Maine’s lifting its mask mandate for nearly everyone in the state today, regardless of someone’s immunization status.
gov. Janet Mills issued guidance last week that said people who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear face coverings in indoor public settings.
The order does not apply to children 5 and older in school or day care.
Also today, the state will lift indoor and outdoor capacity limits, and venues will no longer be required to adhere to physical distancing requirements.
Businesses will still have the right to require masks.
Disagreements over masks could raise tensions in Augusta as the Maine legislature prepares to return to the State House for the first time since March of 2020.
The legislative council voted to reopen the state house today while requiring people to continue wearing masks.
Republicans argue that the mask requirement defies federal public health recommendations and the contradictory guidance will only confuse Mainers.
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau said it’s better to be safe than sorry, citing the US. CDC’s guidance to continue wearing masks if you’re unvaccinated or in crowded indoor settings.
