As parents in some districts clamor for more in-person learning, the state’s superintendents are pressing state agencies to issue COVID-19 guidelines for the fall term as soon as possible.
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine continues trend of fewer cases, but hospital counts still high
Vaccinations continue to increase, with Maine approaching a 50% rate statewide for first doses, but a rising number of critical care hospitalizations shows the virus is still a threat.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Mills administration removes requirement for wearing masks outdoors
The Portland Expo will offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations starting Wednesday, as vaccine demand eases across Maine.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine lawmakers take up new effort to expand adult dental care under Medicaid
Democrats have been trying to expand coverage since 2019, but the effort was derailed when the Legislature adjourned abruptly in 2020 in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine’s death rate rose by 4.5% last year, driven largely by COVID-19
The viral disease was the eighth-leading cause of death in Maine in 2020, but was the third-leading cause nationally.
Posted inLocal & State, News
MaineHealth to open walk-in clinics, streamline scheduling as J&J vaccine OK’d for use
With vaccine supplies more plentiful, the state’s largest health care network has reduced its waitlist and is providing easier online scheduling for a COVID-19 vaccination.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine tightens school advisories in 4 counties in response to higher COVID-19 case counts
Maine will see a boost in vaccine supply next week, but high case numbers prompted the Department of Education to designate 4 counties as ‘yellow.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Vaccine shipments to Maine will jump next week, as COVID-19 cases remain high
The state will receive a sharp increase in shipments of the Moderna vaccine, enabling independent pharmacies and local public safety departments to offer clinics.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine now leads the nation in COVID-19 vaccination rate
About 31% of Mainers are fully vaccinated, the highest percentage in the U.S., but high infection rates and rising hospitalizations show the battle against the virus isn’t over.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine’s infection rate rises to nation’s 14th highest, driven by young people
The state reported 579 new cases on Thursday, topping 500 for the third straight day.