AUGUSTA, Maine - A medical products company confirmed the destruction of a limited number of specialized swabs for coronavirus testing because of President Donald Trump's visit. But that was the plan all along, the company said.

Puritan Medical Products had a limited production run on Friday to provide a demonstration for the president and his entourage. The company discarded those swabs after the visit, officials said.

Normal production that day was shifted to the weekend so weekly output was unaffected, the company said. The facility was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after the president’s visit, it said.

The company also noted that all of its swabs are sterilized after production as part of the normal process.

“We were glad to have the opportunity for our role in addressing the global health pandemic be recognized by the president and other senior government officials,” the company said.

Puritan is in the process of doubling production with federal assistance to ensure an adequate supply of the swabs as the nation ramps up testing for the new cornonavirus.

Maine had recorded more than 2,600 cases of the virus and 100 deaths as of Tuesday, state officials said.

Other coronavirus-related developments in Maine:

MUSEUM REOPENS

The Maine State Museum is scheduled to reopen to the public Wednesday after three months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The museum's head of visitor services, Joanna Torow, said the museum will look a bit different than it did before the pandemic. However, visitors will be able to see the newest exhibit, which is about Maine's path to statehood.

The exhibit is part of Maine's bicentennial celebration and was open for only a day before the museum closed in March.

The museum's public hours are reduced to Wednesday through Saturday to allow for more rigorous cleaning, officials said. The reduced hours are expected to last through at least Labor Day. ___

BATTER UP

Baseball fans missing out on America’s favourite pastime can at least eat like they’re at the ball park.

The Portland Sea Dogs, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, is offering takeout food and delivery from Hadlock Field. That includes hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks, among other stadium staples. Also included are a few local beers for takeout.

“We miss baseball and we know that our fans do as well. This is one small way we can help our fans get a taste of the ballpark in a safe and savory way,” said Geoff Iacuessa, president and general manager.

The service is available for lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday, through June 26.

News from © The Associated Press, 2020