Maine: State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance

Please note: As of April 15, 2021 we are no longer doing regularly scheduled updates to this page.

April 15, 2021:

On April 14, 2021, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through May 13, 2021.

April 8, 2021:

Governor Mills announced an acceleration to Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Beginning April 7, 2021, all residents age 16 and older will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

March 22, 2021:

On March 19, 2021, Governor Mills announced an acceleration to Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Going forward, the planned vaccine schedule is as follows:

• March 3, 2021: All residents age 60 and older.
• March 23, 2021: All residents age 50 and older.
• April 19, 2021: All residents age 16 and older.

March 18, 2021:

On March 17, 2021, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through April 15, 2021.

March 15, 2021:

On March 12, 2021, Governor Mills announced an acceleration to Maine’s COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Going forward, the planned vaccine schedule is as follows:

• March 3, 2021: All residents age 60 and older.
• April 1, 2021: All residents age 50 and older.
• May 1, 2021: All adult residents.

March 8, 2021:

On March 5, 2021, Governor Mills issued an Order modifying Maine’s COVID-19 gathering and travel restrictions. Gathering limits and customer capacity limits have been modified as follows:

• From March 26, 2021 through May 23, 2021:
  • Indoor gatherings and in-store customer limits can be the greatest of 50% occupancy, 5 persons per 1,000 square feet, or 50 persons.
  • Outdoor gatherings can reach 75% occupancy.
• May 24, 2021 and thereafter:
  • Indoor gatherings and in-store customer limits can be the greatest of 75% occupancy, 5 persons per 1,000 square feet, or 50 persons
  • Outdoor gatherings can reach 100% occupancy.

New travel policy guidance from the Governor changes Maine’s travel policy by immediately adding Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island to the list of states exempt from the test or quarantine requirement. Additionally, effective immediately, travelers who have either recently had COVID-19 (or been fully vaccinated against COVID-19), regardless of their state of origin, are exempted from the test or quarantine requirement.

March 4, 2021:

On March 3, 2021, Governor Mills announced a change to its vaccine distribution plan. Beginning March 3, PreK-12 school staff and childcare providers will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of their age. This change was made pursuant to the Biden Administration’s directive calling on states to prioritize vaccinations of educators. Educators can now access appointments through the federal retail pharmacy program, which includes Hannaford, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies in Maine). Program participants have been directed to give school staff and childcare workers exclusive access to available appointments going forward.

March 1, 2021:

On February 26, 2021, Governor Mills announced a change to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan. Under the new plan, Maine will adopt an age-based approach to vaccine eligibility. Beginning March 3, 2021, all residents age 60 years and older will be eligible for vaccination. The new plan replaces the system where individuals were prioritized based on high-risk medical conditions or status as a front-line employee. Going forward, the schedule for vaccination eligibility is as follows:

• Residents age 50 and older in April;
• Residents age 40 and older in May; and
• Residents age 30 and older in June.

February 18, 2021:

On February 17, 2021, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through March 18, 2021.

February 15, 2021:

On February 12, 2021, Governor Mills issued an Order amending indoor gathering limits. Under the new Order, houses of worship may now accommodate five people per 1,000 square feet of space, or up to 50 people, whichever is greater. Previously, the limit for houses of worship was set at a maximum of 50 people.

January 28, 2021:

On January 28, 2021, Governor Mills announced an end to the business curfew. Beginning February 1, 2021, all businesses that had been subject to a 9:00 p.m. closing time requirement, may resume regular evening hours. These businesses must continue to follow public health and safety guidance found in the COVID-19 Prevention Checklists.

January 21, 2021:

On January 19, 2021, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through February 17, 2021.

January 13, 2021:

On January 13, Governor Mills announced an update to Maine’s Covid-19 Vaccination Plan. Under the new vaccine distribution plan, the following are added to Phase 1a:

• Other Emergency First Responders & Public Safety Personnel: These individuals include, among others, firefighters, police and other law enforcement officers, as well as corrections officers.
• Critical COVID-19 Response Personnel: These individuals include people who manufacture, distribute, process, or report COVID-19 tests, whose work, if disrupted, would severely hamper the ability of Maine or the United States to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, this includes people who work in-person directly on COVID-19 response at Maine CDC, which spearheads the State’s COVID-19 response, and private companies such as IDEXX, which supports Maine’s COVID-19 testing capabilities; Abbott Laboratories, which manufactures COVID-19 tests for use in Maine and across the nation; Puritan Medical Products, which manufacturers swabs for COVID-19 tests; and The Jackson Laboratory, which is conducting whole genome sequencing to detect COVID-19 variants for Maine.

