After well over a year, Governor Janet Mills says Maine’s State of Civil Emergency will expire at the end of the month.

On Friday, the governor’s administration announced that the state of emergency, which was declared to allow the state to make use of additional resources to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, will end June 30th.

The indoor mask requirement, which now only applies to pre K-12 schools and child care settings, will also end that day. Maine’s CDC still recommends, but will not require, individuals who are unvaccinated to wear face coverings indoors, including children under the age of 12 who are not yet eligible for a vaccine.

The state is also continuing to encourage school districts to take advantage of a free, pooled coronavirus testing system to help protect students until they are able to get vaccinated.

Between now and June 30th, departments will identify any policies that may need temporary extensions past that date, such as flexibilities for child care providers and home-and community-based services given ongoing pandemic-related challenges.

“After fifteen long, difficult months, ending the State of Civil Emergency is a welcome milestone that reflects the progress Maine has made in getting people vaccinated, reducing the spread of the virus, and getting back to normal,” Mills said in a statement. “Maine people have persevered, and, although challenges remain, we will get through them together just as we did this past year. I congratulate and thank Maine people for all they have done to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their fellow citizens.”