Most of Maine remains in ‘high’ risk category under new federal mask guidelines

Three counties – Kennebec, Waldo and Somerset – have been reclassified as 'medium' risk counties, meaning masks are recommended for certain at-risk groups and considered a personal choice for most people.

As ‘stealth omicron’ advances, scientists are learning more

The coronavirus mutant widely known as stealth omicron is now causing more than a third of new omicron cases around the world.

Maine’s pandemic death toll passes 2,000 while COVID hospitalizations drop to 4-month low

As Maine hospitalizations drop below 200 patients for the first time since October, the state reports 53 additional deaths from a review of vital records.

Starting next month, masks no longer required in Lisbon schools

Pressure eases on Maine hospitals as patient counts continue to drop

Hospitals are beginning to ease pandemic restrictions, and South Portland and Brunswick rescinded indoor mask mandates this week.

Is omicron leading us to herd immunity against COVID?

Early hopes faded for several reasons, experts say.

U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear oral arguments on Maine vaccine mandate

The decision was expected because the court twice rejected emergency applications to block the mandate last year.

Wastewater tests show COVID-19’s continuing decline in Maine

COVID-19 hospitalizations also are down, more than 50% since the January peak.

Australia welcomes back tourists with toy koalas, Tim Tams, vegemite

The nation removes its travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers.

COVID hospitalizations in Maine cut in half since omicron peak last month

As of Monday, 216 people were hospitalized with the virus in Maine, the lowest total since Nov. 9.