Maine continues to follow the phased reopening plan issued by Governor Mills on April 28, 2020. See this alert for more information. However, as new information and greater testing capacity has become available, the Governor’s office has worked with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to revise elements of the plan as appropriate. 

Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Governor Mills announced several changes to the reopening plan aimed at easing some restrictions for Mainers while ensuring ongoing prevention practices are in place.

For information on what other states are doing, check out our state-by-state resource covering all New England states.

Private Campgrounds Now Open to Mainers on May 22

• Permitted to open May 22, 2020 to Maine residents only.

• Beginning June 1, campgrounds will be open to out-of-state guests who comply with the Governor’s 14-day quarantine order.

• DECD has issued a checklist for campgrounds regarding COVID-19 prevention practices.

• Note that out-of-state residents who own RVs and who lease space on an annual basis at campgrounds are permitted to access their property now, but are required to quarantine for 14 days or for their entire period of stay in Maine if if they are in Maine for fewer than 14 days.

Delayed Opening of Gyms, Fitness Centers, and Nail Salons

In light of new information concerning the spread of COVID-19 in gyms, fitness centers, and nail salons, Governor Mills has pushed back the reopening date for these businesses from June 1 to a future date to be determined in early June. Starting May 11, gyms and fitness centers are permitted to hold outdoor classes of up to ten people. One-on-one physical fitness training can also continue.

New and Updated DECD Business Reopening Checklists

On May 20, DECD released several new and updated industry-specific prevention checklists:

• Construction – new! The Maine Department of Labor had previously released a guidance document for construction employers, but DECD has now published its own prevention checklist for construction projects generally.

• Day Camps and Summer Recreation Programs – new! Permitted to open June 1 as part of Phase II.

• Overnight Summer Camps – new! Permitted beginning June 1, as part of Phase II. See our alert on overnight summer camps for more information

  • Camps with one long summer session are open to Maine residents and out-of-state residents. Out-of-state residents are not required but are encouraged to complete a 14-day quarantine prior to arrival at camp – the quarantine must be conducted in the state of Maine.

  • Multiple sessions per summer lasting fewer than two weeks - limited to Maine residents.

  • Camp sessions lasting two weeks or more – out of state residents permitted but must complete 14-day quarantine before arrival at camp – the quarantine must be conducted in the state of Maine.

• Community Sports – new! Permitted beginning June 1, as part of Phase II. DECD discourages travel games and scrimmages between teams in the same town, and encourages a focus on activities where physical distancing is possible.

• Large Social Gatherings –new! Beginning June 1, large gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted.  This checklist includes considerations for large gatherings including community events and weddings.

• Public and Community Buildings – new! Rural counties were able to open on May 11, but all counties are permitted to open June 1 as part of Phase II. Public and community buildings include municipal offices and libraries.  

• Tanning – new! Permitted to open on June 1 as part of Phase II.

• Golf and Disc Golf Courses – updated! Permitted to open on May 1 as part of Phase 1. This update limits the use of golf carts to members of the same household unless there are plexiglass or solid barriers installed between the seats.

• Guided Hunting, Fishing, Boating and Outdoor Activities – updated! Permitted to open on May 1 as part of Phase 1. This update requires that all clients be from the same household unless physical distancing can be maintained.