MDI Hospital Reports its First Positive Case of COVID-19

MDI Hospital revealed on Friday that it has recorded its first positive test result for COVID-19.

Hospital officials did not specify whether this is the case that was originally recorded by the Maine CDC as being from Hancock County, and then changed when it was determined that the person tested actually resides in Penobscot county. As of Friday, March 20th, officials say MDI Hospital has collected samples for 75 tests, 45 of which are still pending results. 27 of those tests have come back negative, two were untested due to specimen compromise, and one has been confirmed positive by the Maine CDC. The patient was tested in their vehicle, on the hospital's main campus, and never entered the facility.

COVID-19 causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and/or shortness of breath. Most cases are mild to moderate, but can involve more severe respiratory symptoms in older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Anyone who thinks they're having symptoms of the illness should call their primary care provider's office. They're asked not to show up at emergency rooms or healthcare providers' offices, to avoid spreading the illness. Anyone on MDI who does not have a primary care provider can call MDI Hospital's Coronavirus Call Center at 207-801-5900.