Governor Janet T. Mills Answers Questions at Today’s Daily Briefing in Augusta.  (No, It Looks as Though She Has Not Cheated and Gone to a Hair Salon!)

Governor Janet Mills announced today at the 2:00 pm daily briefing that changes could be coming to the hospitality industry to give it more flexibility during this pandemic when the economic losses stand to be severe without some relief from the restrictions currently in place.

When questioned by the press, the Governor suggested that outdoor dining is under consideration.  An announcement on the subject could be coming in the next few days.

The Governor also announced that she is convening an Economic Recovery Committee charged with developing recommendations to mitigate the damage to Maine’s economy caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and to jumpstart a long-term economic recovery for Maine.  The thirty-seven member Committee is co-chaired by Laurie Lachance and Jose Broder.  The first report will be submitted no later than July 15 and the final report on December 1, 2020.  The Committee plans to begin meeting immediately to meet these deadlines.  Lachance, is the former Maine State Economist and President of Thomas College, Waterville.  Broder is CEO of Tilson.

The Committee is charged with addressing five key issues, although public health matters are not one of them.  The key issues do include:  strengthening Maine’s key industries and small businesses, strengthening workforce development, improving opportunities for lower and middle income families, expanding economic opportunities for rural communities and finally, attracting new investments and innovations in key sectors such as business, communication, health care, recreation and education.

Dr. Shah gave an update on the number of confirmed cases of the deadly virus at Tyson Foods, Portland.  A total of fifty-one (51) cases have now been confirmed among the roughly 400 employees.  No more details were available as to the cleaning that is occurring and for how long the plant is “idled.”  Sixty-two deaths in the state have occurred, one more than yesterday.

Unfortunately, city of Portland officials have not issued a statement of support and compassion for Tyson employees, their families and others in the city who have been diagnosed with the COVID-19.  What a missed opportunity to show leadership.  What a vacuum of leadership there is here in Portland.