© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Central Maine Health Care Hospitals Set Up To Test For Coronavirus

Central Maine Health Care has set up satellite testing for the coronavirus at its three hospitals in Lewiston, Rumford and Bridgton.  Spokesperson Kate Carlisle says the testing locations are positioned just outside of the hospitals' emergency departments.

"And what they basically are, are tents staffed by a provider with the appropriate lab equipment," Carlisle says. "Folks who are presenting at our emergency departments with respiratory symptoms or concerns about symptoms they have, they are tested for both coronavirus and for influenza.

Carlisle says influenza is still quite prevalent around the state. The first person in Maine identified as a presumptive positive case of COVID-19 was tested at Central Maine Medical Center's emergency department. 

As a precaution, beginning Friday night CMMC will not be allowing visitors to its hospitals or to its long-term care facilities.