Maine on Tuesday reported 11 more deaths and 715 new cases of COVID-19 as the virus seeks new victims across the state.
After two days of relatively lower numbers, including 313 new cases on Monday and 273 on Sunday, the total of the case on Tuesday yielded the higher figures that were common in December and early this month.
The daily averages of seven days since January 2 were higher than 500.
Since the pandemic began, Maine has reported 30,326 cases of COVID-19 and 449 deaths.
Maine has the third-highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the country, which according to every Bloomberg News vaccine detection gives four doses per 100 residents, just behind West Virginia and South Dakota.
Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said Monday the agency is working with hospitals to get vaccines delivered quickly and that doses are not on the shelves, as reported in some other states.
Maine is currently in Phase 1A of the vaccination program, which includes the immunization of 130,000 health workers, nursing home staff and residents and paramedics. About 50,000 have received the vaccine so far, including nearly 6,000 who have received both doses and have been fully vaccinated.
Phase 1B is expected to start in February, and it includes seniors aged 75 and older and essential workers such as police officers, teachers, postal workers and grocery stores. But Shah said that exactly which groups will be at the front of the line in Phase 1B is still being discussed.
Phase 1C, those between 65 and 74, essential workers and younger people with high-risk health conditions are expected to start only in the spring, while the general population can be vaccinated in late spring or summer.
Shah said the state is still working on plans to offer massive vaccination opportunities, a logistical challenge given the proliferation risks at large gatherings. The mass vaccination opportunities can be held at civic centers, schools or community centers.
This story will be updated.
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