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208,302 Cumulative vaccinations (An increase of 7,375 from Tuesday)

151,010 First doses administered (An increase of 5,116 from Tuesday)

57,292 Second doses administered (An increase of 2,259 from Tuesday)

41,883 Total cases (An increase of 253 from Tuesday)

641 Deaths (An increase of 2 from Tuesday)

253 New daily cases (An increase of 42 from Tuesday)

112 Currently in hospital (A decrease of 5 from Tuesday)

A more contagious strain of the coronavirus that originated in the United Kingdom was detected in Maine, the state’s health department announced Wednesday.

Maine has been sending a fraction of positive virus samples to be tested for variants of the virus for several months amid concern about more transmissible strains from other countries. The U.K. variant was detected in a sample from a Franklin County resident who had a recent history of international travel and developed virus symptoms in early February, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The strain of the virus, known as the B.1.1.7 variant, seems to be between 40 and 70 percent more contagious than other variants, based on various scientific estimates. It has been confirmed in 34 U.S. states. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to still protect against the strain. READ MORE

Another two Mainers have died as health officials on Wednesday reported 253 more coronavirus cases across the state.

The number of coronavirus cases diagnosed in the past 14 days statewide is 3,713. This is an estimation of the current number of active cases in the state, as the Maine CDC is no longer tracking recoveries for all patients. That’s down from 3,922 on Tuesday.

A Cumberland County resident and a Penobscot County resident have succumbed to the virus, bringing the statewide death toll to 641. READ MORE

Walmart and Sam’s Club still intends to launch COVID-19 vaccinations at 24 locations in Maine on Friday, but technical problems with the retail giant’s website have left some people unable to sign up for an appointment. READ MORE

Maine’s top federal prosecutor has been asked to resign at the end of the month as the Biden administration replaces most U.S. attorneys appointed by former President Donald Trump. READ MORE

Kennebec County’s maintenance manager is being paid through Friday despite nearly a year-long sexual assault investigation that resulted in his recent arrest and a lengthy history of disciplinary actions taken against him for prior misconduct on the job. READ MORE