Social Distancing Continued
Good Afternoon,
As we enter our eighth week of stay-at-home mandates and social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all anxious to move beyond the rigorous health and safety restrictions we’re adhering to now. These include a stay-at-home ordinance until May 31; wearing cloth face coverings in public; practicing social distance; and continuing to wash our hands frequently.
As the sun starts to shine in earnest and the temperatures warm, we are all eager to get outside and back to some semblance of normal. However, it is important that we do not get ahead of ourselves and put others at risk because we are weary of the sacrifices we’ve had to make to try and stop this pandemic in its tracks. Now more than ever, it is imperative to refrain from socializing in groups, venturing outside without a mask, or doing anything that might put you or another at risk of contracting this virus.
Maine has made a great deal of progress in its fight against COVID-19 and has started to see a flattening of the curve. Governor Mills recently announced the state’s plan to reopen the Maine economy, which began the first of its four phases on May 1. This phased effort to reopening business, travel and daily activity was created to ensure a gradual, safe and successful approach that continues to protect citizens from this consistent threat.
I would like to take a moment to remind you of each phase and its corresponding date. Click here to read the governor’s full plan. Please note, progress will be determined by public health metrics, virus trends and innovations surrounding health and safety in the workplace.
Phase 1, begins May 1. Gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, and people entering Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days. At-risk people should stay at home. Employees who are able should continue to work from home, and all business that have been allowed open should remain so.
New openings: Time-sensitive health care not related to COVID-19, drive-in theatres, state parks away from the coast, public land trails, marinas, golf courses, hair salons, car dealerships.
Phase 2, begins June 1. Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, and people entering Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days. At-risk people should stay at home, legal and professional fields may return to work as needed, and all business that have been allowed open should remain so.
New openings: Restaurants, lodging, camp grounds, coastal state parks, day camps for children, fitness centers, nail salons, all retail businesses.
Phase 3, begins July - August. Gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, and people entering Maine must self-quarantine for 14 days. At-risk people should stay at home, legal and professional fields may return to work as needed, and all business that have been allowed open should remain so.
New openings: Bars, lodging for out of state visitors, state park campgrounds, summer camps, spas, tattoo parlors, personal care and treatment facilities.
Phase 4, TBD. All businesses are open and operating with appropriate safety modifications.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate our progress, and also our determination to be resolute in our fight against this unyielding foe. Together, with patience and adherence to these new guidelines, we will overcome.
With thanks,
Heidi