Gov. Janet Mills today, May 13, reversed yesterday’s decision. Following a review by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Mills announced that the State of Maine will adopt the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidance which allows fully vaccinated Americans not to wear face coverings indoors, effective May 24.
Maine will also lift the physical distancing requirement at indoor public settings where people are eating or drinking and therefore would be removing their face covering – such as indoor restaurants, bars, dining areas in camps or in congregate living facilities, and break rooms.
Consistent with the U.S. CDC’s guidelines, it is recommended that people in Maine who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings in indoor public settings. The U.S. CDC requires people to wear masks on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation.
The May 24 date aligns with Maine’s previously-established timeline to remove restrictions and allows those who have not yet been vaccinated to receive at least their first shot prior to the change. This includes youth ages 12 to 15 who just became eligible for a vaccine this week. To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit Maine.gov/covid19/vaccines or call 1-888-445-4111.
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“We welcome this new guidance and we agree – being vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Janet Mills. “After a review of the new guidance, we are adopting the U.S. CDC’s recommendations, and we continue to strongly urge all Maine people to get their shots. There are appointments available across the state right now. As we get back to normal, rolling up your sleeve is going to ensure that you stay healthy and alive. Please don’t wait. Get your shot now.”
“For people who are not vaccinated, including children too young to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask remains one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself and your family against this highly contagious disease,” said Jeanne Lambrew, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. “We thank those who are fully vaccinated for doing their part to protect themselves and their communities, and ask them to consider wearing a mask in public places to give children the example they need to continue wearing one until a vaccine is available for them.”
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine CDC. “Vaccines are available throughout the state for people age 12 and older. If you have not been vaccinated, please take the time now to get shots for yourself and your loved ones age 12 and older.
