Real-time Maine coronavirus updates: Tuesday, October 13

MAINE, USA — MAINE, USA — KEY MAINE CORONAVIRUS FACTS

• As of Tuesday, 143 Mainers have died out of 5,780 total COVID-19 cases. 5,160 of these cases are confirmed by test and 620 are probable.
• 463 Mainers have been hospitalized, 5,006 Mainers have recovered.
• Stage 3 began on July 1; here are the Stage 3 reopening checklists for businesses
• VERIFY: Requirement to wear a face mask does not violate constitutional rights
• Maine is open for business, here's what you need to know
• Read about all the important coronavirus-related orders currently in place in Maine
• Going out? CDC shares tips to stay safe amid coronavirus pandemic
• Gov. Mills' administration releases guidance for town meetings and elections during COVID-19 pandemic
  
• Filing for unemployment still dominating discussions around Maine. Here's our story on how to file for Maine unemployment. You can scroll down for more resources available to Mainers
• If you are a business owner, please register your business. If you want to support a local business, enter your zip code and find out what’s OPEN NEAR YOU.
• Subscribe to 'break time with NEWS CENTER Maine' our new newsletter. Delivered to your email inbox for your break time.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

The Maine CDC reported an additional 28 cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, bringing the state total to 5,780. Of those cases, 5,160 are confirmed and 620 are probable. 

There have been 462 cumulative hospitalizations; 5,006 Mainers have recovered. 

At the Maine CDC briefing Tuesday, Dr. Nirav Shah gave an update on some of the new and recent COVID-19 outbreaks around the state. 

Coastal Ridge Elementary in York has four cases of COVID-19; three are confirmed, and one is probable.

First United States Veterans Healthcare system has four cases of the virus in and around the Togus site. An investigation leads the CDC to believe that the outbreak originated there.

The L.L. Bean Distribution Center has five cases of COVID-19. Dr. Shah wanted to clarify that this outbreak is at the distribution center, not the retail store that has face-to-face contact with shoppers.   

Dr. Shah said 20 percent of the state's COVID-19 cases come from Cumberland, Somerset, and York County, while 12 percent come from Kennebec County. He also emphasized that the best way to prevent illness going into the winter is by getting a flu shot.

Also on Tuesday, Superintendent of Schools for York School Department Lou Goscinski said one individual at York High School has tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, students at YHSl will be distance learning on Wednesday and are expected to return in-person on Thursday. 

Watch the full Maine CDC briefing here:

• Birx visits South Portland, urges Mainers to remain vigilant in fight against COVID-19
• Westbrook Middle School identifies positive COVID-19 case, closes for rest of week
• Holy Donut on Exchange Street closing next week
• State employment projections show Maine losing more than 15,000 jobs by 2028

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

The Maine CDC reported 29 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 5,752 cases. Of those cases, 5,144 are confirmed and 608 are probably. 143 people have died with COVID-19 in Maine. 

There have been 463 cumulative hospitalizations and 4,998 recoveries. 

The next Maine CDC coronavirus briefing is set for Tuesday at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 

Thursday through Sunday updates

• Another Patriots positive COVID-19 test sends NFL schedule into upheaval
• Coastal Ridge Elementary School in York closed until Oct. 22 due to COVID-19 outbreak

The Data

RESOURCES

• Maine food resources and retail adjustments
• How to file for Maine unemployment
• Beginning of plan to reopen Maine schools
• Will you get a stimulus check if you receive Social Security or disability, or didn’t file a tax return?
• Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting
• Millions of Americans will soon get stimulus checks. But here's who won't.
• Maine small businesses can apply for 'forgivable loans'

Coronavirus, COVID-19 Background

The official name for the coronavirus is “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes is named “coronavirus disease 2019” or “COVID-19” for short. Coronavirus is a family of viruses, which can infect people and animals. The viruses can cause the common cold or more serious diseases like SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.

The CDC says symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and in some cases sore throat.

The CDC says there are simple steps to take to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Stay home while you're sick and avoid close contact with others

• The Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is holding coronavirus briefings on Tuesdays and Thursdays with director Dr. Nirav Shah to keep the public up to date on the situation in Maine

NEWS CENTER Maine YouTube COVID-19 Playlist