In the latest effort to ease restrictions on the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Janet Mills said Friday that guests staying in Maine do not need more bookings.
The governor’s administration has been gradually updating security checklists since announcing in early March that the state would allow more people to travel to Maine without COVID-19 tests or quarantine and relax capacity constraints at shops and other venues. while the safety protocols remain in place.
The Friday change, which takes effect immediately, consolidates guidelines for hotels, short-term rentals and campsites into a single checklist for accommodation. The updated checklist also reviews cleaning protocols.
Hotels, along with restaurants, are one of the businesses hardest hit by pandemic constraints, including capacity constraints. Tax revenues, which reflect the health of the industry, fell by 7 percent in January and by 75 percent in April last year, the first full month in which the pandemic restrictions came into force, both compared to January 2020.
As of March 26, indoor gatherings can have 50 percent of the allowed occupancy or 50 people, whichever is greater. As of May 24, it is 75 percent of the allowable occupancy or 50 people, whichever is greater. There is a limit of 75 percent from outdoor events from March 26 and 100 percent from May 24. Individuals in shared spaces still need 6 feet of physical distance.
Campsites are limited to a single household. Short-term rental spaces in an inhabited dwelling must have a separate entrance and exit on the outside and not require the use of shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens.
The Mills office said the changes are being made as COVID-19 vaccines progress in Maine, and to help the upcoming tourism season, which was effectively closed or running minimally last year.
On Friday, the governor also accelerated the vaccination schedule in the state, with those 50 years and older eligible for shots on March 23 and those aged 16 and older on April 19.
“It’s great, especially for younger hospitality workers,” said Steve Hewins, executive director of the HospitalityMaine Education Foundation.