The COVID relief package signed into law Thursday includes the biggest expansion of health insurance tax credits under the Affordable Care Act in a decade.
Health
Posted inHealth, Nation & World
COVID-19 deaths are falling, but Americans ‘must remain vigilant,’ CDC chief says
Public health experts say it’s too soon to say, definitively, what’s driving declines, but they suspect a post-holiday drop in traveling and indoor gatherings, widespread mask wearing and the vaccine rollout have all contributed.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Maine plans to mirror federal guidance on nursing home visits
For the first time in a year, families can visit loved ones and have some form of physical contact, provided the resident has been vaccinated and visitors adhere to protocols including masking and physical distancing.
Posted inHealth, Lewiston-Auburn, News
Androscoggin County ranks second-to-last for COVID-19 vaccination rates in Maine
Maine CDC is working on getting more vaccine sites in Lewiston and Western Maine, which are considered underserved areas.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World, News
Nursing home residents can have hugs again, federal health officials say
While hugs are OK again for residents who have completed their vaccination, precautions such as wearing masks and using hand sanitizer remain as a counterbalance to risk. Maine is now considering the new federal guidance.
Posted inHealth
Health panel expands lung cancer screening for more smokers
Anyone between ages 50 and 80 who has smoked at least 20 ‘pack-years’ and either still smokes or quit within the last 15 years qualifies for a yearly scan.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World
Arkansas governor signs near-total abortion ban into law
An abortion will only be allowed if it’s to save the life of the mother.
Posted inHealth, Nation & World
Sen. King asks for more information on COVID-19 variants
In a letter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, King and a colleague said the spread of variants throughout the U.S. is cause for concern and greater monitoring.
Posted inHealth
Fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without masks, says new CDC guidance
The long-awaited guidance from federal health officials also says that vaccinated people can visit healthy children and grandchildren.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Nation & World
Workers worry about safety, stress as states ease mask rules
Many essential workers are still not eligible to get a vaccine in states lifting mandates.