Some good news was announced during today’s daily COVID-19 daily briefing regarding Maine’s lodging establishments. Commissioner Heather Johnson announced that, effective immediately, Maine lodging facilities can begin accepting future reservations for stays beginning June 1st or later for Maine residents and for non-residents who comply with the State’s 14-day quarantine requirement. An executive order issued earlier this year by Governor Mills prohibited lodging establishments from accepting reservations until June 1st for Maine residents and July 1st from out-of-state residents.

This announcement stems from ongoing discussions between the Administration and Maine’s tourism and hospitality industry to identify creative and workable solutions to welcome tourists and kickoff Maine’s summer tourism economy while protecting the health of Mainers.

The Administration has vowed to continue working closely with tourism industry leaders on ways to adjust the 14-day quarantine that still protects the health of Maine people.

Lodging establishments may immediately begin accepting reservations from Maine residents and non-residents for stays beginning on June 1st in line with the guidelines established under the Restarting Maine’s Economy plan. Under the new guidelines, lodging businesses that accept reservations must be prepared to cancel and fully refund reservations if they are unable to reopen under Stage 2 as tentatively planned.

Furthermore, the Department of Economic and Community Development today released additional COVID-19 Prevention Checklists for Stage 2 businesses tentatively slated to open in June including lodging, campgrounds, and nail salons. These checklists are health and safety guidance that businesses must commit to comply with in order to reopen. The Department plans to post the remaining checklists on large gatherings, religious gatherings, public/community buildings, fitness centers/gyms, tanning salons, day camps, and overnight camps, as well as links to guidance on non-professional sports on May 20.

Click here for more information on today’s announcement.