Bangor, Maine News Update: May 18, 2020

The Maine CDC reports one new death of a man from Cumberland County diagnosed with COVID-19, taking the total to 70. The new statistics report 1,687 cases of COVID-19 in Maine so far, which is an increase of 39 from the previous day. 1,028 residents have recovered, which is an increase of 16, and means there are 659 active cases currently in the state.

Bangor Police are looking for the owners and occupants of two four-door sedans believed to have been involved in a shooting on Friday evening. Police were called to the area of York and Essex Streets for a report of shots fired, but the vehicles were gone by the time they arrived. No one was hurt in the incident.

A staff member of the Birch Bay Retirement Village in Bar Harbor has tested positive for COVID-19, and is quarantined and recovering at home. All the staff and residents were tested and that staffer was the only one who tested positive. Officials say they are doing what they can to prevent the spread of the virus.

Rallies in Bangor and Augusta on Saturday had concerned residents and business owners protesting the Governor's reopening plan, saying it isn't happening fast enough. In Bangor, cars honked their horns in agreement, while former Governor Paul LePage called some of the protestors in Augusta to offer his support.

The city of Calais has declared all businesses can open if they choose, stating that all local businesses are essential. The declaration was nearly unanimous, with one councilor voting against it, out of concern for the community's health and safety. So far, Washington County has only had two confirmed cases of coronavirus, and both patients have recovered.

Happy Endings Bar is hoping to lift the spirits of Bangor area residents with a series of curbside concerts. Along with the online ordering and curbside pickup, Happy Endings is hoping to hold curbside concerts every Saturday afternoon from 5 to 7. Each week, they'll feature live, acoustic performances from area entertainers.