Gov. Janet Mills issued a tentative timeline Tuesday for reopening Maine’s economy.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, financial institutions, home repair services, car repair services and child care agencies are among those that have been allowed to operate while the stay-at-home order has been in effect.
The 14-day quarantine of people entering or returning to Maine will continue through at least August. Most people who can work from home will continue to do so, and people will be required to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where physical distancing measures are difficult.
Here is the tentative timeline, assuming a spike in COVID-19 infections doesn’t return.
May 1:
The prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people continues, but the following can reopen:
• Health care providers, with recommendations that they prioritize care for patients with time-sensitive conditions
• 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 and fishing) and restricted use of golf and disc golf courses
• State parks, state-owned public land trails and historic sites; certain coastal state parks will remain closed
• Auto dealerships and car washes
June 1:
The limit on gatherings rises to 50 people. Some people can return to their workplaces, including state employees. With limitations, the following can reopen:
• Restaurants
• Fitness and exercise centers and nail technicians
• Retail stores
• Lodging and campgrounds, for Maine residents and those who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement
• Day camps for Maine children and those who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement
• Coastal state parks
July 1:
The prohibition on gatherings of more than 50 people continues. The following can reopen:
• Hotels, campgrounds, summer camps and RV parks for Maine residents and visitors. Reservations should not be taken until state guidelines are issued.
• Outdoor recreation such as charter boats and boat excursions
• Bars
• Personal services such as spas, tattoo and piercing parlors, and massage facilities, among others
Time undetermined:
The final stage of reopening lifts all restrictions and allows all businesses and activities to resume with appropriate safety precautions. The state does not anticipate accepting any cruise or commercial passenger ships with more than 50 people this summer and will review the assessment in September. The prohibition excludes passenger ferries working between Maine ports.
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