The Maine Center for Disease Control reported 19 cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, for total cumulative case number of 2,957. No new COVID-related deaths were recorded. That number still stands at 102.
Meanwhile, the Maine CDC is investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 in northern Maine, an area which has seen lower numbers of infections so far and no known cases of community transmission.
Health officials say the Maine CDC response team launched an investigation on Saturday into an outbreak involving at least seven people in Houlton, with four first responders with the Houlton Ambulance Service among those affected.
The cases appear to be linked to the transport of a patient on June 13 to Houlton Regional Hospital for non-COVID-19 medical reasons, and then to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor the next day, where the patient, although exhibiting no symptoms of the virus, tested positive during a screening process for surgery.
The two EMS teams involved in the transport of the patient were also tested, and all four crew members returned positive results, with two people in close contact with those members also acquiring the virus.
It's not clear where the original patient acquired the infection and tracing is ongoing.
Maine CDC spokesperson Robert Long says the individuals affected are self-isolating, and those close to them are being tested.
Additionally, anyone who believes they may have come into close contact with any member of the Houlton Ambulance Service can obtain screening through the Houlton Regional Hospital, by calling 207-532-2900 to set up testing. The testing will be offered free of charge as a drive-up option in the Houlton Regional Hospital on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Originally published June 21, 2020 at 1:59 p.m. ET.
