Mainers required to wear face coverings in public places starting Friday

AUGUSTA, Maine (WGME) – Mainers will be required to wear cloth face coverings in public places starting this Friday, according to Gov. Janet Mills’ order.

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The order requires Mainers to wear face coverings in public places where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

The order identifies public settings as:

• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Pharmacies and health care facilities
• Outdoor spaces such as playgrounds, busy parking lots, and other areas such as lines for take-out service where the public typically gathers in a smaller area
• Public transportation such as a taxi, Uber, Lyft, ride-sharing or similar service; ferry, bus, or train; and any semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area

Gov. Mills said cloth face coverings are not required for children under age 2, a child in a child care setting, or for anyone who has trouble breathing or related medical conditions, or who is otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

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Mills is encouraging Mainers to make their own cloth face coverings from common materials or to purchase them from a Maine-based company to support local businesses.

The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership has compiled a list of Maine companies producing face coverings.

The U.S. CDC advises the use of cloth face coverings in public settings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Research indicates that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 do not experience symptoms, and that those who go on to develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before feeling sick.

While a cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, the CDC said it may prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others. However, cloth face coverings are no substitute for physical distancing and other recommendations, according to Mills.

Cloth face coverings can be made at home from common materials.

Gov. Mills extended Maine’s stay-at-home order and laid out a gradual plan to re-open Maine’s economy.

The stay-at home-order was extended to May 31. The new order will continue to have Mainers stay home, with exceptions of already permitted activities. It will also allow Mainers to visit businesses and participate in activities under stage 1 of the re-opening plan. Gov. Mills says she has a four-stage plan to reopen the state.

Read Gov. Mills' timeline for reopening Maine's economy

The first stage begins this Friday.

Some personal service businesses like hair salons and barbershops will be able to open their doors on Friday.

The first stage still prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people, and those who are entering or returning to Maine still must quarantine for 14 days.

Other activities like drive-in movies, stay in your vehicle religious services and golf will be allowed.Certain state parks will also be cleared to open back up along with auto dealerships and car washes.

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The second stage starts June 1 and prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people. Certain workers will be able to return to the office unless they can continue at home.

Restaurants, gyms, and campgrounds will also open.

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Stage three will start July 1 and allow hotels, bars and personal services to reopen.

The fourth stage is lifting restrictions altogether in Maine. A specific start date for that has not been determined yet.