In another metric used to measure pandemic conditions, wastewater testing in Yarmouth and Portland continues to show a downward trend.
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 inHealth, Maine
Number of COVID-19 patients in Maine hospitals jumps back up on Monday
However, wastewater testing in two southern Maine communities suggests the spread of the omicron variant is declining rapidly.
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Posted inHealth, Maine, News
COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to decline, led by drop in ICU patients
Some hospitals are still struggling, however, and the federal government is sending a COVID-19 ‘surge team’ to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
Posted inMaine
Maine COVID-19 positive test backlog swells to 56,000, and wastewater testing expands
Hospitalizations, meanwhile, dropped for a 3rd day in a row, another sign that the omicron surge may be easing.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
Maine hospitals see decline in number of COVID-19 patients
The number of overall hospitalizations remains near the pandemic peak, while the number of patients in intensive care units has dropped below 100 for the first time since Dec. 1.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
More evidence points to decline in omicron surge, but hospital numbers remain high
Yarmouth wastewater data shows another drop in virus levels, adding to evidence of a decline in infections in southern Maine.
Posted inMaine
Following Yarmouth’s lead, state looks to wastewater for COVID clues
The town has been testing wastewater for the virus throughout the pandemic and tracked the omicron wave rise and fall in real time.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News, Schools & Education
School outbreaks and hospitalizations rise again as omicron keeps hold on Maine
The number of students and school staff infected by the virus has increased 75% in two weeks, according to state data.
Posted inHealth, Maine, News
State announces details of Guard deployment to help hospitals handle surge
Meanwhile, testing of wastewater for COVID-19 gives some reason for hope that the omicron wave won’t last as long as the delta surge.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Maine, News
Maine Med nurses’ union criticizes working conditions at hospital under pandemic pressure
The protest, part of a national ‘day of action’ organized by the parent union of the Maine State Nurses Association, comes as the association negotiates its first contract with Maine Medical Center.