Gov. Mills to sign new executive order mandating enforcement of face covering requirement

Gov. Janet Mills said Wednesday that she will sign an executive order mandating the enforcement of the state’s face covering requirement.

The order will require Maine’s large retail stores, lodging establishments, restaurants, and outdoor bars and tasting rooms in Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland and York counties, as well as the cities of Bangor and Brewer and Lewiston and Auburn, to enforce the requirement.

Mills said it will be part of the checklist businesses must agree to meet in order to open.

The order is being issued because of more people coming to Maine’s coastal towns and cities.

"No shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service. It's as simple as that," said Mills.

TV 5 Anchor and Reporter Emily Tadlock asked Mills on the CDC Briefing call, "I think the question really is, is it lawful for these establishments to ask, just so they don't face a lawsuit coming back from a patron?"

"We believe it is lawful to ask, yes," Mills answered.

DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew followed up saying, "And also trying to make sure that our establishments have that kind of training to have the support so that they can deescalate circumstances where there is some hostility."

Mills said states across the country, such as North Carolina, Nevada, Washington and Oregon have implemented similar measures.

Governor Mills did not say when she would sign the order or when it would go into effect.