On Friday, April 3^rd, 2020, Governor Janet Mills issued an Executive Order mandating that travelers arriving in Maine self-quarantine for 14 days to lessen the spread of COVID-19. The Order exempts individuals who are providing essential services as defined by Governor Mills’ March 24^th, 2020 Executive Order.

“To slow the spread of this deadly virus and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed, we must all do our part,” said Governor Mills. “I am mandating that anyone entering Maine self-quarantine for 14 days and abide by Maine’s Stay Healthy at Home Order. These actions will protect the health and safety of everyone.”

To prevent travel, the Order suspends lodging operations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and short-term rentals such as those available through VRBO Airbnb, RV parks and campgrounds, and all public and private camping facilities as well as online reservations effective April 5, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. However, the Order states that lodging can be provided for housing vulnerable populations (e.g. children in emergency placements, persons at risk of domestic violence, homeless individuals as permitted by the State, and for accommodations for health care workers or other workers deemed necessary to support public health, public safety, or critical infrastructure).

Although Governor Mills anticipates compliance with this Order will be voluntary, it may also be enforced by law enforcement. Individual violations of this Order could be charged as a Class E crime  and subject to a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Additionally, any lodging, park, or campground operator who violates this Order may be construed as violating any license, permit or other authorization to operate and be subject to appropriate penalties.

The Order is effective immediately and extends until at least April 30, 2020.