Mills lifts limits on gathering sizes, but rules remain for indoor venues

File photo Gov. Janet Mills on Thursday lifted some of the public health restrictions affecting businesses in Maine.

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By Staff

Maine businesses will take another step toward “normal” later this month when the state lifts some — but far from all — public health restrictions related to the pandemic, Gov. Janet Mills announced Thursday.

Beginning May 24, indoor public venues including restaurants and bars will no longer have to abide by Maine limits on gathering size. In addition, outdoor venues will be freed from the capacity caps and will no longer have to practice social distancing, Mills said.

Currently, indoor gatherings are limited to 50% of a venue’s capacity, a level that was scheduled to increase to 75% on May 24. Outdoor venue limits were scheduled to end on that date, but the social distancing requirement was to continue.

Despite the easing of restrictions, requirements for face coverings and social distancing will continue to be in effect for indoor restaurants, bars, cafeterias and other venues where people eat and drink. In April Mills ended the requirement to wear face coverings outdoors.

When the newly announced change takes effect later this month, venues including shopping malls and concert halls will be freed from limiting patrons inside for the first time in a year.

“As we continue to make progress in vaccinating Maine people, it is appropriate to update our protocols ahead of schedule,” Mills said in a news release. “This change aligns with the latest science and makes sense for Maine at this stage, with more people getting vaccinated.”

Maine Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Heather Johnson said, “With today’s announcement, we are continuing our progress in getting Maine back to normal while protecting public health. These adjustments to the Moving Maine Forward Plan continue to allow for additional capacity for businesses and nonprofits to safely plan for a robust tourism season.”

Thursday’s change in state rules occurred the same day federal health authorities made changes of their own in COVID precautions.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eased mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks in outdoor crowds and in most indoor settings.

Mills and other state officials have repeatedly said Maine will adjust its safety protocols based on changes in the population’s health status and in federal guidance over time.

“We’ve continuously adapted our public health protocols as the science evolves and as vaccination increasingly protects Maine people from COVID-19,” said Jeanne Lambrew, commissioner of health and human services.

“Today’s updates reflect that approach and Maine’s success so far in getting shots into arms. We urge anyone who hasn’t yet been vaccinated to make an appointment or drop by a vaccination site.”