Local Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center
Since the first testing for COVID-19 in Maine, information and important notices from community and state officials, business owners and educators have flowed to our inboxes at a rapid pace.
So, the Pilot established a resource page, a collection center for all the alerts and vital information our readers need to know.
Innovative solutions, before long, were brought to our attention, easing life for everyone as we moved through the unfamiliar sequestering days.
As Mainers line up to receive their vaccine doses and continue to figure out normalcy, we are sharing information about pandemic recovery as it rolls in.
The latest information will appear at the top of the page, and the top of the subsections appearing within the sidebar.
Stay healthy, keep your distance, wear a mask (or two), and keep your chin up!
Oct. 5 update: Midcoast adds 68 new COVID-19 cases, one new death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,685 cases, 44 hospitalizations and 11 deaths. This data includes an increase of 12 new… Read more
Oct. 2 update: Midcoast adds 36 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,673 cases, 43 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 18 new… Read more
Oct. 1 update: Midcoast adds 10 new COVID-19 cases, one new death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,655 cases, 43 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of one… Read more
500 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance last week
AUGUSTA — During the week ending September 25, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 500 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 100 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
The PUA initial claims were those that were originally filed under the regular state program in a prior week, subsequently found ineligible for state unemployment, and then moved to the PUA program. These PUA claims have an effective date prior to the… Read more
Sept. 30 update: Midcoast adds 80 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,654 cases, 42 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 36 new… Read more
Sept. 29 update: Midcoast adds 93 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,618 cases, 41 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 34 new… Read more
Sept. 28 update: Midcoast adds 67 new COVID-19 cases, one new death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,584 cases, 41 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of eight… Read more
Sept. 25 update: Midcoast adds 82 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,576 cases, 40 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 34 new… Read more
Sept. 24 update: Midcoast adds 40 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,542 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 15 new… Read more
600 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance last week
AUGUSTA — During the week ending September 18, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 600 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 100 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
The PUA initial claims were those that were originally filed under the regular state program in a prior week, subsequently found ineligible for state unemployment, and then moved to the PUA program. These PUA claims have an effective date prior to the… Read more
Sept. 23 update: Midcoast adds 71 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,527 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 10 new… Read more
Sept. 22 update: Midcoast adds 33 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,517 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of four… Read more
Why one Mainer is trying to impeach Gov. Mills – even though she can’t
Jessica Rainville can’t impeach Gov. Janet Mills, and she knows it.
Yet, out of self-described frustration with Mills “doing whatever she wants” by enforcing mask mandates and asking Mainers to spend more time at home last winter, Rainville started a Change.org petition to impeach the governor anyway.
Sept. 21 update: Midcoast adds 68 new COVID-19 cases, one new death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,513 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 25 new… Read more
Opioids: A continuing epidemic, within a pandemic
Maine lost 18,000 years of life last year to opioid overdoses. That’s what Oliver Bradeen, executive director of Milestone Recovery in Portland, calculates based on average life expectancy and the ages of the 504 Mainers who died of an overdose in 2020.
“I don’t think we will eradicate COVID — I think it’s probably here to linger — but we’re going to be better… Read more
Sept. 18 update: Midcoast adds 32 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,488 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of seven… Read more
Federal vaccine mandate will apply to Maine public sector workers
AUGUSTA — The U.S. Department of Labor has informed the Maine Department of Labor that its forthcoming COVID-19 vaccination requirement will apply to public sector employers in Maine, including state, county, and local governments and public school systems, according to a news release.
