The Maine CDC reports 196 new cases of COVID-19 in the state. Dr. Nirav Shah says people who are fully vaccinated can consider gathering with others in a private setting, who are also fully vaccinated, without wearing masks but while still respecting social distancing a low-risk activity. He reminds residents that ‘fully vaccinated’ is defined as two weeks after receiving the final dose.

The University of Maine system is preparing for a return to the traditional experience for students in the fall. Administrators announced on Wednesday that current plans are for students to return to a pre-pandemic college experience in classrooms instead of taking classes remotely.

Civil rights groups in Maine are coming out against a proposal from a group of Republicans to ban transgender youths from school sports. WGME-TV reports the proposal from Representative Beth O’Connor states that it is designed to ban biological males from participating in women’s sports. A coalition of groups, including the Maine Women’s Lobby, issued a joint statement calling the proposal discriminatory.

HOME Cooperative is helping a group of tenants of the Spring Fountain Motel in Bucksport, who are in danger of being put out of their rooms. The city may declare the motel a dangerous building after a hearing on April 8th, citing a lack of water, heat, and electricity in some of the rooms. Home’s executive director told the Ellsworth American that they’re working to find alternative housing and, in one case, gave a bus ticket to a young man so he could go live with family.

The Brewer Riverwalk is adding an outdoor fitness park this summer, in Veterans Park. City officials say trainers will be on-hand, at first, to help anyone unsure of how to use the equipment safely, and to help them develop an effective fitness routine. The equipment is expected to be set up by July 4th.

A Belfast 6-year-old was honored this week after calling 911 to report his mother was having a seizure. Chan’tal Hindman told WABI-TV that Jakob had just logged into remote school when her seizure started and, after unsuccessfully calling several family friends, he called 911, where dispatchers were impressed with his calm demeanor. Jakob was given a plaque, a medal, a ride in a firetruck, and his very own superhero costume.

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