News

Maine lifts mask mandate as State House reopens still requiring face coverings

Maine lifts mask mandate as State House reopens still requiring face coverings

Photo: clipart.com


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.

Latest Headlines

14 hours ago in Local

Police arrest 3 accused of running from crash scene in Richmond

Three men from Venezuela accused of running from police after a crash in Richmond are facing charges.

14 hours ago in Local

Portland police chief responds to reports that officers cooperated with ICE

Portland's Police Chief says the city does not participate in federal immigration enforcement.

16 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Ryan Coogler aware of potential Oscar history ahead but focused on ‘Sinners’ team before ceremony

Ryan Coogler understands what Sunday night could mean for Oscar history. He's just not dwelling on it. Instead, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker is looking forward to spending one more night with his "Sinners" collaborators who helped bring the film to life.

16 hours ago in National, Trending

US forecasts blizzard, polar vortex, heat dome and atmospheric river all at once

Days of downpours have begun in Hawaii. The Southwest will soon bake with day after day of record 100-degree-plus (38 Celsius-plus) heat. Two storms will dump snow by the foot over northern Great Lakes states. And the dreaded polar vortex will again invade the Midwest and East with soul-crushing Arctic chill. This forecast of extremes comes as weather whiplash has already hit much of the East.

2 days ago in Local

One Person Stabbed in Mattawamkeag Home Invasion

Deputies say the victim had left the scene in a vehicle and was subsequently located at another residence.