Governor Janet Mills Convenes Coronavirus Response Team

Governor Janet Mills announced yesterday the establishment of a Coronavirus response team, even as New Hampshire confirmed its first case.

Heading the Coronavirus Response Team is Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah, who briefed Mills and the cabinet about measures needed to protect public health and safety, and to prevent the spread of the disease, should it occur in Maine. The response team will meet regularly to share information and to coordinate preparation and response to Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The response team consists of leaders from several departments including DHHS, Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, Education, Corrections, labor, transportation, and others.

"While there are no cases of coronavirus in Maine as of today," Mills said in a media release, "and the risk to our state remains low, the State must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential cases in Maine."

Dr. Shah says the best precautions individuals can take against becoming sick with Coronavirus mimic what they do to avoid catching a cold, including eating healthy, getting plenty of rest, and washing hands often (for at least 20 seconds each time). He says residents should avoid people who are sick, cover their cough, stay home when they're ill, and avoid touching their face, eyes, and mouth.