Maine To Review New CDC Guidance on Masks in Higher-risk Areas

Mainers could soon find themselves wearing face coverings again under certain circumstances, based on new COVID-19 guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control on Tuesday.

Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday announced the Maine Department of Health and Human Services would review the CDC's updated guidance, which advises both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to wear face coverings indoors in locations that are considered to have a "substantial" or "high" level of community transmission of the disease.

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“I expect that review to be completed tomorrow, at which point we will announce what changes, if any, will be made to our current public health recommendations here in Maine," Mills said. "In the meantime, we continue to strongly urge all Maine people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated. It is the best and most effective way to protect your health and that of your family, friends, and communities.”

Piscataquis and York counties have a "substantial" level of community transmission, according to the CDC. The rest of Maine's counties have a "moderate" level of community transmission. The counties are given one of four designations: low, moderate, substantial, or high.

According to that data, 50 percent of Piscataquis County residents are fully vaccinated. In York County, 64 percent of residents are fully vaccinated.

As part of its guidance, the CDC also recommended that all students and staff wear masks in schools regardless of vaccination status.