First Testing for Coronavirus Finally Hits Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has sent out a press release on Monday about a possible case of Coronavirus in Maine.

Do keep in mind that nothing is confirmed yet and the Maine CDC is stating that the risk of the public continues to remain low.  If testing proves positive for the virus, this will be the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in the State of Maine.

The Maine CDC is reporting that the individual being tested for the virus has voluntarily agreed to stay home, in accordance with the United States CDC guidelines, in order to limit the spread of the virus as a precaution if testing positive for Coronavirus.

The history of the virus started in China in December of 2019, according to the Maine CDC press release:

The 2019 novel coronavirus is the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Signs and symptoms include fever and/or cough and difficulty breathing.

The virus has spread to the United States, more recently confirmed in New Hampshire before this advisory in the State of Maine today.  According to the Maine CDC, "Individuals from 37 other states and U.S. territories have been tested for the 2019 novel coronavirus... 12 individuals have tested positive for the 2019 novel coronavirus in six states. There are no confirmed cases in Maine. The vast majority of tests in the U.S. have come back negative."

More information about this case will be released once testing is complete and the State is keeping close contact with the person who has been tested for the virus.

Maine CDC is in close contact with the individual, who has complied with all recommendations and will remain at home pending test results.

For more information, visit the Maine CDC website and Maine.gov website.