Coronavirus Update from Anne Carney

Governor Mills’ Office, the Maine CDC, and the Legislature have been proactively preparing to respond to the coronavirus. We had a good head start, as Dr. Nirav Shah and the Maine CDC have been preparing for the pandemic since mid-December.

These are clear best practices to minimize exposure and avoid a spike in cases so that Maine’s health care system can provide the best care to Mainers:

  • Social Distancing: Follow guidance to avoid large group gatherings, limit physical contact such as handshakes and, if you’re an employer, consider instituting work from home or paid time off options.

  • Hand Washing: Wash frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Avoid Travel: Postpone any unnecessary out-of-state travel.

  • Keep Healthy: Practice the same preventive measures you would to prevent catching a cold: wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home if you are sick.

  • Call Your Doctor: If you are exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, call your medical provider.

  • Employer Response Plans: Please refer to the recommendations toward the end of the CDC Interim Business Guidance.

The Governor has taken the following actions (read full release at this link):

  • Proclaiming An Insurance Emergency: This will improve access to care and require private health insurance plans to cover costs related to coronavirus testing.

  • Recommending Postponing Large, Indoor Gatherings: On the advice of Maine CDC, suggesting non-essential large, indoor gatherings of 250 attendees or more be postponed will help delay a potential coronavirus outbreak and substantially reduce its spread.

The Maine CDC has taken numerous steps to support patients, health care workers and first responders (follow Maine CDC at this link):

  • Building capacity within the state to test for COVID 19.

  • Providing 24-7 consultations with our public health professionals.

  • Adjusting emergency response protocols to adapt to the coronavirus

  • Running coronavirus tests through their lab equipment, which they updated for this purpose.

  • Engaging public health nurses as part of our emergency preparedness team.

  • Creating and implementing a response plan as the virus impacts Maine.

The Legislature is meeting early next week to:

  • Pass emergency bi-partisan legislation (currently being drafted) to help Mainers through the COVID 19 pandemic.

  • Pass necessary budget measures to fund essential programs and the emergency legislation.

  • Carry over all bills that have not been finalized.

  • Adjourn until it is safe to reconvene and continue our work to complete the Second Session of the 129th Legislature.

We have resources to keep you informed of changes in the coronavirus status or Maine’s response, including:

  • 211 Maine: Get answers at any time by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org.

  • Maine CDC Coronavirus Website: Sign up for email updates, learn more about the coronavirus and get the latest status in Maine at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus.

  • U.S. CDC Coronavirus Website: Get nationwide and global updates and learn more about the coronavirus at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/.

We are all working to limit the cases of COVID 19 in Maine, to support those whose health and economic security are impacted by the virus, and to remove barriers that could prevent you and your loved ones from getting tested or treated if you show symptoms of the disease. 

Thank you for keeping yourself and our community safe by following the best practices listed above. If we each prioritize our health and stay informed, we can protect the safety of everyone around us.

Sincerely,
Anne

Emma Burnett