Bangor, Maine News Update: December 7, 2020

The Maine CDC reports 221 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and 87 more recoveries. Governor Janet Mills announced on Saturday that her COVID-19 test had come back negative, after a member of her protective detail tested positive. Despite the test, she will continue to quarantine until tomorrow, per CDC guidelines.

A winter storm kept line and tree crews busy all weekend, and they’re not done yet. Versant reported 3,676 customers without power, as of 5:00 Monday morning, while Central Maine Power reported 83,415 outages. Residents are reminded to let the professionals clear the trees and to never touch a downed power line.

Governor Janet Mills has extended the requirement that certain businesses close by 9 pm through January 3^rd, in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19. The curfew applies to all indoor and outdoor amusement venues, movie theaters, performing arts venues, casinos, and any business that provides seated food and drink.

Veterans with any service-related disability can now gain free access to U.S. National Parks, including Acadia. Senator Susan Collins was among several lawmakers who proposed the Bipartisan wounded Veterans Recreation Act, an expansion on previous legislation that granted the honor only to those with permanent disabilities.

$2 million of COVID-19 relief money is being sent to food banks and pantries across the state. The Mills Administration announced the grants of up to $10,000 to each organization that's suffered due to the pandemic. December 18^th is the deadline to apply for the funds.

It’s time to start viewing and voting for Christmas lights around Bangor, as part of the Rotary Club of Bangor’s annual Festival of Lights. Residents are invited to find the light locations detailed on a map and then drive by to see the holiday displays.

All this week, folks can walk by the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport to see a display of wreaths created by the community, including individuals and businesses. The wreaths will be on display all this week, I hopes of lifting spirits during the holiday season.