Title: Alarming Surge of COVID-19 Cases in Maine Raises Concerns Among Health Officials
Maine, USA – As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the state, health officials are growing increasingly concerned about the rising number of hospitalizations, reaching its highest point since April. Wastewater surveillance in New England has also indicated “very high” levels of the virus, raising even more alarm bells.
According to Dr. Laura Blaisdell, president of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 remains a severe disease that can spread more easily during the winter months and holiday gatherings. Urging the public not to let their guard down, she stressed the importance of adhering to safety measures, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
December 21 witnessed a grave milestone as Maine recorded 96 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, the highest number since April. Hospitalizations have been on an upward trajectory for the past few months, with numbers ranging from 40-50 in September and October, and soaring into the 70s-90s since November.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects stable numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maine and across the nation through mid-January. These projections underscore the need for continued vigilance to prevent further strain on the healthcare system.
Wastewater surveillance in key Maine counties, including Cumberland, York, and Penobscot, has revealed elevated levels of the coronavirus. On Christmas Day, the Yarmouth wastewater surveillance system raised its “COVID-O-Meter” from “moderate” to “high,” emphasizing the urgency for people to get vaccinated and limit large gatherings.
The current variant circulating in Maine is JN.1, a subvariant of the omicron strain. This variant is highly contagious but not more severe than earlier subvariants. As a result, health officials are stressing the importance of receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine, with Dr. Blaisdell strongly encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.
Shedding light on the importance of vaccination, Dr. Blaisdell pointed out that less than 20% of U.S. adults have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, in stark contrast to the roughly 40% who receive an annual flu shot. The U.S. CDC also recommends getting flu and COVID-19 shots during the same appointment.
It is crucial to recognize that COVID-19 remains a significant and potentially lethal disease, despite the widespread vaccination and natural immunity. Adhering to recommended safety measures, staying informed, and obtaining updated vaccinations are key to curbing the spread of the virus and protecting the community.
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