Remaining Vigilant: Q & A
Good Afternoon Everyone,
Another round of thanks to everyone for adhering to our State’s mandates for social distancing and staying at home whenever possible. The data show that our collective efforts have been effective! Maine has done a much better job at “flattening the infection curve” than most other states.
Current projections show that we are now two and a half weeks away from the virus’s peak in Maine, which should crest between April 20-23. We can be hopeful that things will wind down within another four to six weeks after the peak. We will have to remain vigilant through the month of May, but by then there should be a light at the end of tunnel.
This means we must continue to be ultra-careful until then. We can do it - let’s put this thing behind us! I know each and every one of us looks forward to and deserves a more carefree summer.
As a reminder to maintain all safety protocols being asked of us, here is an excerpt of some helpful Q & As that ran in Wednesday’s Portland Press Herald:
Q: Can I still go to the supermarket, pharmacy, gas station or hardware store?
A: Yes, you can, but it must be for essential household supplies and medications. Stores will be required to enforce limits on the number of customers who can be inside their building at one time.
Q: Can I go for a hike, exercise or take my dog for a walk?
A: Yes, you can still do so provided that you comply with the 6-foot physical distancing guideline. Keep in mind that most state parks and beaches are closed, to prevent large gatherings.
Q: Are there restrictions on personal travel or using public transportation?
A: Yes. The governor’s order prohibits anyone from using public transportation unless “absolutely necessary, for an essential reason, or for an essential job that cannot be done from home.” The order also stipulates that people driving private vehicles carry passengers only from their immediate household.
Q: Will essential stores and businesses be required to limit the number of customers inside at any one time?
A: Yes. The in-store customer cap will depend on the size of the store.
Q: Does the governor’s order stop people from coming to Maine from out of state?
A: Not yet. Mills has repeatedly said she does not have the authority to prevent people from coming to Maine, but on Tuesday she said she will insist that people coming to Maine from other states or Maine residents returning to the state – snowbirds who went south for the winter, for example – self-quarantine for 14 days.
Q: Will restaurants or bars be allowed to open for dine-in customers anytime in the near future?
A: The Governor also extended the closure of restaurants and bars statewide for dine-in customers until at least April 30, 2020 to align with Tuesday’s Executive Order.
Q: Can I take my laundry to the laundromat or dry cleaner?
A: Yes. Laundromats and dry cleaners are deemed essential services, but customers need to maintain 6 feet of space.
Q: Can I travel to an educational institution to pick up meals or instructional materials for distance learning?
A: Yes. The order considers travel for those purposes to be an essential personal activity.
Q: How long do we have to abide by the governor’s order?
A: At least until April 30, but the governor has the authority to amend, rescind or extend the order at any time.
It is going to take each and every one of us strictly adhering to these guidelines to continue to keep each other as safe and healthy as possible. Let’s all do our part!
With thanks,
Heidi