidelines for the safety of supporters, staff, and Bigs and Littles. Bowling events originally planned for April 2-11, will be held in May and June according to the following schedule:
Thursday, May 28, 1 to 6 p.m., at ALLPlaY Family Entertainment… Read more
‘A way to be together’: Wiscasset villagers, churches to ring bells at noon Sunday; other area volunteer efforts emerge
From fundraising for families, to village bell-ringing from porches and churches, and the new group Alna Cares, area residents are finding ways to connect and to help one another through the coronavirus crisis.
The bell-ringing in and beyond Wiscasset village, including by St. Philip’s Episcopal and First Congregational churches, is set for noon Sunday, Elizabeth Palmer said in a phone interview Saturday night. Her idea was inspired by scenes of Italians and others around the world… Read more
Harbor Peer and Wellness Center closed, still serving communities remotely
We have made the difficult decision to temporarily close the Harbor Peer and Wellness Center, for the next two weeks to 30 days and perhaps longer depending on the guidance and prevailing wisdom of Maine CDC. This decision is out of more than just an abundance of caution, but what we feel is the right level of concern for the public health, the health of our staff and the health and well-being of the larger community. This means all of the community, not just those who use our services, but… Read more
LincolnHealth visitor policy updated
Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor: In response to the latest medical guidance to reduce community spread of COVID-19 in Maine, LincolnHealth has expanded its restriction to visitors on the Miles and Boothbay campuses, as well as at the Lincoln Medical Partners practices in Boothbay, Damariscotta, Waldoboro and Wiscasset.
Under the new policy, no visitors are permitted at
• Pediatrics (one parent/guardian at a time allowed in all areas)
• Obstetrics (one spouse/birth… Read more
School lunch program progressing as planned
Alternative Organizational Structure 98 officials report between 80-100 lunches and breakfasts are being distributed to local students during the school shutdown. The program began on March 17 providing bag lunches and breakfasts. Masked volunteers are assisting people picking up the meals with little to no personal contact. A volunteer reported most of the lunches are being delivered by bus but a few are being distributed at the elementary school entrances.
SBA offers disaster assistance to Maine small businesses economically affected by COVID-19
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Maine small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. … Read more
Maine CDC March 20 update: Cases of COVID-19 at 44 confirmed, 12 presumptive positive
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 20, of presumptive positive and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state of Maine. Today, there are 44 cases confirmed, 12 presumptive positive and 2,264 have returned as negative. Many of them are in their 50s and 60s, although the age span is under 20 to over 80, with 29 females and 27 males.
The tables below are updated once each day Monday through Friday by noon.
The majority of cases are in Cumberland County, with 26… Read more
Hannaford Supermarkets commits quarter million dollars to area foodbanks
Scarborough, ME—Hannaford Supermarkets announced today its commitment to donate $250,000 to support area foodbanks that are experiencing increasing and unprecedented demand during the widening of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The monies will be distributed to foodbanks in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and New York.
Additionally, Hannaford is kicking off a register and store kiosk donation program at all Hannaford grocery stores that will make it easy for customers to… Read more
Maine Medical Center announces further visitor restrictions in response to COVID-19 outbreak
PORTLAND, Maine – In response to the increased risk of community spread of COVID-19 in Maine, Maine Medical Center (MMC) is limiting visitors to pediatric patients and patients with other special circumstances beginning Saturday, March 21.
These visitor restrictions are being made to protect the health and safety of patients and employees of Maine Medical Center and are in addition previously announced restrictions. They apply to all hospital, outpatient clinic and medical practice,… Read more
Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection warns of sewer systems and COVID-19
- Baby wipes or cleaning wipes
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Dental Floss
- Tampons and sanitary products
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Cat litter
- … Read more
COVID-19 update from CLYNK
CLYNK is a redemption company born out of community. You rely on us to get you back your deposits, and our hardworking employees value your business as it gives them dependable income and basic benefits. Never has this been truer than during the COVID-19 outbreak.
CLYNK is open for business. We are committed to keeping this little corner of your life “easy and convenient” even while the rest is anything but. We are taking extra precautions to keep our employees safe, including… Read more