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!
Sept. 3 update: Midcoast adds 74 new COVID-19 cases, one additional 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 1,368 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of 22… Read more
Weekly claims unemployment compensation hit lowest since March 2020
AUGUSTA — For the week ending August 28, 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 decrease,… Read more
Sept. 2 update: Midcoast adds 47 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 1,346 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of 10… Read more
Sept. 1 update: Midcoast adds 21 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 1,336 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Aug. 31 update: Midcoast adds 53 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 1,329 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of 13… Read more
Aug. 28 update: Midcoast adds 34 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 1,316 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Aug. 27 update: Midcoast adds 24 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 1,308 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Maine’s weekly unemployment claims continue to decrease
AUGUSTA — For the week ending August 21, the Maine Department of Labor recorded for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). These numbers represent claim applications; claims are then reviewed for eligibility and legitimacy.
In total, approximately 960 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.
Overall, weekly unemployment claims continue to decrease, with about 200 fewer claims filed last week than the week before that. About 7,500… Read more
Aug. 26 update: Midcoast adds 35 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 1,300 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
80% of eligible Mainers have received a COVID-19 vaccine dose
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Wednesday that 80 percent of all eligible people in Maine have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, achieving another milestone for the state as it continues to confront an increase in cases associated with the Delta variant.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC), 80.2 percent of eligible people in Maine age 12 and older have received a COVID-19 vaccination, one of eight states in the nation… Read more
Estimated number of vaccinated students in area school districts updated by Maine CDC
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated the estimated COVID-19 vaccination rate of students in each school administrative unit.
With the data release, the Maine CDC continues to urge all eligible individuals in Maine to receive the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Maine Department of Education estimated the rate of COVID-19 vaccination for youth ages 5-18 by SAU as part of a comprehensive plan to support… Read more
Aug. 25 update: Midcoast adds 27 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 1,291 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Aug. 24 update: Midcoast adds 24 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 1,282 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
TSA extends face mask requirement through Jan. 18, 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.
Aug. 21 update: Midcoast adds 15 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 1,275 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Aug. 20 update: Midcoast adds 26 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 1,272 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
UPDATED: Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital adopt new visitation restrictions in response to local COVID-19 surge
Temporary modifications for Waldo County General Hospital have been added to the bottom of this article.
ROCKPORT and BELFAST — In response to the COVID-19 status in the community, Pen Bay Medical Center (PBMC) and Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) are implementing increased visitor restrictions.
This is being done to help prevent spread of the virus. Infectious disease experts agree that measures to contain the virus are most effective early in its spread.… Read more
Sen. Angus King tests positive for COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Angus King, I-Maine, said Aug. 19 that Sen. King tested positive for COVID-19 this morning in Maine. Senator King took the test as a precaution after he began feeling under the weather yesterday, according to a news release. Upon learning of his positive test, Senator King issued the following statement:
“Since COVID-19 first reached our shores last March, I have worked to follow the professional guidance and take all precautions… Read more
Aug. 19 update: Midcoast adds four 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 1,265 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes no changes since… Read more
Camden International Film Festival releases COVID-19 protocols for 2021 Festival
The 17th edition of the Camden International Film Festival, the Maine-based documentary event produced by the Points North Institute, will be an expanded hybrid festival, and the largest in person convening for the US-based documentary community since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Citing public health concerns, event organizers announced on August 11 that anyone age 12 or older attending the festival in person this year must be vaccinated against COVID-19, along with a number of… Read more
Aug. 18 update: Midcoast adds 16 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 1,265 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Hope Town Office reopens for routine business Wednesday afternoon
The Town of Hope Office will reopen for routine business at noon, Wednesday, August 18, barring any further complications, according to a news release.
For this week, Hope will only be able to do routine items such as vehicle registrations and tax payments, the release said.
“f you have something else/complex, please wait until Tuesday, August 24, or after so that we may better assist you,” said the Hope Town Office. “We thank you for your understanding and patience as we… Read more
Aug. 17 update: Midcoast adds 46 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 1,260 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of six… Read more
COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Burnham, Union this week
BURNHAM and UNION — There will be two COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the Midcoast this week, one in Waldo County and one in Knox County.
Appointments are not required at either location.
Waldo County
The Town of Burnham is sponsoring a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic Monday, Aug. 23 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Burnham Town Office located at 247 S. Horseback Road.
Pfizer shots will be available to… Read more
Awash in federal cash, Maine counties ponder limited ways to spend it
With more than $261 million in federal funding flowing in from the American Rescue Plan Act, Maine counties are debating how to use the money, while awaiting further guidance from the feds.
Counties in Maine, which typically are tasked with a relatively few though important duties, are being asked via the federal stimulus dollars to launch an array of projects despite possibly lacking experience in them.
Aug. 14 update: Midcoast adds 27 new COVID-19 cases
UGUSTA — 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 1,254 cases, 37 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Gov. Mills in radio address: ‘Please, get your COVID-19 shot today. It’s critical.’
The following is a transcript of a radio address presented by Governor Janet Mills.
Earlier this week, I was pleased to announce that the State of Maine has achieved another vaccination milestone: 80 percent of adults in Maine have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That’s everybody over the age of 18.
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills and thank you for… Read more
Aug. 13 update: Midcoast adds 34 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 1,247 cases, 36 hospitalizations and seven deaths. This data includes an increase of… Read more
Hope Town Office closed until Aug 25, 2021
HOPE — The Hope Town Office will be closed until Wednesday, August 25, 2021 “as the result of someone who has been in the office between August 10-11 receiving a positive COVID result,” said the Hope Town Office, in a news release.
Maine requiring health care workers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 1
AUGUSTA — The Mills Administration announced Thursday it will require health care workers in Maine to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect the health and lives of Maine people, safeguard Maine’s health care capacity, and limit the spread of the virus, according to a news release.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), utilizing their authority under existing law to require certain vaccinations 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