Bangor, Maine News Update: May 21, 2020

The Maine CDC reports no new deaths from COVID-19. The latest statistics report 1,819 cases of the virus in the state so far, which is an increase of 78 from the previous day. 22 more people have recovered, for a total of 1,110. Currently there are 709 active cases in the state.

Governor Mills has halted unemployment benefits that were being sent to inmates in Maine prisons, saying the COVID-19-related monies were not meant for prisoners who have their basic needs taken care of. The inmates had been employed through work-release programs.

Researchers at the University of Maine Tick Lab say they're getting more submissions of the insects this year. 780 tickets have been sent to the lab, to be identified and tested for lyme, a number the facility didn't reach until June 10th last year. Officials believe the increase has to do with people spending more time outdoors this year than they usually do.

A grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is going to benefit Bangor's homeless population. The 1 million dollar grant will be applied to the Shelter Plus Care Rental Assistance program, which helps homeless individuals with a mental health diagnosis, substance use disorder, and who are HIV positive.

A Healthy Acadia leadership camp for students entering grades 7 through 9 won't be able to operate this year, but is offering a free online program that will teach healthy habits. On Friday night, the DownEast Teen Leadership camp will celebrate its 20th year with a virtual spaghetti  dinner and an online presentation.

The Greater Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau has a new online guidebook, offering all the information normally found in their offices. By providing the information through an online tool, it prevents face-to-face meetings or handing out of brochures that could carry germs.