The agency said it tests everyone in such facilities once 3 people test positive for COVID-19, but it waited days before sending test kits to one home in Portland.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Belfast long-term care facility with COVID-19 outbreak has a history of health violations
The Commons at Tall Pines, where 23 people have tested positive, did not substantially meet program requirements in 2018 or 2019.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Gyms are closed, but some members are still paying
Some fitness centers are letting members freeze memberships while they’re closed, but others are asking members to continue their monthly fees.
Posted inLocal & State
As trolls hijack remote meetings, officials rethink public access
Stay-at-home orders have prompted Maine municipalities to move their meetings online. But intruders are ‘Zoom-bombing’ the video forums with lewd images and comments.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine rural hospitals cut pay, hours while preparing for surge of patients
The cost-cutting measures are happening because hospitals are no longer getting revenue from emergency room visits and elective procedures were canceled to make room for COVID-19 patients.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine attorney general fielding dozens of price-gouging complaints during crisis
An order by Gov. Janet Mills prohibits essential items, such as toilet paper, cleaning products and food, from being sold at ‘unconscionable prices.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Domestic violence becomes a concern as people shelter at home
Advocates for domestic violence victims say help remains available, even if it is not face-to-face.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Eviction courts are closed, but Mainers are still losing housing
Courts are still issuing orders stemming from previous eviction cases, landlords are notifying residents that leases won’t be renewed, and some rental homes are being put up for sale.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
Portland woman says her loss of smell was first sign of coronavirus infection
Researchers say some patients around the world have experienced a loss of smell and taste, and that’s how a Maine woman knew she was sick.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine coronavirus cases rise to 52; Gov. Mills pushes U.S. for more testing supplies
While the state Center for Disease Control and Prevention urged Mainers to continue practicing social distancing, Gov. Janet Mills asked the federal government to speed up the release of personal protective equipment and testing supplies.