COVID

Testing suggests delta variant may be more widespread in Maine

By The Associated Press

1 minute to read

Recent tests by Maine’s largest hospital network indicate the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19 is more widespread than state findings suggest, the Portland Press Herald reported Sunday.

Since July 1, MaineHealth has collected 49 samples from COVID-positive patients, including some very sick young people. Eighteen tested positive for the delta variant, according to MaineHealth’s chief health improvement officer, Dr. Dora Anne Mills.

Yet the state’s own count of confirmed delta cases is only four as of June 18.

The gap suggests the variant may be spreading more widely than had been known. Results from MaineHealth’s own tests have been shared with the state.

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Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, told the Press Herald that he expects the delta variant’s impact to grow in the coming weeks.

“Vaccination remains the best way for Maine people to protect themselves from the Delta variant and other forms of COVID-19, as our partners at Maine hospitals tell us that the majority of patients requiring treatment for severe COVID-19 symptoms are not fully vaccinated,” Shah said.

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