Dr. Nirav Shah, Director of the MaineCDC, at a COVID-19 Briefing Earlier This Year.

Effective May 24, 2021, Maine will adopt a new policy that allows fully vaccinated people not to wear face masks indoors according to a press release from Governor Mills office issued today.  This aligns with the policy of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) announced earlier this week.

Maine will also lift the physical distancing requirement at indoor public settings where people are eating or drinking and therefore would be removing their face coverings – such as indoor restaurants, bars, dining areas in camps or in congregate living facilities and break rooms.  Consistent with the US CDC’s guidelines it is recommended that people in Maine who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings in indoor public settings.  The US CDC requires people to wear masks on all planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.

The May 24th date aligns with Maine’s previously established timeline to remove restrictions and allows those who have  not yet been vaccinated to receive at least their first shot prior to the change.  This includes youth ages 12 to 15 who just became eligible for a vaccine this week.  To schedule a vaccine appointment, visit maine.gov/covid19/vaccines or call 1 – 888 – 445 -4111.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine CDC.  “Vaccines are available throughout the state for people age 12 and older.  If you have not been vaccinated, please take the time now to get shots for yourself and our loved ones age 12 and older.”