Bangor, Maine News Update: January 4, 2021

The Maine CDC reports 350 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and one additional death, of a man in his 60's from Hancock County. School administrators in AOS 91, on MDI,  have switched to full remote learning for at least two weeks, due to the current rise in cases in the region.

A Waterville 2-year-old is in critical condition after suffering a gunshot to his head. Police say the youngest son of Dan and Cori Hood was accidentally shot by a sibling, who found the gun in a closet, loaded it, and fired one shot. A GoFundMe page has been set up, to help the family deal with the expense.

Influenza cases dropped drastically in 2020, a positive side effect of the pandemic. The Maine CDC says the number of flu cases in 2020 was nearly 95% lower than at the end of 2019. Health officials say social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands often are all contributing to the drop in numbers.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to Resolve to be Ready. Officials say it's important to have a plan, as a family or as a business, for any sort of emergency that might come up, including shelter in place or evacuating.

An organization in Waldo County that's been providing free after-school meals to kids for 20 years is not delivering ready-to-heat meals to families in need. All meals provided by the Game Loft are free of charge.