Kevin Norsworthy, State Theater's "marquee master," puts a new message outside the venue, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in Portland, Maine. Norsworthy, who is optimistic the State will survive because of local community support, said 90 percent of independent concert venues around the country may close permanently due to the coronavirus pandemic. The theater still does not have any plans for reopening but has rescheduled some cancelled shows for next year. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The American Red Cross says it will test all blood donations for coronavirus antibodies.

Mary Brant, communications manager for the Red Cross Northern New England Region, said the testing is aimed to providing donors “some peace of mind and to know if they have these antibodies.”

The Red Cross will report the number of positive tests to state and federal health agencies, but personal information won’t be released.

The Red Cross says donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies can still safely be donated and used in medical procedures.

Maine has had more than 2,800 cases of the virus and 101 deaths.

In other news related to the virus:

HOSPITAL FUNDING

Maine’s two U.S. senators said Tuesday that “safety net” hospitals in the state have been awarded more than $52 million in federal funds. The hospitals treat large numbers of Medicaid patients and often provide uncompensated care, the senators said.

Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King said the hospitals “are the backbone of Maine’s health system” and are especially critical during the pandemic.

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