Augusta (WGAN) — As the number of cases of Coronavirus continue rise, Governor Janet Mills is taking additional steps to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Mills issued an Executive Order on Wednesday mandating that all restaurants and bars statewide close to dine-in customers effective 6 p.m. Wednesday until midnight, March 31st. This order will still allow for take-out, delivery, and drive-through options.
In addition, Mills is prohibiting all gatherings of more than 10 people until further notice. She also is urging non-essential public-facing businesses, such as gyms, hair salons, theaters, casinos, shopping malls, to shutter operations for the next two weeks.
Mills said, “I do not take these steps lightly. Maine’s small businesses and their workers are the backbone of our economy, and I understand that these actions will not only impact them, they will also disrupt the lives of Maine people. However, COVID-19 continues to spread across Maine and more aggressive action is required to mitigate that spread and to protect the health and welfare of Maine people. My Administration is committed to working with businesses whose operations are affected by COVID-19. I continue to strongly urge all Maine people to take seriously the threat of this virus and to practice social distancing. We all have a responsibility to do our part.”
Mills does note that this does not include businesses such as food processing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, construction, trash collection, grocery and household goods (including convenience stores), home repair and hardware and auto repair, pharmacy and other medical facilities, biomedical and health care, child care, post offices and shipping outlets, insurance, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics and animal feed and supply stores, shipping stores, public transportation, and hotel and commercial lodging.
Governor Janet Mills strongly urged Mainers to implement social distancing measures, and to be sparing with visits to these businesses.
Mills also encouraged businesses to allow employees to work remotely, as the business will allow.
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