We are now four months into responding to the COVID-19 crisis here in Maine. We are getting used to some of our new norms, like face masks and waiting in line to enter a store, and adapting as prevention efforts and reopening plans continue to change as our case numbers and solutions change across the state. But we are also about to welcome summer, a season that is truly special here in our neck of the woods. This summer will certainly be different, but it will still come, and there will still be a lot for us to experience.

Here in Maine we are taking good care to protect public health. Our COVID-19 case numbers are some of the lowest in the country, and that is in large part thanks to your efforts to follow social distance guidelines, to wear a mask when you are out, and to practice good handwashing. But we also want to ensure the health of our economy, and that requires protecting our tourism industry. The Governor recently announced changes to the rules around visitors to Maine that will help drive some additional visitors to the small businesses in our tourist towns.

Beginning June 12, residents of New Hampshire and Vermont, where COVID-19 rates are similar to those in Maine, were exempt from Maine’s travel restrictions. Beginning June 26, a negative COVID-19 test will allow visitors to forgo the 14-day quarantine, and there will be increased symptom checks at places travelers tend to go. This will allow for safety to remain the priority, but for more business to be done.

Governor Mills also announced that, beginning June 17, restaurants in Cumberland, York and Androscoggin Counties were welcome to open for indoor dining. This means that restaurants across the state will now be allowed to open after following public health protocols. I know I’m looking forward to visiting Sebago, MK Kitchen, Junction Bowl, Grand Central Wine Bar and the others when they reopen, and I encourage you to check in with your favorite restaurants to see when they plan to open their doors for dine-in service.

Thanks to a partnership with Maine-based IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., the state was able to triple its testing capabilities in May and will be quadrupling its capacity in July. The breakthrough means that anyone in Maine suspected of having COVID-19 can now receive a test, and starting soon there will be testing locations set up all over the state and more ability for visitors to be tested so they can forgo the 14-day quarantine. This type of public-private collaboration is welcome news for all of us and is crucial to reopening our economy safely, it has already allowed us to make adjustments to our reopening plan and to get more energy into our economy.

Maine businesses understand that the health of our economy depends on the health of our people. From Islesboro to Farmington, and from Biddeford to Brewer, we’re hearing about Maine stores that have shifted their manufacturing capabilities to fight COVID-19. Distilleries in Portland are now creating hand sanitizer, while Skowhegan’s Maine Stitching Specialties is making face masks and hospital curtains. Even large-scale companies, like L.L. Bean and New Balance, are chipping in to help this effort. Just like Mainers always do, these businesses saw a problem and found a solution. Now it’s up to us to support these local entrepreneurs and thank them for helping to keep us safe. If you’re interested in finding a locally made face covering, or learning more about how businesses in our area are responding, check out the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnertship’s COVID-19 website.

There’s no denying we’re living through an incredibly hard time that is having different and difficult impacts on everyone. If there’s anything I can do to help you, whether related to the pandemic or not, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Rep. Andrew McLean, D-Gorham, is serving his fourth term in the Maine House. He is House Chair of the Transportation Committee and represents parts of both Gorham and Scarborough.

(207) 939-8482 | (800) 423-2900 | andrew.mclean@legislature.maine.gov