 Maine to Begin Testing for COVID-19 at State Lab
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced today that testing for the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the state's Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is expected to begin in the next several days.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) yesterday updated guidelines to expand the criteria for what makes individuals with symptoms of the virus eligible for COVID-19 testing. Symptoms can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Maine has no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at this time. As Maine CDC previously reported, one individual who met earlier federal testing criteria tested negative.
In response to the expansion of federal criteria, more individuals in Maine are being tested. Maine CDC has received new testing equipment, and state lab staff are calibrating it and taking other steps to prepare for testing within the next several days. In the meantime, approximately a dozen samples from individuals in Maine are being sent to the U.S. CDC lab for testing. Results are pending.
Maine CDC will inform the public if positive tests are confirmed and will offer regular updates on testing recommendations. The number of positive test results will be posted to Maine CDC's coronavirus webpage. The number of requests for testing will increase as the COVID-19 situation continues to rapidly evolve globally and in the United States. Moving forward, tests will be conducted at both Maine CDC and U.S. CDC to facilitate prompt results.
Individuals who exhibit symptoms should contact their health care providers, who will make the initial determination on whether COVID-19 testing is advisable. In cases where it is, medical providers will alert the Maine CDC to coordinate testing. As appropriate, health providers will take samples and submit them to Maine CDC.
Maine CDC continues comprehensive planning to ensure Maine is ready should the virus affect people here. Governor Janet Mills has convened a Coronavirus Response Team, led by Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, charged with coordinating State government's response across departments and local agencies and health authorities to the potential spread of COVID-19.
Maine CDC remains committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information about the 2019 novel coronavirus to Maine people. Please visit the Maine CDC website at www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus.
Maine River Flow Advisory Commission Meets in Augusta
No Imminent Threat of Flooding Across the State
The State's River Flow Advisory Commission met for the first time this season in Augusta to discuss ongoing ice conditions, snowpack, streamflow, groundwater levels, and flood risk across the state.
"Based on information from our partners at the National Weather Service and the US Geological Survey, there is no imminent threat of flooding," said Maine Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Peter Rogers. "But Mainers should still be diligent about monitoring conditions in their area, as they can change quickly."
The risk of flooding is lower than last year due to less snow, but commission members say snowpack is just one component making up flood risk and rain is also a major factor.
"Just because some areas have little or no snow currently, does not mean there is no threat for spring flooding," said Tom Hawley of the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Gray. "There are no major weather events in the new few weeks that look problematic, but there is still significant snow in the western mountains and in northern Maine."
The United States Coast Guard has been monitoring ice conditions across the state through the winter and report an overall light ice breaking season.
Those who live in flood prone areas are reminded:
- It is never safe to drive down a flooded roadway, as the road may be washed out underneath and it only takes as few as six inches of water to cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Take steps to protect your belongings ahead of time, including elevating electronic devices and moving vehicles out of areas that may flood.
- Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage. Check with your insurance company to see if it makes sense to add flood insurance to your policy. It takes 30 days to become effective.
- Be aware of flood alerts and warnings by downloading the free FEMA app on your smart phone and selecting alerts for up to five locations of your choice.
No additional meetings of the River Flow Advisory Commission have been scheduled, but a core group will continue to monitor conditions and hold bi-weekly conference calls to discuss strategy. The report will be available online at www.maine.gov/mema or can be obtained from MEMA by calling 207-624-4400.
Citizens' initiative for energy transmission project found valid with 69,714 signatures
Certification of the citizens' initiative effort "To Reject the New England Clean Energy Connect Transmission Project" is complete and Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap confirmed today that the effort has enough valid signatures to move forward.
The proponents of this legislation submitted 15,785 petitions with 82,449 signatures to the Elections Division of the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020. The Elections Division has completed the process of certifying the petitions and found 69,714 valid signatures, while 12,735 were not valid. A minimum of 63,067 signatures from registered Maine voters is required.
The Maine Legislature will now consider this initiative. If the Legislature declines to enact it without change, Sec. Dunlap will draft the ballot question and accept public input on the wording. The finalized question would then go before voters at the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.
Visit: https://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/citizens/index.html to view the proposed legislation in its entirety.
Link to view PDF Decision of the validity of petition: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/2020/energytransmissionproject.html
Over $3 Million of Unclaimed Property Matched with Property Tax Relief Recipients
Office of the State Treasurer will send $1.9 million directly to 9,800 recipients of the Property Tax Relief Fund Program, with an additional $1.4 million ready to be sent upon filing a claim.
At present, the Treasurer holds $262,236,754 of Unclaimed Property. It is easy and free to file a claim. To file a claim, go to https://www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov/ and follow the easy to use instructions or call 207-624-7470 for assistance.
The Office of the State Treasurer provides state agencies with efficient banking and financial services, which include revenue collection, payment issuance, reconciliation, municipal revenue sharing and trust management. The Office also manages state investments and debt payments and issuance, ensuring that bonds authorized by voters are efficiently sold in the marketplace to provide funding for capital projects statewide. Over $262 million in unclaimed funds for Maine residents are managed by the Office of the Treasurer. FMI, https://www.maine.gov/treasurer
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