Dr. Shah Jokes, “Netflix Appears to Be Playing a Cruel Joke”
In Monday's coronavirus briefing, Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah brought some levity his report by noting something many of us have experienced.
"In my household," he said after reporting today's numbers, "Netflix appears to be playing a cruel joke by recommending we watch either Contagion, Outbreak or Pandemic. Either it knows us too well or it doesn't know my family at all." It's certainly not just you Dr. Shah.
Shah went on to say that viruses like the cornoavirus are unnerving because we can't see it, but because of it, we have opened our eyes to all the people who have still been working during the pandemic, like grocery store workers, retail clerks, postal carriers, package delivery personnel, and repairmen. Shah acknowledged them by saying "Though we may not have seen it, we know know each and every one of these workers and importance and value to all of us."
Dr. Shah reported that the total number of reported cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maine is now at 1,462, and increase of 26 since Sunday. 1,328 of those cases are confirmed while 134 are deemed probable.
872 people diagnosed with COIVD-19 have recovered, an increase of 11.
One new death was reported bringing the total number to 65.
The total number of active cases is 525, a increase of 14.
200 patients have had to be hospitalized at some point. 37 are currently hospitalized with 17 of those in critical care and 9 patients on ventilators.
Here's a graphic that was put together by the University of Maine Presque Isle GIS Lab that shows just about every number and stat you might be interested in, presented in a easy to understand format.
Governor Janet Mills "Stay Safer at Home Order," is in effect through May 31, 2020 and we are currently in state 1 of her four phase plan to reopen the state.
Phase 1 continues the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people. People who are able to work from home should continue to do so, and people should wear cloth face coverings in public settings where physical distancing measures are hard to maintain.
If the Maine CDC detects any resurgence of the virus, the state will slow down the stages and reinstate restrictions.
On May 8, Governor Janet Mills announced a plan to allow certain businesses to open in designated counties beginning today
The counties affected by the rural reopening plan are Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc. All of these counties have not had shown evidence of community transmission of COVID-19.
Beginning today, retail stores in these counties may open to customers provided the adopt the health and safety precautions that the state is releasing. The precautions include restricting the number of customers in the store at any one time, enhancing cleaning and sanitation practices, and maximizing touch free transactions wherever possible.
Beginning Monday, May 18, restaurants in these counties may open for outdoor dining and for limited dine-in service providing they adopt health and safety precautions, such as physically distancing customers, making sure employees follow enhanced hygiene and sanitation practices and controlling customer flow by making reservations only whenever possible.
Also beginning Monday May 18, remote campsites and sporting camps may reopen with public safe guards.
The statewide plan to re-open has had some minor adjustments as well. Fitness and exercise centers statewide will now be permitted to open on May 11 for outdoor classes of 10 people or less or for one-on-one personal training instruction inside.
If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, including a runny nose, sore throat, dry cough, fever and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, the Maine CDC says you should call your doctor before going in so that they can prepare for your arrival. The Maine CDC continues to update with new information daily. Keep checking on our mobile app or website to get the latest.
How can I stay safe while grocery shopping? And answers to 24 other coronavirus questions
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