News

Maine to review new mask guidance from U.S. CDC as state officials urge residents to get vaccinated

Maine to review new mask guidance from U.S. CDC as state officials urge residents to get vaccinated

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Maine Governor Janet Mills has directed state agencies to review new guidance from the U.S. CDC on masking.

The U.S. CDC on Tuesday said Americans in places where cases of coronavirus are surging should wear a mask in public indoor settings even if they’re fully vaccinated, in an effort to tamp down on the spread of the highly contagious delta variant.

New cases are on the rise in Maine, but health officials say they hope that the high vaccination rate will prevent a more substantial increase.

The governor on Tuesday announced that she directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Maine CDC to review the new guidance. She said she expected the review to be completed Wednesday, at which point any changes to the masking policy will be announced.

“I expect that review to be completed tomorrow, at which point we will announce what changes, if any, will be made to our current public health recommendations here in Maine,” Mills said in a statement on Tuesday. “In the meantime, we continue to strongly urge all Maine people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated. It is the best and most effective way to protect your health and that of your family, friends, and communities.”

Maine dropped it’s mask mandate back in May.

Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah on Tuesday once again urged Mainers to get vaccinated, and to consider masking up in indoor public settings in areas of the state with higher virus transmission, like York and Piscataquis counties, even if you are vaccinated.

 

Latest Headlines

10 hours ago in Local

Maine Lawmakers Pass Bill to Let Jails Turn Away Some ICE Detainees

Governor Mills has indicated she will sign the bill.

12 hours ago in Local

Two Arrested in Gardiner for Drug Dealing, Gun Charges

Officers say they saw what looked like illegal drugs at the residence.

15 hours ago in Local

New Hampshire Man Dead in I-95 Crash in Newport

Maine State Police say they were on their way to assist a stopped car in the travel lane of I-95.

15 hours ago in Local

Casco Bay Lines considers another fare hike for passengers

Riding the ferry in Casco Bay could get more expensive as the ferry line considers a 21 percent increase for passenger fares.

15 hours ago in Local

Sen. Collins’ office says remark about not seeking another term after November was an “off-hand comment”

Sen. Susan Collins is walking back her comment that she would only serve one more term if elected in November.