Virtually shivering: Crowded Jan. 1 polar plunges put on ice

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The tradition of taking an icy plunge into the ocean to ring in the new year is going to be different during the pandemic. Organizers of many traditional “polar plunges” have resolved to stay safe on New Year’s Day instead of potentially contributing to the COVID-19 surge. Maine’s Lobster Dip benefitting Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge benefitting the Natural Resources Council of Maine are among those that have ditched mass gatherings. Beth Comeau from the Natural Resources Council said “this is the year where you want to jump in, wash it off and start afresh.”