Last week, President Biden announced he has directed OSHA to develop a rule requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workforce is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or require any… Read more
Sept. 17 update: Midcoast adds 38 new COVID-19 cases, one new death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,481 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of eight… Read more
Weekly unemployment claims down almost 2,600 from previous week
AUGUSTA — During the week ending September 11, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 600 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 100 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
The PUA initial claims were those that were originally filed under the regular state program in a prior week, subsequently found ineligible for state unemployment, and then moved to the PUA program. These PUA claims have an effective date prior to the… Read more
Sept. 16 update: Midcoast adds 33 new COVID-19 cases, one new death
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,473 cases, 39 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of one… Read more
Here’s how many school staffers are vaccinated at your child’s school
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the Maine Department of Education (DOE), updated its COVID-19 vaccination rates for school staff.
79.7 percent of Maine school staff statewide were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Oct. 20, while 70.7 of central operations staff were fully vaccinated.
DHHS and DOE will post updated school staff vaccination rates monthly by the middle of each month. The rates include school staff who were… Read more
Sept. 15 update: Midcoast adds 98 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,472 cases, 38 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This data includes an increase of 25 new… Read more
Sept. 14 update: Midcoast adds 101 new COVID-19 cases since Saturday
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,447 cases, 38 hospitalizations and nine deaths. This data includes an increase of 22… Read more
Sept. 11 update: Midcoast adds 83 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,425 cases, 38 hospitalizations and nine deaths. This data includes an increase of 15… Read more
Sept. 10 update: Midcoast adds 86 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,410 cases, 38 hospitalizations and nine deaths. This data includes an increase of 12… Read more
Weekly unemployment claims continue to decrease statewide
AUGUSTA — For the week ending September 4, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 700 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 100 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
These numbers represent claim applications; claims are then reviewed for eligibility and legitimacy. In total, approximately 900 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.
Overall, weekly unemployment claims continue to… Read more
Sept. 9 update: Midcoast adds 77 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,398 cases, 38 hospitalizations and nine deaths. This data includes an increase of 15… Read more
LincolnHealth reports 21 cases Aug. 30-Sept. 5, staffing shortage woes
LincolnHealth reported 21 new cases out of 485 tests for the week of Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. Totals remain steady while the amount of testing has varied over the past several weeks resulting in percent-positives between 4.3% and 5.25%.
Director of Communications John Martins said the Delta variant continues its surge in Maine and breakthroughs – five of the 21 cases – represent nearly 30% of cases.
“Testing numbers rose … and with school being back in session, we anticipate that… Read more
Sept. 8 update: Midcoast adds 34 new COVID-19 cases, two new deaths
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,383 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Sept. 4 update: Midcoast adds 36 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state of Maine.
Maine CDC conducts case investigations and contact tracing Monday through Friday. As a result, COVID-19 case data will be updated by 9:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Case data will not be updated Sunday and Monday or on holidays.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 1,376 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
COVID-19 Information
ZIP code COVID-19 case data: Knox, Waldo counties (and some of Lincoln County)
Find a COVID-19 vaccination site
Benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
How to prevent COVID-19 from spreading
What if I have symptoms of COVID-19?
