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
- Feb. 17: Governor Mills has extended the State of Civil Emergency in Maine through March 19. This allows Maine to draw down critical federal resources and to deploy all available tools to respond to and contain COVID-19.
Feb. 16: The State has announced the purchase of 250,000 BinaxNOW rapid antigen tests, which will be prioritized for use in schools, along with health care and long-term care sites, to expand regular testing in schools and support in-person learning. - Feb. 12: Governor Mills issued an Executive Order (PDF) to provide greater flexibility in gathering limits for houses of worship in Maine. Under the order, houses of worship may now accommodate five people per 1,000 square feet of space, or up to 50 people, whichever is greater.
- Feb. 11: A case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been detected in Maine. This is the first case in Maine of this variant, which was initially discovered in the United Kingdom and has now been detected in 34 other states.
- Jan. 28: With public health metrics for COVID-19 showing improvement, Governor Mills has announced the end of the 9 p.m. early closing time for certain businesses, effective Monday, February 1.
- Jan. 28: The State of Maine has launched an interactive COVID-19 Vaccination dashboard.
- Jan. 18: A list of vaccination sites now accepting, or preparing to accept, vaccine appointments for Maine residents age 70 and over is now available.
- Jan. 13: Governor Mills has announced updates to Maine’s strategy for distributing its limited allocation of COVID-19 vaccines targeted toward preventing serious illness and saving the lives of Maine people.
For the latest on COVID-19 vaccination in Maine, please visit our vaccine page.
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.
CDC Updates
Maine’s CDC updates COVID-19 cases on its website every day. Dr. Nirav Shah, Maine CDC director, holds a live public briefings multiple times per week. Watch here or visit MainePublic on YouTube to view past briefings.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Maine is committed to an accessible, flexible and equitable vaccination effort. The supply of COVID-19 vaccines is limited, so they must be distributed in a phased approach.
Maine is currently in Phase 1b.
For more about Maine's vaccine process, data, and when you are eligible for vaccination, please visit our vaccine website.
Travel and Visitor Information
If you are traveling, or planning to travel to Maine, please consult the Keep Maine Healthy plan and FAQs for the latest guidance. A list of Maine COVID-19 testing sites is here.
The plan relies on three cornerstones: 1) testing that encourages all visitors to “know before you go”; 2) screening for symptoms among travelers; and 3) engaging Maine communities to promote COVID-19-prevention best practices and public health education.
States Currently Exempted From Testing Requirements
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
Text alerts
To receive updates on Maine’s response to COVID-19, text MECOVID to 898-211 to sign up.
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.
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. All out-of-state travelers coming into Maine, and Maine residents returning to Maine, must either receive a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to arrival or complete a 10-day quarantine, per the Keep Maine Healthy plan.
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 mandated wearing a cloth face covering (PDF) in public settings. Wash your hands often, and for at least 20 seconds. Cover all coughs and sneezes.
Testing
In addition to orders from physicians, the State now allows anyone with elevated risk of COVID-19 to receive a test without an physician order. It remains advised to 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. 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.
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
Maine Economic Recovery Support
Maine’s small businesses and their workers are the backbone of our economy. For the latest information on business supports, please visit the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the Small Business Administration, and the Finance Authority of Maine, or email business.answers@maine.gov.
Restarting Maine’s Economy
The Mills Administration has prepared a plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy, which established four gradual stages of reopening.
- Follow the plan here.
- Prevention checklists for businesses are available on the DECD website.
Economic Recovery Committee
Gov. Janet Mills has created an Economic Recovery Committee to offer expert recommendations on sustaining and growing Maine's economy during and after COVID-19. Read its final report on its website.
Support for Students and Families
K-12 Response
The Maine Department of Education, in collaboration with public health experts, created this framework for safely reopening Maine schools. The Department has also launched a dashboard tracking COVID-19 cases in Maine schools, available here.
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.