Health - Centralmaine.com

Many health care providers are exempt from Maine’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate

by Kelley Bouchard September 3, 2021September 4, 2021

Not covered by the mandate are private physician practices, urgent care clinics and other health care providers not affiliated with a hospital or other facility specified in the emergency rule.

Health, Nation & World, News

Health officials warn booster shots may initially be for Pfizer recipients only

by ZEKE MILLER Associated Press September 3, 2021September 3, 2021

The FDA has only partial data on Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters.

Health, Local & State, News

COVID-19 thriving in rural Maine counties, with 665 new cases statewide

by Joe Lawlor September 3, 2021September 3, 2021

The new cases represent the highest single-day total since Jan. 20, near the height of the pandemic.

Health, Nation & World

U.S. hospitals hit with nurse staffing crisis amid COVID

by HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press September 2, 2021September 2, 2021

The problem is twofold: Nurses are quitting or retiring, and many are leaving for lucrative temporary jobs with traveling-nurse agencies.

Health, Local & State, News

Nurses overwhelmed by COVID surge call on Mainers to get vaccinated and wear masks

by Rachel Ohm September 2, 2021September 2, 2021

Health care workers are tired and frustrated as the pandemic carries on, and they’re urging the public to get vaccinated and take other precautions.

Business, Health, Local & State, News

Three Maine nursing homes announced closures this week, and more appear imminent

by Dennis Hoey September 1, 2021September 2, 2021

Staffing shortages are driving the closures, but other reasons, such as workers’ reluctance to get the COVID-19 vaccine, have contributed, health officials say.

Business, Health, Local & State, News

Nurses criticize Maine Medical Center for paring employees’ COVID-19 benefits

by Joe Lawlor September 1, 2021September 2, 2021

The changes at Maine’s largest hospital, which treats many COVID-19 patients, include limiting quarantine pay and pregnancy benefits for nurses and other employees.