Maine Readies for Spas, Movie Theaters, & Others to Open July 1st

The Mills' Administration has released prevention checklists for Stage 3 businesses to reopen on July 1st.

The state's rural reopening plan will enter stage 3 on July 1st, when a new group of businesses will be allowed to open. Those businesses and activities include:

• Spas and skin care establishments, including laser hair removal and similar services
• Outdoor amusements like amusement parks and water parks, as well as summer camps
• Indoor amusements like bowling alleys and arcades
• Movie theaters
• Performing arts venues

In addition, the Department of Economic and Community Development has updated guidance for some businesses already open under the plan, so they should be reviewed by business owners.

"These reopenings represent a positive step forward for Maine and our economy, but Maine people and businesses must remain vigilant," Governor Mills said in a media release. "The increasing, and in some instances record high, number of COVID-19 cases in other states are cautionary tales for Maine as we continue our reopening, monitor the prevalance of the virus here, and look towards our economic recovery."

One business that will not be reopening on July 1st, as was originally planned, is indoor service at bars. Governor Mills cited spikes in COVID cases in other states that have started indoor bar service as the reason for the decision. Bars are allowed to serve customers outside where social distancing is more feasible.

Adjusted for population size, as of June 22nd, Maine ranked 8th lowest in the nation in terms of positive cases, 11th lowest in the nation in terms of deaths, 6th lowest in terms of patients ever-hospitalized out of the 36 states reporting; and 5th highest in the percentage of people who have recovered out of the 43 states reporting.