Additionally, the new vaccine distribution plan updated Phase 1b to include the following:

• Older Maine Residents: Maine will first focus in Phase 1b on vaccinating older Maine people, beginning with people age 70 and older. Next, Maine will move to vaccinate those between the ages of 65-69.
• People with High-Risk Medical Conditions: According to Maine CDC, this population (which is yet to be determined) will be added and supply to this group will depend on vaccine supply.

According to Maine CDC, Phase 1b should begin this month and may complete by April.

January 6, 2021:

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MCDC) released Maine’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Maine’s distribution plan includes tiered priority groups, following guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phase 1a, which began in mid-December, includes about 100,000 health care workers and people living and working in long-term care facilities. Phase 1b (which is expected to begin in February according to MCDC Director, Dr. Nirav Shah) includes people age 75 and older and frontline essential workers, such as police and corrections officers, firefighters, teachers and day-care staff, postal and public transit employees, grocery store staff, and manufacturing and food industry workers.

January 4, 2021:

On December 30, Governor Mills announced an indefinite extension to the business curfew. Under the extension, all outdoor and indoor amusement venues, movie theaters, performing arts venues, casinos, and businesses that provide seated food and drink service, including social clubs, restaurants and bars and tasting rooms currently open for outdoor service, will close for the night by 9 p.m. These businesses can still offer take-out, drive-thru and delivery options past 9 p.m.

December 28, 2020:

On December 22, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through January 20, 2021.

December 14, 2020:

On December 11, Governor Mills issued an executive order modifying the state’s face mask requirement. Effective December 11, owners and operators of all indoor public spaces (regardless of the type of entity or size) are not allowed to let people in those who refuse to wear a face covering. The previous mask mandate required mask enforcement in some but not all public settings. Penalties for non-compliance with this order include action against a facility’s operating license, as well as criminal penalties, including up to 180 days imprisonment and $1,000 fine.

December 7, 2020:

On December 4, Governor Mills announced an extension to the business curfew through January 3, 2021. Under the extension, all outdoor and indoor amusement venues, movie theaters, performing arts venues, casinos, and businesses that provide seated food and drink service, including social clubs, restaurants and bars and tasting rooms currently open for outdoor service, will close for the night by 9:00 p.m. These businesses can still offer take-out, drive-thru and delivery options past 9:00 p.m.

November 30, 2020:

On November 24, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through December 23, 2020.

November 23, 2020:

On November 19, 2020, Governor Mills announced a curfew for certain businesses. Beginning November 20 and lasting through December 6, all outdoor and indoor amusement venues, movie theaters, performing arts venues, casinos, and businesses that provide seated food and drink service, including social clubs, restaurants and bars and tasting rooms currently open for outdoor service, must close for the night by 9:00 p.m. These businesses can still offer take-out, drive-thru and delivery options past 9:00 p.m.

November 16, 2020:

On November 13, Governor Mills announced an adjustment to Maine’s travel protocols. Effective November 16, individuals traveling from Massachusetts are no longer exempt from Maine’s quarantine or negative test requirement. People coming to Maine from these states must either quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test with a sample taken less than 72 hours from arrival in Maine, quarantining while awaiting test results. This protocol includes Maine residents returning from one of the non-exempt states.

November 2, 2020:

On October 29, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through November 27, 2020.

On November 1, Governor Mills also announced the postponement of indoor bar and tasting room reopening until further notice. Originally scheduled to reopen in November, indoor bar and tasting room service has been postponed indefinitely due to the "elevated risk presented by bars and tasting rooms, and the growing number of coronavirus cases in other states. Further information regarding the Keep Maine Healthy plan can be found here.

