Bangor, Maine News Update: August 21, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 19 new cases of COVID-19 statewide, 1 new death of a woman in her 80’s from York County, and 17 more people who have recovered. Four members of the York County Sheriff’s Office have tested positive for the virus after one of them began feeling ill. Testing has now been expanded to all members of the sheriff’s office and at the York County Jail.

The Big Moose Inn in Millinocket has received an imminent health hazard warning from the Maine CDC after a COVID-19 outbreak that was traced to a wedding hosted at the facility. Dr. Nirav Shah says the inn exceeded the indoor gathering limit of 50 people, and has agreed to abide by regulations from now on. So far, 32 cases have been traced to the event, in people ranging in age from 4 to 78 years old.

A Dexter health center is taking part in a national clinical trial, which will provide telehealth services to people in recovery from substance use disorder. Hometown Health Center is now looking for people interested in taking part in the five-year trial, which aims to provide more services to people in a rural setting. Find more information on the Hometown Health Center website.

Health officials are advising residents to get their flu shots earlier this year than they normally would. Dr. James Jarvis from Northern Light Health says it’s important to continue frequent hand washing and social distancing to avoid the flu, which have symptoms similar to COVID. Northern Light Health will begin their flu vaccination program in September.

The Bangor Y is offering a new school age academy program for children of all ages to attend at any time, as a way to help parents cope with the new schedules being created by hybrid learning. The program that supports 10 local school districts offers a variety of options throughout the day. Find more information on the Bangor Y's website.

Parents can find free clothes for their children at the United Methodist Church in Dover-Foxcroft, as they prepare for the new school year. The church doesn’t ask for any money, only that people find their own way to pay it forward by doing something nice for someone else. Their inventory provides clothes for boys and girls from infant up to pre-teens.