Pandemic forces swim teams to compete in eerily quiet virtual meets
High school teams that are lucky enough to find a pool are engaging in a different form of competition, though some teams in southern Maine have yet to get into the water.
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From right, Cormac McKenney, Keegan McKenney and Ian Plourde compete in the 100-yard-butterfly during a virtual swim meet at Richards Community Pool on Wednesday. Due to the pandemic, swimmers are only competing against the clock this year. Then the times are compared, usually with the other teams competing on different days in their own pools. Cape Elizabeth boys swam first, followed by the girls in order to follow indoor gathering numbers. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer
Blood donation opportunities offered Feb. 1-15 statewide
Red Cross urges blood donation to maintain supply amid pandemic.
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PORTLAND The American Red Cross typically has a tough time keeping the blood supply strong during the winter months when inclement weather and seasonal illnesses can impact donors. This year the pandemic adds in another challenge in keeping the blood supply strong. The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to make an appointment to give blood or platelets this month, according to a news release from the Red Cross.
Every day there are thousands of patients who rely on lifesaving blood donations people like Leslie Johnson. In 2005, a farming accident left Johnson with broken bones and massive bleeding. In the first 24 hours after the accident, she received 10 units of blood and platelets. Additional transfusions and surgeries followed.
Westbrook gets OK to set up vaccination site
City Health Officer and Fire Chief Andrew Turcotte has said that he wanted the vaccines to be administered by Public Safety employees at the Westbrook Community Center.
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WESTBROOK The city has gotten the go-ahead from the state to set up a COVID-19 vaccination site, officials announced Monday.
Mayor Mike Foley said that details will come as soon as logistics are worked out.
City Health Officer and Fire Chief Andrew Turcotte said previously he wanted the vaccines to be administered by Public Safety employees at the Westbrook Community Center, similar to the COVID-19 testing site at the Westbrook Public Safety building.