As part of the November 1 announcement, Governor Mills also adjusted Maine’s travel protocols and indoor gathering limits. Effective November 4, individuals traveling from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are no longer exempt from Maine’s quarantine or negative test requirement. People coming to Maine from these states must either quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test with a sample taken less than 72 hours from arrival in Maine, quarantining while awaiting test results. This protocol includes Maine residents returning from one of the non-exempt states. Additionally, beginning November 4, indoor gatherings will return to a maximum of 50 people, regardless of capacity (previously indoor seating was limited to 50 percent of permitted capacity or 100 people, whichever was less). The gathering limit on outdoor activities remains at 100 people under existing guidelines, with physical distancing and the use of face coverings.

October 7, 2020:

On October 6, Governor Mills announced that Stage 4 of Maine’s reopening plan will begin October 13. As part of Stage 4, businesses and organizations that serve people through seated activities – such as indoor dining, religious gatherings, and movie theaters – will be permitted to operate at 50 percent of their capacity, with a maximum of 100 people.

Governor Mills also expanded her Order requiring certain businesses to enforce the state’s face covering requirement. The rationale behind the expansion was to make clear that places, such as private schools and local government buildings, must join restaurants, lodging, and retail establishments in having their employees and clients’ wear face coverings.

September 21, 2020:

On September 17, Governor Mills issued an executive order reinstating weekly work search activity requirements for all unemployment claimants in order to retain eligibility to receive unemployment benefits beginning on October 4.

Further, Governor Mills announced on September 21, that her Administration will launch a second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program beginning Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Phase 2 will make available approximately $95 million in remaining funds from Phase 1 and expand access to the program by increasing the number of eligible businesses and non-profits. Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people will be eligible for grant rewards, as opposed to the 50-employee maximum of Phase 1. Applications for Phase 2 will be accepted Wednesday, September 23, 2020 through Friday, October 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. with grants expected to be awarded in late November. Additional information about the Maine Economic Recovery Grant can be found here.

September 3, 2020:

On September 2, 2020, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through October 1, 2020.

August 20, 2020:

On August 20, Governor Mills announced the launch of a $200 million economic recovery grant program to support small businesses. The program will provide financial relief for business and non-profit organization that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will not replace lost profits, but instead will provide short-term relief to help stabilize Maine’s economy.

To qualify for a grant, a business or nonprofit must demonstrate a need for financial relief based on lost revenues minus expenses incurred since March 1, 2020 due to COVID-19 or related public health response. The business or organization must demonstrate the following: (1) have significant operations in Maine; (2) employ less than a combined total of 50 employees and contract employees; (3) have been in operation for at least one year before August 1, 2020, not currently in bankruptcy and have not permanently ceased operations; (4) be current and in good standing with all Maine State payroll taxes, sales taxes, and state income taxes through July 31, 2020, and be in good standing with Maine Department of Labor; and (5) be in compliance and not subject to enforcement action with COVID-19 prevention checklist requirements.

The grants may be used to cover various expenses, including but not limited to payroll, mortgage or rent for business facilities, utilities, etc. The grant can be applied for beginning August 21, 2020 through September 9, 2020 and the grants will be awarded beginning in early October.

August 17, 2020:

On August 14, Governor Mills’ administration posted that more businesses, including movie theaters, restaurants, museums, campgrounds and RV parks, and gyms and fitness centers, can reopen as state enters Stage 3.

August 5, 2020:

On August 5, 2020, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through September 3, 2020.

August 3, 2020:

On July 30, Governor Mills announced a $1 million investment to help reduce large racial and ethic disparities in COVID-19 in Maine. The funding will expand education, prevention, and eligibility for services like food, child care, health care, and income support programs.

July 30, 2020:

On July 29, Governor Mills announced that the limit on large gathering for outside activities is being raised from 50 to 100 people beginning on Saturday, August 1. Additionally, on July 30, Governor Mills announced that effective Monday, August 3, MaineHousing will be doubling its rental assistance from $500 to $1,000 through the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program. Governor Mills also issued an executive order that states (1) landlords, agents of landlord, or property owners cannot attempt to evict a tenant by a means not authorized by law; (2) the 30 day notice requirement for a landlord to quit to an at-will tenant is extended to 45 days; and (3) the 7 day notice to a tenant for an arrearage is extended to 30 days.

