AUGUSTA, Maine (WGAN) Governor Janet Mills’ administration is accelerating the opening of businesses in 13 of Maine’s 16 counties.

The administration says tasting rooms and bars in all counties other than York, Cumberland and Androscoggin may open for outside business beginning Friday, June 12th. Gyms, fitness centers, nail salons and tattoo and piercing parlors can also open on that date in all of Maine’s counties besides York, Cumberland, and Androscoggin.

This accelerates the opening for those businesses in rural counties, which were originally set to open on July 1st.

The governor’s administration says the change comes as new data from those counties reveals low coronavirus case counts.

Businesses that open will still need to follow safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of the virus. The state has updated it’s Covid-19 prevention checklists for businesses to follow.