Gov. Janet Mills has ordered that all people coming to Maine from other states must self-quarantine for 14 days, or face misdemeanor criminal charges and fines. She also suspended all lodging operations in the state, save for a few, narrow exceptions. Both actions are effective through April 30.

The Maine Municipal Association each Friday summarizes events surrounding the public health emergency in a brief update, primarily from a municipal viewpoint. This week’s update includes a bevy of municipally relevant actions by the Governor, “essential” employee guidance, the national unemployment rate, and more. For a more thorough list of resources, which we update several times a day, please visit our Coronavirus Updates and Resources web page.

The Maine Municipal Association has summarized some considerations and suggested best practices for municipalities if an employee,  vendor or frequent visitor to a public building tests positive for COVID-19. These guidelines address notification, vacating the affected work area, cleaning and returning to work. Web links are included for in-depth information.

The use of digital technology to hold public meetings is soaring as a result of the coronavirus emergency, and the City of Saco has produced a step-by-step guide on using Zoom and other meeting technologies. The document includes best practices, tips on incorporating written public comments – and more.

The Maine Municipal Association has been asked by members to help identify which town and city employees are considered “essential” during this period of a public health emergency, as determined by Gov. Janet Mills. Many municipal functions are “essential,” as determined by the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and by state law and local ordinances. MMA’s Legal Services Department today produced a two-page memo offering further guidance and analysis.

Gov. Janet Mills has extended the deadline to apply for several important tax programs, including: Open Space and Farmland; Tree Growth; and, Working Waterfront. The April 1 deadlines have been extended to July 1, 2020. Mills said the action is necessary to provide “flexibility and relief to landowners” during the ongoing public health emergency.

Since the start of Maine’s declared public health emergency, Gov. Janet Mills has issued orders extending and loosening many requirements regarding operating motor vehicles, including passenger vehicles and commercial ones. Her actions affect things such as temporary vehicle registration deadlines, driver’s licenses and identification cards, vision tests and other requirements. Law enforcement personnel have been notified.

Gov. Janet Mills, citing more than 300 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maine and five deaths tied to the outbreak, extended and intensified her stay at home order on Tuesday. Mills' order said only "essential" employees should report to work through April 28, schools will remain closed through May 1, public transportation is largely prohibited and travel from home should be for essential trips only, such as grocery shopping and visiting the pharmacy.

The Maine Municipal Association’s training materials for newly elected officials and planning board and boards of appeal members are now available in the Members Area of our website, meaning a password is required to view them. We recognize that in-person, classroom training is valuable, and that our annual training calendar with 100-plus events has been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak. Our Legal Services Department is available to answer any questions that arise after viewing these materials. 

Direct-to-consumer Maine farmers markets are considered essential businesses under Gov. Janet Mills' public health emergency. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has issued  helpful guidelines for farmers and municipalities to follow, as the spring and summer farmers market season approaches.