July 20, 2020:

On July 17, in conjunction with the Maine’s Department of Education, Governor Mills released a framework to assist schools in reopening safely. While school districts will have the ultimate say on whether to reopen, the framework contains a list of health and safety precautions the state is asking all schools to implement. Among others, the framework encourages symptom screening, social distancing, and face masks. Additionally, Governor Mills also announced that her Administration will provide school superintendents and school boards with public health guidance in the form of a three-tiered health advisory system to assist them in making decisions about whether and how to bring students back to the classroom. The tiered system will be broken down by color depending on the COVID-19 risk and based on recent coronavirus case rates, positivity rates. The health advisory system will be posted on the Department of Education website beginning July 31 and will be updated on a biweekly basis.

July 9, 2020:

On July 8, Governor Mills issued an executive order requiring certain businesses to enforce the state’s face covering requirements. The executive order applies to large retail stores, restaurants, outdoor bars or tasting rooms, and lodging establishments located in certain coastal counties and some of Maine’s largest cities. The executive order also permits municipalities to enforce the use of face coverings in public spaces where social distance is not possible. The executive order can be found here.

July 1, 2020:

On July 1, Stage 3 of Maine’s reopening plan goes into effect. Spas, amusement and water parks, bowling alleys, and performing arts venues are permitted to reopen. Businesses are limited to no more than 50 people allowed in enclosed spaces, and all businesses must comply with the COVID prevention checklists located here. In addition, Governor Mills announced that visitors from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey are exempt from the 14-day quarantine or negative test requirement effective Friday, July 3. Governor Mills also announced a plan to issue an Executive Order that will require large retail stores, lodging establishments, restaurants, outdoor bars, and tasting rooms in the coastal counties and highly populated cities to enforce the state wide face covering requirement.

June 24, 2020:

On June 24, Governor Mills announced additional COVID-19 prevention checklists for businesses able to reopen during Stage 3. Under the Restarting Maine's Economy Plan, more personal services such as spas and massage facilities, as well as outdoor recreation like overnight summer camps will be able to voluntarily resume on July 1. A full list of prevention checklists can be found here.

June 22, 2020:

Governor Mills announced the postponement of indoor bar reopening until further notice. Originally scheduled to reopen on July 1 (Stage 3 of Keep Maine Healthy plan), indoor bar service has been postponed indefinitely due to the "elevated risk presented by bars" and the growing number of coronavirus cases in other states. Further information regarding the Keep Maine Healthy plan can be found here.

June 9, 2020:

On June 8, Governor Mills announced the Keep Maine Healthy Plan which updates the executive order that all out-of-state visitors must quarantine for 14 days or face a misdemeanor charge. Effective July 1, the Keep Maine Healthy Plan allows visitors (in lieu of quarantine) to sign and submit a certificate of compliance to their lodging facility that they have received a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their visit. The Plan also increases symptom checks at places where visitors tend to go and earmarks $13 million in state funds to help communities implement their own plans to help stop the coronavirus spread.

June 4, 2020:

On June 4, 2020, Governor Mills announced an extension of the COVID-19 rental assistance program that was established in April to help people struggling financially, because of the pandemic, some help getting their rent paid. The program allows households that meet certain income and ability-to-pay requirements to receive a one-time payment of up to $500. The money is paid directly to the landlord. When the landlord accepts the payment, they agree not to evict the tenant for the month to which it applies.

June 2, 2020:

On May 31, 2020, Governor Mills issued an order outlining the start of Phase 2 of Maine’s reopening plan. As of Monday, June 1, the number of people allowed at gatherings has been raised from 10 to 50. Additionally, the following may reopen (with proper social distancing):

• Lodging for Maine residents and out-of-state guests who complete quarantine guidelines;
• Campgrounds/RV parks for out-of-state residents who complete quarantine guidelines;
• Day camps;
• State Park campgrounds;
• Coastal State Parks, with some services;
• Community sports; and
• Tanning salons.

Further information on Maine’s reopening plan can be found here.

May 28, 2020:

Due to recent COVID-19 trends, on May 27, Governor Mills announced a delay for restaurant dine-in services in three counties: Cumberland, York and Androscoggin. Dine-in service in those counties had been scheduled to begin Monday, but these restaurants will only be allowed to offer outdoor dining. Other than restaurant restrictions in three counties, Phase 2 of Maine’s re-opening plan will continue as planned on June 1.

