The Maine CDC reports 232 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 4 additional deaths, including one in Penobscot County. 200 more people have recovered from the virus.

During a legislative session that was moved to the Augusta Civic Center to allow for physical distancing, Representative Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford was selected to serve as House Speaker and Senator Troy Jackson of Allagash was chosen to continue as Senate President. Governor Mills informed lawmakers with a video from her quarantine at the Blaine House that their priorities this session are to keep Mainers safe, slow the spread of COVID-19, and develop an economic recovery plan.

Acadia National Park has closed the Park Loop Road, for the season. The road is closed to traffic, but open to pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters, and skate boarders. It will also be open too snowmobiles and skiers, once the weather allows for it.

Northern Light Health's Dr. James Jarvis says the COVID-19 vaccine could reach the general public in the early Spring. While a shipment of the vaccine is expected later this month, he says frontline healthcare workers will be given priority. Governor Janet Mills says several states, including Maine, are getting shipments than originally expected.

Green Acres Kennel Shop in once again raising money for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging's Furry Friends Food Bank. The goal is to raise $5,000, which will be used to help low-income seniors keep their pets. Often, the pets are the only living being Maine seniors see on a daily basis, and so their presence is crucial to their owner's mental health.

Downeast Community Partners is collection donations for the Christmas Magic Toy Drive, that will provide gifts to children in Hancock and Washington Counties, with no income restrictions. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Maine Coast Mall in Ellsworth (at the TJ Maxx end) or folks can call to arrange for a COVID-19-safe drop-off.

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