Release: Maine Policy statement on mask mandate, economic reopening
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2021
Contact: Jacob Posik
Director of Communications
Office: 207.321.2550
Maine Policy Institute Statement on Mask Mandate,
Maine’s Delayed Economic Reopening Schedule
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Policy Institute CEO Matthew Gagnon issued the following statement on Governor Mills’ economic restrictions and reopening timeline following actions from other New England governors to eliminate their mandates and reopen their economies sooner.
“The science never supported wearing a mask outdoors when others are not around. As the weather warms and more Mainers get vaccinated, the rationale for keeping the outdoor mask mandate in place, regardless of vaccination status, is even weaker.
“New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island have offered economic reopening plans over the last week that drop all indoor business restrictions by Memorial Day and remove all outdoor restrictions weeks sooner than Maine’s current timeline. These states are also eliminating the mandate to wear a mask outdoors. We urge Governor Mills to follow the actions of this bipartisan group of New England governors.
“Maine people and businesses are already losing out on this summer due to the rules that remain in place today, particularly given the Legislature’s partisan refusal to reform emergency executive power. Numerous outdoor events and festivals, like the Yarmouth Clam Festival, Maine Lobster Festival and Great Falls Balloon Festival, have already been cancelled again this year. More cancellations are sure to come unless Governor Mills signals to the public that Maine is moving back to normal and the pandemic restrictions are not permanent fixtures of Maine society.”
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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.