May 20, 2020:

On May 19, Governor Mills announced two updates to the state’s re-opening plan. The first update is that Maine residents will be able to visit campgrounds starting Memorial Day weekend, with enhanced health and safety precautions. Second, Maine will be delaying the re-opening of gyms, fitness centers, and nail salons, due to some new research and experiences from other states. Previously, gyms, fitness centers, and nail salons were scheduled to re-open on June 1 (Stage 2). Gyms and fitness centers are currently allowed to conduct outside classes of less than 10 participants and one-on-one instruction inside. Governor Mills’ Administration plans to announce an early June re-opening date for nail salons and indoor gyms and fitness centers.

May 15, 2020:

On May 14, Governor Mills announced that , effective immediately, Maine lodging providers can begin accepting future reservations for stays with an arrival date of June 1st and beyond for Maine residents and for non-residents who comply with the State’s 14-day quarantine requirement as required by the Governor Mills’ April 3 Order.

Further, the Department of Economic and Community Development today released additional COVID-19 Prevention Checklists for Stage 2 businesses tentatively slated to open in June under the Restarting Maine’s Economy Plan. The checklists, which provide health and safety guidance that businesses must commit to complying with in order to reopen, for the following have been posted:

• Lodging
• Campgrounds
• Nail salons

May 10, 2020:

On May 8, 2020, Governor Mills announced a rural reopening plan. Under the plan, retail stores and restaurants will be permitted to open to in-store and some dine-in service, respectively – with enhanced safety precautions – in counties where community transmission are not present, including Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc. Retail stores in these counties are permitted to open on Monday, May 11, 2020 with added health and safety precautions, including customer limits and social distancing. Restaurants in these same counties are permitted to open on Monday, May 18, 2020 with added health and safety precautions, including physically distancing customers, ensuring employees follow enhanced hygiene and sanitation practices, and controlling customer flow through reservations whenever possible. The May 11 and May 18 timelines align with the opening of the same businesses in New Hampshire.

On a statewide basis, Governor Mills also announced the following statewide adjustment to Stage 1 of Restarting Maine’s Economy plan:

• Fitness and exercise gyms, initially categorized in Stage 2, will now be permitted to open on May 11th for outdoor classes of 10 or less. One-on-one personal training inside fitness centers will be also be permitted.

April 30, 2020:

On April 28, 2020, Governor Mills extended the shelter at home order until May 31, 2020. The Governor’s order also included a plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy. The plan establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins May 1st. Stage 1 also allows for the limited expansion of certain business, religious, and quality of life activities, with appropriate safety precautions. Specifically, Stage 1 businesses include:

• Health care from Maine-licensed providers, with recommendations that they prioritize care for patients with time-sensitive conditions; assure the safety of patients, staff, and communities; manage the use of essential resources such as personal protective equipment and testing supplies; and pace re-opening services to the level of community COVID-19 activity, maintaining capacity in our hospitals for potential outbreaks
• Personal services: Barber shops, hair salons, and pet grooming
• Limited drive-in, stay-in-your-vehicle religious services
• Drive-in movie theaters
• Outdoor recreation: guided outdoor activities (hunting & fishing) and restricted use of golf and disc golf courses
• State parks, state-owned public land trails, and historic sites; although certain coastal state parks will remain closed
• Auto dealerships and car washes

April 28, 2020:

On April 28, 2020, Governor Mills extended the shelter at home order until May 31, 2020. The Governor’s announcement also included a plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy. The plan establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins May 1st. Stage 1 also allows for the limited expansion of certain business, religious, and quality of life activities, with appropriate safety precautions. Specifically, Stage 1 businesses include:

• Health care from Maine-licensed providers, with recommendations that they prioritize care for patients with time-sensitive conditions; assure the safety of patients, staff, and communities; manage the use of essential resources such as personal protective equipment and testing supplies; and pace re-opening services to the level of community COVID-19 activity, maintaining capacity in our hospitals for potential outbreaks
• Personal services: Barber shops, hair salons, and pet grooming
• Limited drive-in, stay-in-your-vehicle religious services
• Drive-in movie theaters
• Outdoor recreation: guided outdoor activities (hunting & fishing) and restricted use of golf and disc golf courses
• State parks, state-owned public land trails, and historic sites; although certain coastal state parks will remain closed
• Auto dealerships and car washes

April 26, 2020:

The Stay At Home Order in Maine is currently set to expire on April 30. That Order closes all non-essential businesses and requires all residents to stay at home except for non-essential activities. Governor Mills Governor Janet Mills outlined her vision for a gradual and safe reopening of Maine’s economy, which will be guided by four principles: (1) Protecting Public Health; (2) Maintaining Health Care Readiness; (3) Building Reliable and Accessible Testing; and (4) Prioritizing Public-Private Collaboration. The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) will be working with representatives from Maine's business community to get their perspective. The DECD has opened a portal to solicit ideas from the public here. Further and up to date information on all orders in place in Maine can be accessed here.

