coronavirus – Page 12 – The Portland Press Herald

Tax season thrown into chaos as IRS weighs taxing Maine relief checks

by Hannah LaClaire February 8, 2023February 9, 2023

Even though some taxpayers already have filed, the state is one of nearly two dozen where federal officials have yet to determine whether the payments are taxable.

Business, Local & State

To-go alcoholic drinks may be here to stay

by Penelope Overton February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

Despite objections from public health advocates, a legislative committee voted Wednesday in favor of permanently legalizing the pandemic-era practice of to-go cocktails, wine, and beer.

Local & State, News, Schools and Education

Maine community colleges stop requiring COVID-19 vaccine

by Associated Press February 8, 2023February 8, 2023

The system president says high vaccination rates in the state and improved outcomes for people who contract COVID-19 played a role in the decision.

Local & State

Dr. Shah to attend State of the Union as he prepares for new federal role

by Joe Lawlor February 3, 2023February 2, 2023

Nirav Shah, director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, will be second in command at the U.S. CDC starting next month.

Business, Local & State, News

Abbott Labs laying off most temporary workers in Westbrook

by Edward D. Murphy February 2, 2023February 2, 2023

The company, which expects demand for COVID tests to ebb, said no changes are currently planned for permanent workers at its Westbrook site.

Nation & World, Politics

For Republican base, battles over COVID vaccines, closures are still fiery

by Yasmeen Abutaleb, Rachel Roubein and Isaac Arnsdorf The Washington Post January 31, 2023January 31, 2023

For some Americans, battles over masks, vaccines and mandates are well in the past. For the GOP base, they’re still a fiery issue.

Health, Nation & World

President Biden to end COVID-19 emergencies on May 11

by ZEKE MILLER and AMANDA SEITZ Associated Press January 30, 2023

The Biden administration had previously considered ending the emergency last year, but held off amid concerns about a potential ‘winter surge’ in cases.

Health, Nation & World

FDA’s advisers back plan to simplify COVID-19 vaccinations

by LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer January 26, 2023January 26, 2023

The Food and Drug Administration asked its scientific advisers Thursday to help lay the groundwork for switching to once-a-year boosters for most Americans.