As of 9/8/20, the latest date for which the numbers are available, the Maine CDC reported a total of 4734 Mainers who have had COVID-19 since testing began over 180 days ago. Among those cases, 4135 have recovered (87%), and 134 have died (2.8%). Active cases totaled 465 (9.8%). Also since testing began 999 health care workers (21%) in Maine have been infected with COVID-19, 933 of whom have recovered. This means there are likely 66 active cases among health care workers. As of the end of July there had been no deaths among health workers, but I don’t think that information has been updated since. And, take a moment to consider that “recovered” simply means the infection is over. It does not mean the person is well. We have seen many cases with what appears to be permanent lung damage, or other ravages left by the virus. It is serious.
As of yesterday, a total of 429 people had been hospitalized with COVID-19 in Maine since the start of testing. The number of hospitalizations is not just Mainers, but all hospitalizations of COVID-19 within the state. If we add an estimated 200 out of state cases to the overall total the percent of cases hospitalized in the state is 8.7%. In Maine on 9/8/20 6 Mainers were in critical care, and 2 on ventilators with COVID-19.
So, what does this tell us? If we look at the graphic for this post (view on the website if you cannot see by email), the number of active cases is down from the peak of 714 (May 24), but is unfortunately trending up currently. This is for the most part due to a series of widely reported preventable outbreaks. We just had Labor Day, and hopefully will not see a spike following holiday gatherings.
We are not done with COVID-19 yet, and we need to be careful because fall is approaching, and with it, cold and flu season as people head back indoors. Please continue physical distancing, hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes. Please use good sense and wear a mask or facial covering. If you can’t do that, stay home. Wearing a facial covering limits the spread of droplets which contain the virus that causes COVID-19. To those of you who complain about wearing a mask when you go out, imagine those of us who wear one all day, every day. We like it even less, but we do it for a good reason. We still do not know who the asymptomatic carriers are.
Please don’t argue with health professionals about whether you can accompany a loved one to a doctor’s visit. There are criteria in place meant to help everyone, including us, to limit the spread of COVID-19. Yet, doctors, nurses, and office screeners at the front door have to deal with very difficult people about this topic daily. It helps no one, and creates additional risk.
Also, if you can take one, get a flu vaccine as soon as you can. If you are eligible for the pneumonia vaccine, please get it. COVID-19 can be hard enough to fight by itself.
That’s it. I hope you are healthy in body, mind, and spirit.