April 17, 2020:

On April 16, 2020, Governor Mills signed an order preventing eviction proceedings for any tenant unable to pay due to the impact of the coronavirus, except for those who engage in dangerous or unlawful conduct for the duration of the state of emergency.

April 15, 2020:

On April 14, 2020, Governor Mills signed a proclamation extending Maine’s state of civil emergency through May 15. Maine’s stay healthy at home mandate continues through April 30.

April 10, 2020:

On April 8, 2020, Governor Mills issued an Order which suspends provisions of Maine law that require in-person witnessing and notarization of legal documents in the state. Notaries may notarize signatures virtually through real-time audio and visual means so long as the notary and signer are both physically located within the state at the time of signing, the signing is visually seen by the person that that confirms it and recording of the act is kept for at least 5 years. Below the signature line, witnesses and/or notary must include the phrase “Notarized (and/or Witnessed) remotely, in accordance with Executive Order 37 FY 19/20.” This Order terminates 30 days termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

April 7, 2020:

Governor Mills issued an Order expanding telehealth services, and temporarily relaxing certain licensing requirements for healthcare providers. This Order allows all health care providers licensed by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) to: provide telehealth services; extend license expiration dates; and not have to complete continuing education requirements for a certain period. In addition, certain health care providers licensed by OPOR, such as respiratory care therapists and pharmacists may: receive a temporary license to provide health care in person or through telehealth, with no application fee, if currently licensed in another state; and reactivate their Maine license immediately, with no application fee, if retired within the last three years.

April 3, 2020:

Governor Mills issued an Order mandating quarantine for anyone traveling to Maine from another state or country for a non-essential purpose must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The Order exempts individuals who are providing essential services as defined by Governor Mills’ March 24 Executive Order. The Order became effective on April 3, 2020, and extends until at least April 30, 2020.

April 2, 2020:

Governor Mills issued a stay at home order. The order, which goes into effect at 12:01 AM on April 2, 2020 and lasts through April 30, 2020, requires all persons currently living within the State of Maine to stay at home or their place of residence, except for essential personal reasons, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes. This order does not apply to individuals with essential jobs, as outlined by the March 24 Executive Order.

March 31, 2020:

Governor Mills has opened an appeal process for businesses whose functions are not listed as essential. If a business disagrees with its designation as non-essential, it may request designation as an essential business.

March 25, 2020:

Governor Mills issued an Executive Order requiring all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing. This Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than 10 workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible. Non-essential businesses and operations may continue activities that do not involve these types of in-person contact and convenings and should facilitate the maximum number of employees working remotely. This Order excludes essential services, which includes, among others agriculture, industrial manufacturing, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), food processing, home repair and hardware, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical, behavioral health and health care providers, child care, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and animal feed and supply stores, shipping stores, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging. The Order is effective March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12 a.m.

March 24, 2020:

Governor Mills issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses. requiring all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing. This Order also closes non-essential business sites that require more than 10 workers to convene in a space where physical distancing is not possible. Non-essential businesses and operations may continue activities that do not involve this type of in-person contact and should facilitate the maximum number of employees working remotely. This Order excludes essential services, which includes, by reference, all critical infrastructure as defined by CISA guidelines, among other businesses including agriculture, industrial manufacturing, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), food processing, home repair and hardware, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical, behavioral health and health care providers, child care, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and animal feed and supply stores, shipping stores, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging. The Order is effective March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and extends for a period of 14 days through April 8, 2020 at 12 a.m.

March 18, 2020:

Governor Mills issued an executive order that closed restaurant dining rooms, bars, and banned gatherings of more than 10 people in the state. This Order is effective 6 p.m. March 18, 2020 through midnight of March 31, 2020.