Some Maine businesses can reopen sooner, some later, under modified state plan

Maine’s private campgrounds and RV parks can resume operation in time for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, under an order Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills. But gyms, fitness centers and nail salons will have to wait longer than planned to open their doors.

The campgrounds and RV parks, which were originally slated to reopen June 1, are now free to do business beginning Friday under strict health and safety guidelines. The state had also planned to allow gyms, fitness centers and nail salons to reopen on June 1; a new date will be announced in early June, according to a press release Tuesday.

Mills’ order modifies the timetable introduced April 29 to allow the state's businesses to gradually resume operations, sector by sector. Many have been shuttered for almost two months in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Mills said in the release that she’s delayed the opening of gyms, fitness centers and nail salons because they “appear to present a greater risk of transmission of the virus based on emerging science and the experiences of other states.”

Gyms and fitness centers are currently allowed to conduct outside classes of less than 10 participants and one-on-one instruction indoors. But a recent study attributed 112 cases of COVID-19 in South Korea to dance fitness instructors participating in a single workshop, said Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at a briefing.

In addition, the state of California has identified nail salons as a source of COVID-19 community transmission, according to the release. Some initial evidence suggests the close, face-to-face contact between clients and salon staff can increase risk of transmission.

“We continuously review evidence nationwide and in Maine to guide our actions to safely restart Maine’s economy,” said Jeanne Lambrew, commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services. “As we did today, we expect to both slow down and accelerate different types of activities based on this evidence and trends within Maine to keep our state safe and strong.”

Mills added, “It is important that the plan remain flexible and that we take steps to update it when necessary in order to both protect public health and support our economy.”