New data released today from the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the growing dominance of the delta variant in the state.
The Maine CDC reported on Monday that 100% of all COVID-19 genome-sequencing samples taken during August came back tied to the delta variant, compared to 86% in July. The Maine CDC conducts genome testing on samples from some, but not all, coronavirus patients, according to spokesperson Robert Long.
The state didn't release how many genome-sequence samples have been sent out for testing so far this month.
“The Delta variant is more contagious than other strains of the virus, which likely contributes to higher daily case counts in recent weeks," Long said.
Maine has reported 2,082 positive coronavirus tests this month, far more than the 1,428 positive tests recorded in July or the 1,278 recorded in June.
Exact numbers of patients who have the delta variant in Maine were not available, as the virus tests sent for genome sequencing are only a sample of the disease statewide, Long said.
“All three FDA-authorized vaccines are effective against the delta variant and other strains of the virus, so the best thing that Maine people can do to limit the delta variant’s risk to themselves and to others is to get vaccinated,” Long said.