PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2021
Contact: Jacob Posik
Director of Communications
Office: 207.321.2550

Maine Policy Statement on Lifting of Mask Mandate,
Social Distancing Requirements

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Policy Institute CEO Matthew Gagnon issued the following statement today following the lifting of Governor Janet Mills’ mask mandate, social distancing guidelines, COVID-19 prevention checklists for businesses and other economic restrictions related to the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic:

“What started as ‘two weeks to flatten the curve’ quickly turned into more than 14 months of oppressive, unchecked and dictatorial executive power. Today, Mainers are just as responsible as they’ve been all along to make health care decisions that make the most sense for themselves and their loved ones. The relaxing of these rules is long overdue.

“Mainers should remember that the lifting of the governor’s mandates does not mean every business will be dropping their restrictions as well. Private businesses may still enforce masking or other requirements, though consumers can choose to shop where they feel most safe or where they won’t be required to mask or social distance. This is how the free market works, and how our state should have operated since the beginning. 

“With the bulk of the pandemic restrictions being phased out today, it’s time for Governor Mills to end her state of emergency declaration and relinquish unilateral control over the people of Maine.”

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Maine Policy Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts detailed and timely research to educate the public, the media, and lawmakers about public policy solutions that advance economic freedom and individual liberty in Maine. Learn more about our work at www.mainepolicy.org.