U.S. CDC expands list of possible COVID-19 symptoms
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
New Easy Errands Delivery aims to serve Midcoast safely
Corie’s Rides helps community with personal taxi service
Maine Kebab opens in Rockland with forward-thinking takeout model
South Thomaston woman opens shop to help fellow crafters hard hit by pandemic
Maine Cater serves as a lifeline to local restaurants and servers
‘Wine Fairies of Maine’ are anonymous altruists who help any family in need
Establishing a sense of normalcy during a pandemic with Thomaston’s Pixie Planner
How to create a home office to boost well-being and productivity
Belfast Reentry Center sews more than 3,500 masks for Waldo County communities, schools
Volunteers, including in Swanville and Nobleboro, have shined during pandemic
How COVID-19 is impacting voter registration efforts ahead of November elections
Waldoboro Miller School teacher fundraising to redesign instructional model amid COVID-19
Belfast Free Library begins collaboration to document life during COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 Rental Relief Program open to most Mainers
‘Year 2020 is crazy enough’ so Camden will pack a time capsule for future reflections
Pop-up drive ins and outdoor movies are the latest rage this summer
Camden pursues designating pop-up vendor space at Tannery Park, solicits merchant interest
Four businesses changing up the way they operate in the COVID-19 era
Rockland to consider more Downtown side-street closures
New delivery service ‘Belfast Delivers’ brings food, products to Waldo County
‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor’ initiative in Camden brings cheer to congregate settings
Creativity at forefront of Thomaston’s Fourth of July celebration plans
Surprise drive-by 70th birthday celebration a milestone event for Camden man, despite pandemic
Waldoboro native discusses how she has trained many on the frontlines of COVID-19 testing
Camden Hills Class of 2020 gets a star
Rockland entrepreneur selected as part of QVC small business spotlight program
Buying locally raised meat becomes favored choice during pandemic
Waldo County Bounty campaign launches to improve food security, support farmers and gardeners
Waldo County’s Unity College turns to virtual tours during pandemic
Locals, long-time Maine visitors come together to support Midcoast’s small businesses
Help lift spirits at Belfast’s Tall Pines Commons and hang a bird feeder outside the windows
Knox County Food Council creates comprehensive schedule of all area food pantry, assistance centers
Midcoast paramedics, EMTs brainstorm, sew their own PPE, using shower curtains and socks
Camden Rotary mobilizes to address pandemic, support graduating seniors
Belfast Mayor, City Council approve and launch ‘Belfast Keep the Faith Fund’
Rockport dermatologist continues patient care with telemedicine
What are Maine families without internet connection supposed to do for the rest of the school year?
Rockland restaurateur enters third week of providing free meals
Doulas adjust to new way of helping expectant parents during COVID-19 days
Local first responders stand in recognition for healthcare workers on the frontline
Lyman-Morse lends a hand to local healthcare workers by building intubation aerosol boxes
Ways to make a child’s birthday happier during these challenging times
Physical Education teachers adjust to remote instruction during COVID-19
Educate Maine launches book challenge to provide books to students amid pandemic
Pen Bay Garden of Gratitude recognizes healthcare workers on the front lines
Camden inns pull together, bake goods for medical staff at Pen Bay Medical Center
Mt. Battie Star to shine this spring, lifting Midcoast spirits during a pandemic
Rockland’s Cedar Street named Wednesday as ‘Sunshine Mailman’ day
Churches shift to virtual worship amid pandemic
Mental healthcare professionals turn to virtual sessions during pandemic
Indie bookshops find workarounds to get books into hands of socially isolated customers
Penobscot Bay lobstermen survive by taking product directly to the people
Call to action: Maine appeals to retired, semi-retired EMTs, nurses, doctors to register and help
Rep. Zeigler establishes senior check-in program amid pandemic
Searsport’s KINDNESS program provides meals during times of need
Chef offering virtual cooking sessions to help Midcoast figure out what to cook
Rep. Doudera organizes check-in network for seniors during COVID-19 pandemic
Rockland woman turns to baking after being temporarily laid off amid COVID-19
Midcoast turns to virtual fitness sessions with familiar teachers
Acts of generosity: Danica Candles gives away ‘decompression candles’
Coping with sheltering at home: Red Cross advice, tips
Midcoast therapists discuss best ways to cope during COVID-19
Waldoboro Miller School teachers introduce familiarity through virtual reading sessions
Four Corner Variety owners providing free lunches to youth, elderly during pandemic
Kindness and generosity come in a surprise phone call to one stressed Camden restaurateur
UMaine Extension creates 4-H online resources for learning at home
New online Maine farm products, pick-up directory available
A new Facebook group directly connects Maine fishermen to local buyers
Maine students may be at home, but they still get breakfast and lunch — and it’s delivered
Game Loft launches ‘Reach Out to ME: I’ll be there’ postcard initiative
Five Towns area teens join task force, provide free childcare
Suddenly home schooling? Here are resources to help
One Waldoboro farmer seeks urgent solutions to current economy