Governor Janet Mills on Tuesday announced Maine’s move to Stage 4 of it’s reopening plan, as the state continues to report a relatively low prevalence of coronavirus.

It’s welcome news for businesses that will have to rely on indoor seating during the winter months. They’ll be allowed to operate at 50% capacity for indoor seating, with a maximum of 100 people.

The change applies to restaurants, movie theaters, and religious gatherings, as well as any other business or organization that relies on indoor seating. Stage 4 begins Tuesday, October 13th. Appropriate health and safety practices, like social distancing, are still required at those establishments. The administration has released updated checklists for businesses and organizations on the state’s department of economic and community development website.

The expanded capacity does not apply to places like gyms. The outdoor gathering limit remains capped at 100 people.

The governor’s executive order also strengthens a face covering mandate, by requiring places like private schools and municipal buildings to adhere to mask-wearing. It also now applies statewide, instead of just in coastal counties and populous cities as it did previously.

The governor’s office says it also anticipates the reopening of indoor service at bars and tasting rooms beginning Monday, November 2nd.