Bangor, Maine News Update: May 19, 2020

The Maine CDC reports one new death of a woman in her 80's from Cumberland County diagnosed with COVID-19, taking the total to 71. The new statistics report a total 1,713 cases of the virus in Maine so far, which is an increase of 26 from the previous day. 1,053 residents have recovered, which is an increase of 25, and means there are 660 active cases of COVID-19 currently in the state.

Governor Janet Mills announced yesterday that the state has now lifted the prioritization of testing for COVID-19, which opens it up to anyone suspected of having the virus. Tests from IDEXX Laboratories in Westbook have more than tripled the state's capabilities, which means anyone who's been in close contact with someone positive for COVID-19 is eligible for testing.

The Maine CDC is currently investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 among employees of CIANBRO corporation, that spans several states. Officials are now trying to determine whether the original infection was from a Maine resident who traveled out of state or whether it was brought into Maine.

Maine's Community Colleges are offering free summer courses to students who graduated in the 2019-2020 school year. By taking the onlines courses, college officials say students can save between 2 thousand and 7 thousand dollars in tuition.

This year's EMMC Champion the Cure Challenge will be a virtual event, with participants invited to take a quick video of themselves hiking, biking, paddling, or riding horseback, and then post it to social media. Donations to the event help to fund cancer research in Maine.

The nation's oldest student variety show, known for its talent and silly name, will be a virtual event this year. Cony High School's 129th annual Chizzle Wizzle will be filmed and aired on a local television station, instead of in front of a live audience.