Isolation the new weapon against COVID-19

Social distancing not always easy

- By Leslie Landrigan

As the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads in Maine, healthcare providers are doing less testing while the state is ordering more social distancing to contain the outbreak of the disease.

Gov. Janet Mills on March 24 ordered all non-essential businesses closed to foot traffic, and all essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies to reduce congestion inside. She had already banned dining in restaurants and bars and gatherings of 10 or more people.

Her latest order, effective March 25, follows an announcement by Northern Light Health that it is limiting COVID-19 tests to first responders, healthcare workers and people with severe symptoms who require hospitalization.

Many local businesses have already closed their doors to the public, while town halls throughout the peninsula and island closed their doors to foot traffic. Libraries and community centers have shut down.

Local business owners are guarding against the possibility of picking up the COVID-19 virus from a bag, a container or a box.

The Isle au Haut mail boat crew won’t touch anything passengers bring on board.