COVID-19

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in 2019. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is different from other coronaviruses that cause mild illnesses, like the common cold. Symptoms and Spread of COVID-19: For the most current information about known symptoms and how the virus spreads, review information on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

COVID-19 Testing

For updated testing data in Maine, including the number of confirmed and presumptive positive cases in the state, please visit Maine CDC’s Coronavirus website.

Through a partnership between Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Rockefeller Foundation, Maine households can order one free kit of five COVID-19 rapid tests through Project Access COVID Tests (Project ACT). Testing before visiting family and friends who are older, immunocompromised, or otherwise vulnerable to COVID-19 provides peace of mind for safe gatherings – and gives people who test positive for this disease an opportunity to get treatment as early as possible when appropriate.

Any Maine resident can visit the Project ACT website, AccessCovidTests.org, to place their order. No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free to each Maine household – and the tests will be delivered through Amazon approximately 1-2 weeks after ordering. The tests require a quick swab inside each nostril, with results available within 15 minutes. The test can be used on any individual older than two.

 here is the information.  

New bivalent COVID Boosters are here! Use this handy map to find a vaccine opportunity near you!

COVID-19 Trainings

MPHA continues to offer trainings, webinars and other resources with our partners at the local, state, and regional levels. Check out our COVID-19-related trainings here, and Maine Vaccine Partners here.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

How Can I Help Prevent It From Spreading?

  • Get vaccinated. If you’re already vaccinated, encourage your family, friends and neighbors to get vaccinated.
  • Practice “physical distancing” by limiting contact with people outside of your household.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands, or use a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (like your cell phone) and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

What Should I Do If I Have Questions?

Here is Maine CDC’s Coronavirus website, and here is the 24/7 Disease Reporting Contact Information:

  • Phone: 1-800-821-5821 (24 hours a day)
  • FAX: 1-800-293-7534 (24 hours a day)
  • TTY: Maine relay 711 (24 hours a day)

You can also contact 211 Maine for answers to frequently asked questions on COVID-19:

Current information, including new guidance, can be found on the U.S. CDC’s and Maine CDC’s coronavirus websites.

Emergency/Safety

Food Security

Financial & Housing Assistance

For more information about other state resources available to you, check out Maine Equal Justice’s COVID-19 Resource page.

122 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
207-808-0487
info@mainepublichealth.org

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