News

Masks no longer required as Maine Legislature gathers

Masks no longer required as Maine Legislature gathers

Photo: clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) Maine lawmakers are reconvening without a mask requirement for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Legislative leaders lifted the mask mandate this week, and the full Legislature was gathering for the first time since then on Wednesday.

Anger boiled over last year when seven conservative lawmakers entered the State House without wearing masks, frustrated over rules that were stricter than those in place for the public at large. That resulted in the lawmakers losing their committee assignments.

The vote by the Legislative Council to lift the masking requirement for lawmakers was anticlimactic, and it came against a backdrop of declining COVID-19 hospitalizations decline in Maine.

A universal masking recommendation for public schools and child care providers was also lifted on Wednesday.

Latest Headlines

6 hours ago in Local

Minor Earthquake Hits Historic Maine Island

There have been about 170 recorded earthquakes in Maine since 1997.

7 hours ago in Local

Maine State Police Make Arrest in Child Sex Investigation

Police Car

Police are asking for public help to identify other people involved in the crime.

7 hours ago in Local

1 person, dog dead after house fire in Kennebec County

A fire at a home in Benton left one person and a dog dead.

7 hours ago in Local

“Do Not Eat” advisory issued for wild animals in Kennebec, Waldo counties over PFAS concerns

Wildlife officials are issuing a new Do Not Eat advisory for wildlife contaminated with PFAS in eastern Kennebec and western Waldo Counties.

14 hours ago in Local

Portland Mayor Says Live Nation Venue Moving Forward After Heavy Opposition

A proposal would require Live Nation to pay a community benefit fee.