LincolnHealth reports 16 new COVID-19 cases for week of March 21

Thu, 03/31/2022 - 8:30am

LincolnHealth reported 16 new COVID-19 cases from 287 tests for the week of March 21. 81% or 13 cases were breakthroughs, those who were vaccinated and contracted the virus, and 63% or 10 cases were those who received boosters. Despite the large positivity rates among the vaccinated, the caseload is the third such lowest since the beginning of the year.

LincolnHealth’s John Martins said the hospital does not yet have details regarding the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization for 50-and-over and immunocompromised patients’ second booster shots. The FDA said second booster shots are for those who received the first at least four months ago. Updates will be released on LincolnHealth’s website and Facebook page, said Martins.

Martins said while hospital beds remain at capacity, surgeries requiring overnight stays have been happening regularly. Martins also said though influenza rates are low, Maine has seen an uptick recently. LincolnHealth encourages those who have not received their flu shot to do so.