Bangor, Maine News Update: November 5, 2020

The Maine CDC is reporting 151 new cases of COVID-19 statewide and two more people who have died, from Franklin and Waldo counties. The Augusta building that houses the Maine CDC is closed after one of their employees tested positive for the virus. Employees who were affected are working remotely while the building is cleaned and sanitized.

An employee of Texas Roadhouse in Bangor has tested positive for Hepatitis A, and may have infected customers who ate their food last month. The Maine CDC has released the dates the employee was working and is encouraging patrons from those dates to get vaccinated.

Susan Collins and Jared Golden have won their re-election bids in Maine. Secretary of State Matt Dunlap says ranked choice voting was not necessary in this year's Presidential, congressional, and senate elections. Maine is the first state to use ranked choice voting in a Presidential race.

Residents of Washington and Hancock counties will be able to get some help heating their homes this winter, through an emergency fund known as the THAW fund, distributed through Downeast Community Partners. Donations are being accepted to help provide the benefit to as many residents as possible.

Downeast Regional Tourism is asking residents to share their photos of their downeast vacations fo ra chance to win a prize package. Contestants don't have to live in Maine, but they do have to be at least 18, and the pictures must be from 2020 and family friendly.

Bangor's European Farmer's Winter Market opens this Saturday at 117 Buck Street in Bangor. This year's market will be held in the greenhouse, to allow for social distancing. The market features locally sourced prepared and fresh food, flowers, and more.