COVID-19: Maine Eases Business Restrictions in Select Counties and Increases Retail Store Capacity Limits Statewide

On June 15, 2020, Maine Governor Janet Mills announced a modification to the state’s reopening plan to allow restaurants in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties to open for indoor dining. This change follows a stabilization of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates in those three counties. In addition, Governor Mills also moved up the reopening dates for gyms, nail salons, and tattoo parlors, and increased the number of customers permitted in a retail store at one time. The following is an overview of the latest changes that begin on Wednesday, June 17, 2020:

• Restaurants in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties are allowed to resume indoor dining with added health and safety protocols. This change means that restaurants statewide may now be open for both inside and outside dining.
• Bars, breweries, and tasting rooms in Androscoggin, Cumberland, and York counties are permitted to open for outdoor, seated service. In addition, gyms, nail salons, and tattoo parlors in these three counties may reopen with added health and safety protocols.
• Retail establishments may now allow up to five customers per 1,000 square feet. Retail stores must continue requiring staff to wear cloth face coverings and follow strict public health precautions.

Despite these changes, the Mills Administration has noted that it reserves the right to roll back changes or add new restrictions if any counties or business sectors experience a rise in COVID-19 cases. We will continue to keep you up-to-date on Maine’s economic reopening and recovery efforts.

For questions on these changes, or for assistance or guidance in reopening your business, please contact firm attorneys Ann Robinson, or Elizabeth Frazier.