The latest on the coronavirus pandemic from around the U.S. and the world.
coronavirus
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Maine companies mount volunteer effort to staff vaccination sites
Hundreds of volunteers from area businesses are offering to help out at the Scarborough Downs mass vaccination clinic.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State
More renters seek help as relief program struggles to keep up
The state reports there are 2,000 rent relief applications filed before Dec. 31 still being processed, and renters say they are running out of savings.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Androscoggin County Commission chair closes meetings to public
Chairwoman Sally Christner released a statement that only commissioners and county employees would be allowed to attend commissioner meetings, citing “space constraints.”
Posted inNation & World
U.K. variant spreading rapidly across U.S., study shows
The mutant strain, known as B.1.1.7, is more contagious than earlier forms of the coronavirus and may also be more lethal.
Posted inNation & World, Politics
Senior Democrats to unveil new $3,000-per-child benefit as Biden stimulus gains steam
The size of the benefit would diminish for Americans earning more than $75,000 per year, as well as for couples jointly earning more than $150,000 per year.
Posted inNation & World
South Africa suspends AstraZeneca vaccine drive
Early results in a clinical trial indicate that the inoculation may not be useful.
Posted inNation & World
In pandemic, more people choose to die at home
The thought of saying farewell to loved ones behind glass or during video calls is too terrifying for many terminally ill Americans and their families.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Watch: Freeport church rings bell to commemorate those lost to COVID-19
More than 463,000 have died from COVID-19 in the United States, including 635 in Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine reports 154 new cases of COVID-19, one more death
The trend of relatively low case numbers continues as the state grapples with the logistical problems of distributing vaccines.