Maine set a new hospitalization record as health officials gear up for the possible arrival of a new variant, omicron, that has the world on edge.
Health
New variant cause for ‘concern, not panic,’ Biden says
The president urges 80 million unvaccinated Americans to get their shots, for the vaccinated to get boosted and for everyone to mask up.
Maine officials, scientists monitoring new omicron variant as governor urges vaccinations
As of Monday, 322 individuals were in the hospital with COVID-19, including 99 in critical care.
What we know and don’t know on new COVID-19 variant
On Friday, the WHO designated it as a “variant of concern,” naming it “omicron” after a letter in the Greek alphabet.
Children and teens lead surge in COVID-19 cases
Although younger people are at lower risk for hospitalization or death, health experts say they can still be affected and they can often be silent carriers.
South African scientists brace for wave propelled by omicron variant
In the space of two weeks, the omicron variant has sent South Africa from a period of low transmission to rapid growth of new confirmed cases.
Maine hospitals work to expand capacity in light of COVID-19 surge
Record hospitalizations are straining resources and hospital staffs.
Coronavirus pandemic overshadows another Maine crisis: Drug overdose deaths
Maine is on pace to lose more than 600 residents to overdose this year, which would shatter the record set just last year.
U.S. restricts travel from southern Africa as world races to contain new ‘omicron’ COVID variant
Omicron’s actual risks are not understood, but early evidence suggests it carries an increased risk of reinfection compared with other highly transmissible variants.
State will use federal funds to give bonuses to direct care workers
The federal government has approved Maine’s request to use $126 million in American Recovery Act funding to give bonuses to new and existing workers providing home- and community-based health services.