Bangor, Maine News Update: April 23, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 410 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, and 1 additional person who has died. Dr. Nirav Shah says the FDA has authorized at-home rapid COVID-19 tests. Residents can find the tests, which consist of a nasal swab, by asking at their pharmacy.

A 48-year-old Fort Fairfield man has been arrested after leading police on a pursuit that started when his car almost hit a deputy's cruiser in Greenbush, and ended in Orono. The man, whose name has not been released, admitted that he'd been drinking and had used meth earlier in the day.

Get our free mobile app

Senators Angus King and Susan Collins say the pandemic has provided evidence that the state's unemployment system needs to be modernized. They added that the federal government is giving the Maine Department of Labor more then $380,000 toward that effort.

Bangor officials have temporarily shut down the Community Connector bus service, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, and 3 others were exposed to the virus. The bus will not operate on Friday and Saturday, but will resume service on Monday. Additionally, the route that serves Old Town will operate on a Saturday schedule all next week, and the Black Bear Orono Express will run Monday and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The American Lung Association gave Maine mixed grades for air quality, in a study that measures things like particle and ozone pollution. Hancock County got the lowest grade, with a D. Washington, York, and Knox got a grade of C, while Cumberland County earned a B. All other counties were given an A grade.

A new community response initiative plans to go into communities, faith-based organizations, schools, and work places to educated people about how to watch for signs of abuse and neglect in children. The Front Porch Project is funded, in part, by the Maine Children's Trust, through donations made on behalf of child abuse victim Marissa Kennedy.