A message from Governor Janet Mills

Time and again, Maine people have risen to the challenges put in front of us. We have survived blizzards, ice storms, depressions, booms and busts. We’ve suffered loss — as a state and as families. We have conquered them because we are a strong, resilient people – borne of the western foothills; the northern potato fields; the bold, rocky coasts; and the tall, pine forests. We have been lifted up by the courage, conviction and resilience that comes from loving a place and its people. Let us continue to prepare, take every precaution, remain both careful and compassionate. We will get through this.

    What you need to know

    Last updated at 5:48 p.m., May 13, 2020

    For prior response items, please visit the COVID-19 response timeline. 

    Maine’s COVID-19 Response

    See the latest news releases, radio addresses, executive orders from Gov. Janet Mills, as well as a timeline of the administration's response to COVID-19. 
     

    Restarting Maine’s Economy, a plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy.

    CDC Daily Updates 

    Maine’s CDC updates COVID-19 cases on its website every day. Dr. Nirav Shah, Maine CDC director, holds a live public briefing each weekday. Watch here or visit MainePublic on YouTube to view past briefings.

    A-Z Agency Directory

    Every state agency is responding to challenges from COVID-19. Explore this directory of state resource pages to find the answers or support you need.

    Text alerts

    To receive updates on Maine’s response to COVID-19, text MECOVID to 898-211 to sign up.

    Give Help

    Maine Helps connects you with ways to immediately help support nonprofits, businesses, and your community in the fight against COVID-19.

    Find Help

    If you or your loved ones need assistance during this time, please call 211, search for resources on 211maine.org, email info@211maine.org, or text your ZIP code to 898-211 for a response. All inquiries are free and confidential.

    Stay Healthy, Stay at Home

    For more on keeping yourself and your loved ones healthy, visit the Maine CDC.

    Know the symptoms

    Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, shortness of breath, and lower respiratory distress,and may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you, or someone you know, is exhibiting these symptoms, contact your medical provider.  

    Stay home

    Gov. Mills has issued a “Stay Safer at Home” Order for all Maine people through May 31. All out-of-state travelers coming into Maine, and Maine residents returning to Maine, are mandated to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

    Take every precaution

    Stock up on supplies, including daily medications. If you must leave your home for an essential reason, stay 6 feet away from other people. Maine has ordered wearing a cloth face covering in public settings where maintaining physical distancing is difficult. Wash your hands often, and for at least 20 seconds. Cover all coughs and sneezes.

    Testing

    Decisions to test are left to the clinical judgement of your medical provider. Contact your medical provider to determine whether you should be tested, and to find your nearest testing location. 

    Meeting Basic Needs

    Apply for assistance

    The Department of Health and Human Services administers several critical assistance programs to aid Mainers harmed by COVID-19 (PDF), which support food security, health care, emergency benefits and more. To learn more and apply, visit MyMaineConnection.

    Arrange for child care

    Licensed child care is available during “Stay Healthy at Home” order. To find options near you, follow this guidance (PDF). If you need help to afford child care, visit the Child Care Subsidy Program. For updates on how COVID-19 is affecting child care in Maine, visit the visit the DHHS Office of Child and Family Services.

    For providers

    Organizations that serve Maine people through MaineCare can find the latest guidance on the state’s COVID-19 policy response and regulatory changes from the Department of Health and Human Services.


     

    Support for Maine Workers

    Unemployment benefits

    File for unemployment benefits online and explore enhanced programs available due to COVID-19 through the Maine Department of Labor. You do not need to do anything special for unemployment claims related to COVID-19. For questions, contact the Department of Labor online, or call through this alphabetical system due to high demand.

    Guidance for employees

    For answers to common questions about sick and family leave, Maine’s labor laws, and other work-related issues, visit the Maine Department of Labor’s Guidance on Coronavirus Response and Updates. For more information about how coronavirus is affecting federal wage and family and medical leave laws visit the U.S. Department of Labor.

    For state workers

    State of Maine employees seeking additional guidance should visit the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services’s Coronavirus Disease Guidance.

    Support for Maine’s Economy

    Business relief

    Maine’s small businesses and their workers are the backbone of our economy. Several new programs, such as the Paycheck Protection Program, are now becoming available to support them due to COVID-19 disruption.

    Find the latest information from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the Small Business Administration, and the Finance Authority of Maine, or by emailing  business.answers@maine.gov.

    Restarting Maine’s Economy

    The Mills Administration has prepared a plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy. The plan establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins on May 1st. 

    Prevention checklists for businesses that can open in Stage 1are available on the DECD website.

    Business guidance

    Businesses that had been designated as performing essential services remain open to the public. Find the list of businesses here. Other businesses and dine-in service at restaurants and bars are now closed to the public, but may open based on guidance in the Restarting Maine's Economy plan. Curbside pickup and delivery options are permitted.

    Support for Students and Families

    K-12 continuity

    The Maine Department of Education is offering families, students and educators the latest resources for successful virtual learning and other COVID-19 response guidance.

    University of Maine

    The University of Maine System is updating its operations, policies and resources for students, faculty staff and families affected by COVID-19. 

    For parents and families

    The Maine Children’s Cabinet and Department of Education are compiling important advice and resources about talking with children about COVID-19, and coping with family stress and anxiety.

    Get Involved

    Stay Connected

    Use social media to connect with your friends, family and community, and follow Maine officials and agencies that are delivering important and timely COVID-19 information. Find who to follow here.

    Maine Ready

    A portal for volunteer opportunities in Maine that meet critical needs.

    Maine Responds

    Maine people with medical or public health experience are asked to register here in case their skills are needed.