Administration will continue to review and revise guidelines to reflect progress on vaccinations and align with Maine’s strategy to combat COVID-19 

Augusta, MAINE –   The Mills Administration today posted updated COVID-19 Prevention Checklists for General Guidance and for Community Sports. These updates come after Governor Mills announced the Moving Maine Forward Plan, a new, multi-month plan that aims to provide clarity and predictability for Maine people and businesses in advance of the summer months and to establish Maine as a safe place to visit.  

Community Sports Guidelines: The Department of Economic and Community Development posted a new COVID-19 Prevention Checklist for Community Sports. These changes allow for all levels of play for low-risk sports, and for most levels of play for moderate-risk sports. High risk sports may also resume but only within team competition. The Community Sports Checklist applies to community-based sports clubs, teams, and events. It does not apply to professional and collegiate sports, which are governed by professional and intercollegiate association guidelines as well as applicable Executive Orders. The Maine Principals Association has committed to aligning its guidance for school sports with this revised guidance for community sports. 

General Guidance Checklist: The General Guidance COVID-19 Checklist  which outlines general public health guidance for individuals, businesses, and other settings, has been updated to outline general COVID-19 mitigation strategies for use across multiple business sectors. As a result, this streamlined approach to guidance will eliminate the need for some specific checklists for settings such as car washes, dog grooming, and construction businesses. Certain business sectors and activities will continue to have additional guidance specific to those settings which can be viewed at https://www.maine.gov/decd/covid-19-prevention-checklists. 

These changes are effective immediately

In the coming weeks, the Department of Economic and Community Development, in partnership with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, will continue to review and update Maine’s COVID-19 Prevention Checklists to reflect progress in vaccinations and to further align the guidelines with Maine’s strategy to combat COVID-19.  

Despite having the oldest median age population in the country, Maine, adjusted for population, ranks third lowest in total number of cases and fourth lowest in number of deaths from COVID-19, according to the U.S. CDC. The state’s seven-day testing volume is fifth best in the nation and the state’s seven-day positivity rate is the lowest in the nation, according to Johns Hopkins testing tracker. Additionally, according to Moody’s Analytics and CNN Business’s “Back to Normal Index”, Maine is best in New England in returning to pre-pandemic economic activity. 

Although vaccinations have begun, COVID-19 remains a serious public health threat and Maine people should continue to heed all health and safety protocols, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding large gatherings.