COVID -19 Chronicle - Update December 2020

We will come out of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever— it’s our commitment to you. Walter Elliot, a Scottish politician, once said, “Perseverance is not a long race; it may be many short races one after another.” I think our fight with the COVID-19 pandemic is much like that. We have been through an incredible journey since we formally began COVID-19 Incident Command operations in February. Through the months, the pandemic has evolved as well as our response as we anticipate and adapt to the ever- changing conditions. Recent weeks have been strenuous as numbers rise, but perseverance and Maine grit keeps us moving forward. With each new challenge, we remain focused on developing new, better solutions to safely and effectively serve our communities. In June, we brought you our first COVID-19 Chronicle. Within its pages, we provided an overview of our pandemic rapid response during the early months, information and anecdotes, as well as our strategic plan forward. This issue can be considered an extension to that and will share how far we’ve come, how we’ve adapted, and that we are well positioned to continue to fulfill our mission to serve you—our friends, neighbors, and fellow Mainers. We have yet to close the book on COVID-19—the long fight is not over. My gratitude goes out to our more than 12,000 colleagues—those on the front lines and on our support teams—who have courageously stepped up to the challenge and answered their call of duty to protect our communities and keep them healthy and thriving. Together, we stand true to our commitment to firmly come out of the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever. Thank you for your support and faith in our statewide team. I have no doubt that we will make you proud.

Timothy J. Dentry, MBA President & CEO

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