COVID-19 Resources

State of Maine

COVID-19 response

Governor Janet Mills and the State Legislature passed two emergency bills to support workers and small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and to ensure the state government has the tools to help every Mainer in the face of a global pandemic.  

 

What resources are there for me if I lost my job?
 

• The state government is establishing a consumer loan guarantee program to provide no-interest loans for Maine workers who have lost their job or seen a drop in pay as a result of COVID-19

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• Expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19. Mainers receiving unemployment benefits are now eligible to receive 13 additional weeks of payments, if they exhaust their initial 26-week benefit period. 

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What is the current plan for opening schools?​

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• Maine’s 16 counties have the green light now to reopen their schools — with requirements in place such as face coverings for all, six feet of distance, symptom screening, home isolation if sick, and more. State officials plan to revisit the reopening of schools every two weeks.

 

What is being done to contain the coronavirus in Maine?​
 

• The state government is delaying the effective date of the single-use plastic bag ban to January 15, 2021.

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• The legislature authorized Governor Mills to adjust state, county and municipal government deadlines and to permit all public entities to meet by remote participation
   

• The state government is expanding the ability of Maine Emergency Medical Services’ Board and staff to take actions more promptly

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• Governor Mills instituted a 14-day mandatory quarantine for those traveling into Maine from out of state (not including New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York)

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• Face masks are required in indoor settings and public settings where social distancing is difficult

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• Maine now allows anyone with elevated risk of COVID-19 to receive a test without a physician order. It remains advised to contact your medical provider to determine whether you should be tested, and to find your nearest testing location

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• We are in Stage 3 of reopening Maine's economy. This means gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited; all businesses that have been open may remain open, and employees in legal and professional fields may return to offices, including State employees, as needed.

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What actions will help me if I can't pay my bills?
 

• The legislature authorized Governor Mills to prohibit utilities from terminating residential electric and water service

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• Governor Mills & the Maine State Housing Authority have created the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program, which provides up to $1,000 per month for a maximum of three (3) months for rent not covered by any other Federal, State or Local program.