Some of the increase is attributable to booster doses, but Maine’s CDC director says that roughly two-thirds of recent doses have been given to people who had not yet been fully vaccinated.
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions. Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Maine remains a hot spot for COVID-19 – and the explanations vary
New transmission remains high across many parts of Maine and other northern New England states.
State outlines steps to improve its child protection system
The Department of Health and Human Services says it is responding to the recommendations of Casey Family Programs, a national nonprofit that reviewed practices after a series of children’s deaths this summer.
Man arrested in connection with more vandalism at Monument Square businesses
Portland police charged the same man with aggravated criminal mischief last week for similar crimes.
Man pointing gun at passing traffic prompts hourslong standoff in Portland
Dozens of people looked on while police officers armed with long guns and gas masks surrounded a building at 62 State St. on Sunday afternoon. Two suspects were arrested.
Hospitalizations from COVID-19 remain high in Maine
Number of people at hospitals with the virus Sunday hits 201, including 71 in critical care.
Diagnosis burnout: Acute staffing shortages weigh on Maine nurses who stay on the job
Many employed at assisted-living and long-term care facilities point to relentless stress, and the toll it takes on those who need their care.
Q and A: Can I get a booster shot now? And which one should I get?
Although boosters have now been approved for all three COVID-19 vaccines in circulation, there is still the potential for confusion.
With 575 new infections, Maine exceeds 100,000 COVID-19 cases since pandemic began
Transmission continues to be high, especially in parts of the state with low vaccination rates.
Report recommends broad improvements in Maine’s child protection system
But the 29-page report from Casey Family Programs does not detail specific failures related to the deaths of five children in June.