Maine Removes Mask Requirement for Outdoor Public Settings

Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday removed the requirement that people wear face coverings in all outdoor public settings.

The change is effective immediately.

The move reflects recent guidance from the U. S. Centers for Disease Control that indicate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in outdoor settings is low.

While the outdoor requirement has been lifted immediately, the Maine CDC still advises that people wear face coverings in outdoor settings where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.

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Face coverings are still required for indoor public settings, and there are no changes to Maine’s physical distancing requirements.

In a statement, Mills urged all Mainers to get vaccinated and enjoy the outdoors.

"With the summer months nearly upon us, this offers a great opportunity for people to get outside and safely enjoy all that Maine has to offer. I applaud all the work Maine people have put in to protect themselves and others and continue to encourage them to get vaccinated and wear a mask when inside or when around others so that we can get this pandemic fully behind us," Mills said.

"Scientific studies continue to show that outdoor activities are much safer than indoor ones," said Maine CDC Director Nirav D. Shah. "As more Maine people become vaccinated against COVID-19, outdoor activities become that much safer."

The Maine CDC guidelines will be updated in the coming days to reflect the changes, Mills said.