5TYNK
1. The Maine CDC on Sunday reported that 189 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, an increase of 20 from Saturday. While hospitalizations remain elevated, new case numbers have started to dip as the delta variant surge slows. (PRESS HERALD)
2. The CDC has released its updated COVID-19 guidelines for the holidays. Americans are still urged to get vaccinated before traveling or gathering inside and wearing a mask in public indoor settings is also recommended. The CDC also released new data that found unvaccinated adults face an 11x higher risk of dying from COVID-19 than those fully vaccinated individuals. (CNN)
3. A bicyclist is in critical condition after being struck by a car on I-295 in Portland. Matthew Boyd tried to cross I-295’s northbound lane on his bicycle Saturday night — when he was hit by an S-U-V. Police are reminding Mainers that bicycles are *not* permitted on I-295. (WGME)
4. A law banning obscene license plates in Maine takes effect today. Requests for vanity plates that are considered offensive will be put on hold until the new rules are sorted out. (WGME)
5. Heinz is celebrating the 2021 Halloween season with the release of limited-edition Tomato Blood Ketchup. While Tomato Blood Ketchup is the same as the brand’s signature ketchup, it comes in a special limited-edition bottle. (CHEWBOOM)
