Tents for Outdoor Dining at N to Tail on Exchange Street This Afternoon, in the Old Port of Portland Were a Colorful and Appealing Site.

This  Stunningly Handsome Friesian Horse,  was Strolling Through the Old Port  This Afternoon Turning Lots of Heads with his Handler and Lab Friend Accompanying Him. Hercules, is 9 years old, and is “looking for a girlfriend” said his handler in the left background.  The Beige Backend of Molly, his Lab Buddy. Can be Seen to the Left.

“COVID-19 has hit Maine’s tourism industry hard and has caused people from across the country to question whether it is safe to travel.  That is why my Administration has worked hard to put forward a testing alternative that protects the health of Maine people, visitors and employes and that allows us to market Maine as a safe place to visit.  Just yesterday, I received a message from a person in Maine who was initially frustrated by the proposal, but who told me that, in the end, it may have saved the life of  her family member.  Here is what she wrote to me:

“My husband works in healthcare administration in Maryland.  Save For Face Time.  I haven’t seen him since early March.  We planned that he would drive from Maryland tomorrow (Friday) to Maine.  We were upset with Governor Mills announcement on Monday, concerned that he wouldn’t be ‘let into’ the state so he proactively took a COVID-19 test early Tuesday.  He learned just two hours ago that he’s COVID positive.  He is asymptomatic and will take an antibody test later today.  This was a clear shot across the bow for our family as we have an extended “familial bubble” that includes an immuno-compromised family member that may have led to devastating consequences.  You have my permission to cite this experience but respectfully request that you not identify our family.”

“Our plan is working and our Administration is working hard to protect the health of Maine people and ensure that our state is a safe place for all people to to visit this summer.  I, too, am deeply concerned about our economy.  But, I can think of nothing more devastating than an outbreak or resurgence of this deadly, untreatable virus during the height of tourism season. Nothing would be worse for our economy and for the tourism industry, in particular.  I want visitors, staff and the public to know that they are protected by every means possible.”