Monday marked the first day of phase two of Gov. Janet Mills’ plan to reopen the state’s economy amid the coronavirus pandemic
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 inLocal & State
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.
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Posted inLocal & State, 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.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
For Memorial Day weekend, Mills orders flags lowered, says, ‘We are all soldiers in this fight’
Maine’s governor also called on residents to wear face masks where appropriate, ‘with pride, in honor of every patriot.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
COVID-19 forces end-of-life conversations for nursing home residents
Many residents and their families are opting to stay put rather than go to a hospital or on a ventilator that may prolong but not save their life.
Posted inLocal & State, News
‘If there was a good way to go, this was it’: Portland native chose his fate under new law
Ronald Deprez, who was 75 and living with a degenerative illness, became one of the first to end his life under Maine’s Death With Dignity Act.
Posted inLocal & State, News
What you need to know about COVID-19 testing in Maine
Some key points to consider as the state prepares to embark on more widespread testing for the coronavirus.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Two outbreaks drive biggest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases
Tyson Foods in Portland and the Springbrook Center in Westbrook account for 52 of the 76 new cases reported Thursday, but no additional deaths are announced.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine to triple its virus testing capacity in partnership with Idexx
Gov. Janet Mills says that, soon, anyone who needs a coronavirus test will be able to get one.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Common Ground Country Fair pulls plug on 2020 event but aims to stage ‘virtual fair’
The popular agricultural event, held each fall in Unity, is the latest to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.