Reporter. Government & politics for @mainepublic, @npr. Newsletter: http://bit.ly/3hjrmO6 . Prior: @pressherald, @sunjournal, 
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Shah addresses viability of the testing samples amid the backlog in results. Some docs have expressed concerns about degradation, but Shah says the samples at Maine CDC are in a deep freeze. He can’t speak for those at commercial labs, he assumes they’re following the same steps
Shah is asked about what an adequate supply of PPE would be. He says it fluctuates, but what they have now is not enough. He’s worried that an additional shipment from feds may not be coming soon. Says state is looking at ways to manufacture them in Maine.
Shah says he’s heard that the feds may not deliver PPE from stockpile because it could be diverted to other hotspots (like New York). He says the feds should also “skate where the puck is going.” That means Maine.
Shah just announced the testing priority for nursing homes has changed. Initially, nursing homes were a tier 2 priority, below health care workers and high-risk individuals. That was a fed classification. Shah says the state disagrees and just bumped nursing homes to priority 1
Shah is asked about existing restrictions on biz and public gatherings. Some states are stricter than Maine. Shah says the steps she’s taken are the right ones.
Shah asked about Defense Production Act, which Trump has invoked but not actually utilized. He says nothing has changed. He hopes Maine manufacturers can be utilized, but doesn’t expect that they’ll need to be told.
Shah ends by updating that there are 11 counties with covid-19, the latest in Franklin. That’s wrap for today.
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