WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King released a statement urging Maine people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, receive a booster shot, and mask in public, indoor areas regardless of vaccine status. The Senator’s call comes as the state sets new records in cases and hospitalizations, and a day after Governor Janet Mills activated Maine National Guard personnel to address challenges facing the state’s healthcare system.

“Nearly two years into the pandemic, COVID-19 has never been a bigger threat to Maine people than it is today,” Senator King said. “We are seeing record highs in both new cases and hospitalizations, costing lives and putting our state’s most vulnerable citizens in jeopardy. This dangerous surge is stretching the capacity of Maine’s hospitals and healthcare providers and threatening to affect vital care for Mainers who need non-COVID related care – which is why I strongly support Governor Mills’ activation of the National Guard to bolster our healthcare system. We can’t keep traveling down this path – with cold weather setting in and the holiday season in full swing, it is absolutely critical that Maine people take steps to protect themselves and reduce the danger of spreading the virus.

“The most effective way to reduce your risk is simple: get vaccinated,” continued Senator King. “It is clear at this point that we are fighting two different wars against this virus – one by those who have been vaccinated and have resiliency, and one by those who have yet to get this proven protection and are at far greater risk. Hospitals across Maine are reporting that the overwhelming majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated – and unvaccinated people make up an even larger share of patients in ICUs and on ventilators. Getting your vaccine – and, when possible, your booster – is the most effective way to prevent a potentially life-threatening case of COVID-19. I also urge Maine people to continue to wear masks while indoors and in close proximity to others, whether they are vaccinated or not. We all want to take off the masks, but it’s a small sacrifice to avoid a potentially deadly virus and keep your loved ones safe.

“I know that many of us want to be done with the pandemic – but it is clear that the pandemic is not done with us,” Senator King concluded. “COVID-19 is more dangerous to Maine people than ever before, and it’s time to take the safe, proven, commonsense steps that will protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.”