Newsroom

Please note that Maine’s COVID-19 Prevention Checklist for Community Sports already prohibits competition between sports teams from different states until further notice. The joint announcement below is consistent with this policy.

Amid an increase in Maine’s COVID-19 positivity rate and a continued high rate of hospitalizations, the Mills Administration today announced that it will extend the requirement for certain businesses statewide to close by 9:00 p.m. in order to limit activities that could contribute to the transmission of COVID-19.

Governor Janet Mills today extended the State of Civil Emergency (PDF) through January 20, 2021. The Governor’s decision to extend the emergency is in line with nearly every other state in the nation which have ongoing emergency declarations, according to the National Governors Association.

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement in response to news that the FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine:

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement Monday in response to the arrival of the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Maine: 

Governor Janet Mills released the following statement in response to news that the FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine:

With widespread community transmission and increased COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Maine, Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order (PDF) that simplifies and strengthens the enforcement of the State’s face covering requirement.

Nearly half supported Maine’s businesses with significant funding dedicated to health and safety initiatives to combat COVID-19

Joins with national campaign to encourage uninsured people in Maine and across the country to stay healthy and apply for coverage before December 15

Governor Mills joined with governors across the country today in declaring December 10, 2020 as Get Covered Day (PDF) in an unprecedented national push to promote health insurance coverage in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Governor Janet Mills today announced that the Blaine House’s holiday display of decorated trees will be dedicated to the resiliency of Maine people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's theme, “A Celebration of Resilience,” pays tribute to Maine people, including Maine’s frontline workers and those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic. It also pays tribute to Maine's commercial fishing fleet, which recently lost four members of its community. Members of the public interested in viewing the display can see it by walking or driving along Capitol Street.

Today Governor Janet Mills of Maine and the United Kingdom’s Minister of State at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the RT Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, announced the signing a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) (PDF) to enhance cooperation between the State of Maine and the UK to pursue ambitiou

Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in response to Pixelle’s announcement today that it will permanently idle the third paper machine and will not rebuild the digester at the paper mill in Jay following the explosion earlier this year:

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Labor Laura Fortman announced today that the Administration will provide certain individuals who are unemployed due to COVID-19 with a one-time direct relief payment of $600 through the State’s newly-created Pandemic Relief Program (PRP). The relief payment is meant to assist unemployed Maine people at a time when they continue to face substantial economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 and are losing their Federal unemployment benefits at the end of the month unless Congress acts.

New brand to help consumers create restaurant-quality experiences with Maine Seafood from their home kitchens

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), with support from Governor Janet Mills, is launching a branding and promotion initiative to celebrate Maine Seafood and to help consumers find and enjoy it in the comfort and safety of their home.

In Line with New CDC Recommendations, Governor to Complete Quarantine on Tuesday

“Masks work!,” Governor Janet Mills stated today, as she received the results of her negative COVID-19 test on Saturday. “And I’m proof,” she added. Governor Mills was tested on Thursday, December 3, 2020, after an exposure to a member of her Executive Protection Unit who later tested positive for the virus. Governor Mills received her negative PCR test results today.

Governor Janet Mills and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Heather Johnson announced today that the Administration is committing $10 million in federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF) to a newly-created Agriculture and Food Processing Infrastructure Reimbursement Program.

Governor Janet Mills and Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal today announced that the Administration is committing $2 million in federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF) to DACF’s Food Security Network Reimbursement Program.

The Mills Administration announced today it will extend the requirement for certain businesses statewide to close by 9:00 p.m. through Sunday, January 3, 2021. The extension, which lasts beyond New Year’s Eve, is aimed at limiting activities that lead to COVID-19 transmission, amid a sustained and dangerous increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and positivity rates in the State of Maine.

Governor Mills: I feel well and will continue to work on behalf of Maine people, but this is a reminder: no one is immune from exposure. We’ve got to take this virus seriously.

Consistent with U.S. and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Governor Janet Mills announced today that she is quarantining following an exposure to an individual believed likely to have COVID-19.

Maine recognizes advances in HIV prevention and challenges ahead

Governor Janet Mills today welcomed the release of Maine Won’t Wait (PDF), the new four-year climate action plan from the Maine Climate Council and announced actions her Administration will take to protect Maine people and communities and spur economic growth in the fight against climate change.

Hospitals, nursing facilities and other providers serving MaineCare members may apply beginning tomorrow for up to $30M in relief funds

Governor Janet Mills and Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced today a grant program to support health care organizations that serve residents with MaineCare and sustain vital health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Janet Mills announced today an economic recovery grant program to support Maine’s tourism, hospitality, and retail small businesses. Backed by $40 million in Federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF), the Tourism, Hospitality & Retail Recovery Grant Program is focused specifically on supporting Maine’s service sector small businesses, such as restaurants, bars, tasting rooms, lodging and retail shops, which have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and now face additional challenges with the coming winter months.

Home-delivered meals to support older Mainers and caregivers during the pandemic

The Mills Administration announced today that it will dedicate more than half a million dollars in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to extend home-delivered meals to older Mainers and caregivers, ensuring food and nutrition for Maine people staying home during the pandemic.

Governor Janet Mills today extended the State of Civil Emergency (PDF) through December 23, 2020. The Governor’s decision to extend the emergency is in line with nearly every other state in the nation which have ongoing emergency declarations, according to the National Governors Association.