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!
Labor officials provide unemployment benefits update; site launched to assist benefit fraud victims
AUGUSTA — For the week ending March 20, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 1,400 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 300 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
In total, approximately 2,500 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.
About 14,650 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment, with another 13,100 weekly certifications… Read more
March 25 update: Midcoast adds 13 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 25, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 782 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of three new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 683 cases, 217… Read more
March 24 update: Midcoast adds 16 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 24, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 779 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 11 new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 680 cases, 217… Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises by two
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 23, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 731.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two… Read more
March 23 update: Midcoast adds three new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 23, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 768 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes no changes since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 675 cases, 217 recoveries, 26… Read more
Islesboro school prepares to expand school week, focuses on student wellbeing
Islesboro Central School submitted the following statement:
Staff at Islesboro Central School (ICS) have begun receiving their vaccinations and are preparing to expand the school week to five days for all K-12 students.
Throughout the pandemic, ICS has made decisions based on caution regarding social distancing and continues to remain COVID free. We developed a hybrid/cohort model that has served us well. Now that the vaccine is being administered to educational… Read more
March 22 update: Midcoast adds five new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 22, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 768 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of four new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 675 cases, 217… Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 death toll increases by one
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 21, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 729.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. … Read more
March 21 update: Midcoast adds eight new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 21, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 764 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of six new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 674 cases, 217… Read more
March 20 update: Midcoast adds 11 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 20, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 758 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of five new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 673 cases, 217… Read more
UMaine cancels weekend baseball series amid positive COVID-19 test
ORONO — The University of Maine has cancelled a scheduled series for the Black Bears baseball program this weekend on the road against Stony Brook following a positive COVID-19 case in the program.
Following contact tracing, six members of the baseball program have been placed into quarantine or isolation.
“Our student athletes have modeled safe practices this year and we are proud of what they have accomplished in competition and in the effort to limit the spread of… Read more
All Mainers 16 and older will be vaccine eligible by April 19; 50+ eligible March 23
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Friday the State is accelerating the timeline of its vaccination plan to make more people eligible for COVID-19 vaccines earlier.
Beginning Tuesday, March 23, Maine residents age 50 and older will be eligible for the vaccination.
Beginning Monday, April 19, all Maine residents age 16 and older will eligible for vaccination.
The accelerated timeline comes as some Maine vaccine providers are reporting availability of appointments… Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises by one
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 19, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 728.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. … Read more
March 19 update: Midcoast adds 22 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 19, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 753 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 10 new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 671 cases, 217… Read more
Maine to get enough doses to vaccinate 35,190 people next week
AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is preparing to place an order for first doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and single doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccine, for 35,190 people, to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed.
This is an increase of 1,170 doses, not counting doses controlled by the federal government sent directly to… Read more
Governor Mills extends State income tax deadline
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills announced Thursday the State of Maine will move the deadline for Maine individual income tax payments from April 15 to May 17, a change aligning Maine with the federal government’s recent extension of the federal tax filing and payment deadline.
Additionally, the filing deadline for Maine tax returns, which is distinct from the payment deadline, is automatically tied to the federal date. As a result, the filing deadline for 2020 Maine income tax returns… Read more
Northern Light Blue Hill, Maine Coast Hospitals to open Ellsworth vaccine clinic
ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals plan to open an offsite, community COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Ellsworth. The Northern Light Hancock County Community Vaccination Clinic will allow access to COVID-19 vaccine for even more Mainers as it becomes available.
“Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals have been working closely with the city of Ellsworth since the beginning of the pandemic,” said John Ronan, FACHE, President Maine Coast and Blue… Read more
This is what a benefit year for unemployment filers means, and how it impacts you
AUGUSTA — COVID-19 has created the need for extended unemployment, and there are now a number of people who are coming to the end of their benefit year, according to the Maine Department of Labor.
If an individual filed their unemployment claim a year ago, their benefit year may be expiring soon. A benefit year is the 52-week period following the date someone filed their initial claim. For example, if someone filed a claim in March 2020, their benefit year would end in March 2021… Read more
Labor officials provide unemployment benefits, fraud updates
AUGUSTA — For the week ending March 13, the Maine Department of Labor recorded about 1,900 initial claims filed for state unemployment insurance, and 300 initial claims filed for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
In total, approximately 2,600 people were filing an initial claim or reopening their unemployment claim.
About 15,600 weekly certifications, or continued claims, were filed last week for state unemployment, with another 13,600 weekly certifications… Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises by two
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 18, an additional two COVID-19 deaths in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 727.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two… Read more
Maine CDC provides March 18 COVID-19 update
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 18, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 743 cases, 212 recoveries, 29 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 26 new cases and one new hospitalization since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has… Read more
$9.7 million awarded to support mental health and substance use programs in Maine
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Health Committee, and Angus King announced Wednesday the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has been awarded a total of $9,772,660 to support mental health and substance use programs throughout the state.
This funding, awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was allocated through the December COVID-19 relief package.
“No community is immune from… Read more
Gov. Mills continues State of Civil Emergency for 13th time
AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills extended Wednesday the State of Civil Emergency through April 15.
The Governor’s decision to extend the emergency is in line with nearly every other state in the nation which have ongoing emergency declarations, according to the National Governors Association.
“We are in a race between vaccinations and variants,” said Governor Janet Mills. “And with more than a quarter of all Maine people now having received their first dose, we are making good… Read more
Federal Tax Day for individuals extended to May
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced Wednesday the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15 to May 17.
The IRS will be providing formal guidance in the coming days, a news release noted.
“This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related… Read more
March 17 update: Midcoast adds five new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 17, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 717 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of two new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 644 cases, 215… Read more
March 16 update: Midcoast records 12 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 16, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 715 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of eight new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 643 cases, 215… Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises by one
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 15, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 725.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. … Read more
March 15 update: Midcoast adds 17 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 15, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 707 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of 10 new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 641 cases, 215… Read more
March 14 update: Midcoast adds 11 new COVID-19 cases
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has updated its list, March 14, of COVID-19 cases in the state of Maine.
Each morning, the Maine CDC updates its COVID-19 data on its website with the latest coronavirus numbers from across the state.
Knox County, since March 2020, has recorded 697 cases, 212 recoveries, 28 hospitalizations and five deaths. This data includes an increase of five new cases since yesterday’s update.
Waldo County, since March 2020, has recorded 636 cases, 214… Read more
Maine’s COVID-19 death toll rises by one
AUGUSTA — The Maine CDC has announced, March 13, an additional COVID-19 death in the state, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 724.
Below is a table of all the COVID-19 cases in Maine resulting in deaths. Some information has not been provided by the Maine CDC.
On Feb. 7, the Maine CDC removed a death from Lincoln County’s total decreasing the amount of countywide deaths from two to one. On Feb. 25, Lincoln County’s death toll rose, once again, from one to two. … 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