Hospitalizations, meanwhile, dropped for a 3rd day in a row, another sign that the omicron surge may be easing.
Joe Lawlor
Staff Writer
Joe Lawlor writes about health and human services for the Press Herald. A 24-year newspaper veteran, Lawlor has worked in Ohio, Michigan and Virginia before relocating to Maine in 2013 to join the Press Herald. He is still considered “from away” but since then, he has learned what a “dooryard” is, eaten “whoopie pies” drank Moxie and boiled some “lobstahs.” The stories he enjoys most are when he learns something and meeting inspiring people.
He lives in South Portland - aka “SoPo” - with his wife, Melanie, and two school-age children.
Maine hospitals see decline in number of COVID-19 patients
The number of overall hospitalizations remains near the pandemic peak, while the number of patients in intensive care units has dropped below 100 for the first time since Dec. 1.
More evidence points to decline in omicron surge, but hospital numbers remain high
Yarmouth wastewater data shows another drop in virus levels, adding to evidence of a decline in infections in southern Maine.
Following Yarmouth’s lead, state looks to wastewater for COVID clues
The town has been testing wastewater for the virus throughout the pandemic and tracked the omicron wave rise and fall in real time.
School outbreaks and hospitalizations rise again as omicron keeps hold on Maine
The number of students and school staff infected by the virus has increased 75% in two weeks, according to state data.
State announces details of Guard deployment to help hospitals handle surge
Meanwhile, testing of wastewater for COVID-19 gives some reason for hope that the omicron wave won’t last as long as the delta surge.
Maine Med nurses’ union criticizes working conditions at hospital under pandemic pressure
The protest, part of a national ‘day of action’ organized by the parent union of the Maine State Nurses Association, comes as the association negotiates its first contract with Maine Medical Center.
As Maine hospitals see another surge of COVID patients, hopeful signs emerge
Preliminary trends in other parts of the Northeast indicate that Maine could see a downturn in COVID-19 cases in the coming weeks.
Gov. Mills to send 169 more National Guard members to help Maine’s hospitals
It is the second time in a month that Mills has announced the deployment of Guard members to assist hospitals.
COVID-19 hospitalizations exceed 400 for the first time in Maine
There were 403 patients hospitalized with the disease Monday, but the number of ICU patients has remained steady.