Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) issued a stricter mask mandates this week as coronavirus cases continue to surge across the nation.
Mills issued her order on Thursday, requiring Mainers to wear masks in public spaces at all times, regardless of distance from others.
Previously, under the governor’s executive order, people were not required to wear masks in public if they could stay at least six feet away from others.
Under the order, which took effect the same day it was issued, masks are required within indoor spaces “accessible to the public” including restaurants, grocery stores and houses of worship, and in outdoor spaces, like playgrounds, sidewalks and parking lots, regardless of distance from others.
“We have recorded yet another day of record-high case numbers. This deadly and dangerous virus is spreading all across our state,” Mills said in a statement.
“Protect your family. Protect a health care worker. Protect the elderly. Wear your face covering. Save lives. It is that simple,” she said.
Baker issued a similar order earlier this week, requiring people “wear face coverings in all public places, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others” and “whether indoors or outdoors.”
Most states or localities that require masks be worn in public with exceptions for instances when people are able to stay distanced outside, where the virus is much less likely to spread.
Cases have been lower in the northeast throughout the summer, but are now increasing with the rest of the country. ...
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