Maine Health Alert Network - March 19, 2020, 5:15pm - Updated Guidance for COVID-19: Prioritization of Testing and Discontinuation of Home Isolation
US CDC’s guidelines on Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission define Moderate community transmission as, “Widespread and/or sustained transmission with high likelihood or confirmed exposure within communal settings with potential for rapid increase in suspected cases.” According to US CDC, at that level and when testing capacity is limited, public health control activities may require prioritization of testing to high-risk individuals.

Maine now meets US CDC’s criteria for a Moderate level of community transmission. At present, a limited national supply of laboratory materials inhibits Maine’s testing capacity. Maine may also need to limit testing if such shortages continue. Therefore, consistent with US CDC guidelines, Maine is now creating a prioritization system to test to individuals in high-risk categories.

Thank you,
Maine Health Alert Network

(this message is forwarded by the MAFP on behalf of the Maine Health Alert Network (HAN)
COVID-19 Information Resources:

Maine CDC Public Health Advisories & Updates Re: COVID-19 - HERE

Maine HAN System - Sign up for alerts HERE


WHO (World Health Organization) - HERE