A growing body of research suggests universal mask-wearing in public could dramatically reduce the spread of coronavirus. Getting people to comply is another matter.
Eric Russell
Staff Writer
Eric Russell has been a general assignment reporter at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2012 and has been a journalist in Maine since 2004. Because he doesn’t have a specific geographic or topical area to cover, Eric often is free to roam the state in pursuit of the most interesting stories, whether it’s tackling the big topic of the day or chasing ideas that fall just outside the boundaries of everyday news. His favorite assignments are ones where he can leave the office and meet with people in their homes or their workplaces to talk about their struggles and challenges – and sometimes their triumphs. Or to try and answer complicated questions.
Eric grew up in Southern Maine, went to college at the University of Maine and worked in Bangor for eight years before joining the Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife, a school teacher, and two daughters.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine CDC reports 42 new cases but no new COVID-19 deaths
The weekly average number of new infections continues to decline, as do deaths and hospitalizations, but officials say they are watching for spikes as the state continues to reopen its economy.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Hotelier blasts Mills over quarantine alternative for out-of-state visitors
Mark Walsh of Ocean Properties, which operates 11 hotels in Maine and 125 nationwide, said requiring visitors to present negative tests in lieu of quarantine is not a viable option.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Federal funding not enough to meet farmers’ needs, state official says
Maine Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal told lawmakers Thursday that although farmers have been innovative in dealing with pandemic-related disruptions, they need more help to survive.
Posted inMaine, News, Uncategorized
State reports 31 new cases, directs $1 million to behavioral health support for COVID-19 patients
Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew says the federal grant will help address rising demand for help from people who have been exposed or otherwise affected by the virus.
Posted inMaine, News
Here’s what the state’s new plan for tourism means for visitors subject to 14-day quarantine requirements.
Questions and answers about tourism quarantines and testing
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine eases quarantine rule for visitors as virus testing expands
Vermont and New Hampshire residents will not have to quarantine, and other visitors can avoid the 14-day quarantine if they certify they have tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before checking in to a Maine lodging.
Posted inMaine, News, Uncategorized
Maine reports 24 new COVID-19 cases but no additional deaths as reopening expands
Monday marked the first day of phase two of Gov. Janet Mills’ plan to reopen the state’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic
Posted inMaine
Contact tracing could be key to stopping future outbreaks. But will Mainers buy in?
Voluntarily sharing information with any government agency, even to combat a deadly pandemic, runs counter to some American ideals.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine to expand contact tracing for coronavirus exposures
The state will use $7.5 million in federal funds to hire more staff to identify those who may have had contact with infected people, and it is using new technology to allow people in quarantine to report symptoms.