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Mills to put health first as Maine plans economic reopening

Mills to put health first as Maine plans economic reopening

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maine Gov. Janet Mills says the state is planning a phased-in reopening tailored to its economy and demographics.

But she says decisions will be driven, in her words, “first and foremost by the need to protect the public health.”

Mills says she wants to be sure the state doesn’t act too aggressively and cause another spike in COVID-19 cases. She also says the federal government needs to work with states to ensure there are adequate tests, personal protective gear and contact tracing.

Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah said Friday that a document put together by the Trump administration, which lays out guidelines for states to use as they decide whether or not to begin lifting restrictions, is a good starting point. Echoing Mills’ words, though, Shah said the plan, which allows for a phased-in reopening of the economy as the number of new coronavirus cases subsides, will need to be adjusted based on conditions in Maine specifically.

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