Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has continued to be an important industry for Maine’s economy. These beautiful (yet short) summer months remind us of why Maine is known as Vacationland. However, for essential employees working during the pandemic,  tourist season incites unprecedented challenges.

On May 1st 2021, Governor Mills will be changing Maine’s COVID-19 travel policy from an “all states included, unless exempt” model to an “all states exempt, unless included” model. Essentially, all states will be able to travel to Maine beginning May 1st without being required to test negative, quarantine, or have been vaccinated. The only exception is if the Maine CDC deems a state too high in COVID cases.

Additionally, capacity limits will become more accommodating for the large crowds that tourist season attracts. On May 24th, indoor gatherings will increase to 75% capacity, and 100% capacity for outdoor gatherings.

For those working in the restaurant, hospitality, retail and public transit industries, and every essential employee in between, a vaccine is critical to feeling safe at work as these travel and capacity restrictions are loosened to accommodate Maine’s tourist season. Before these new guidelines go into effect, it is critical to vaccinate the employees these changes will impact.

It goes without saying that we all want life to go back to normal, but lifting these restrictions before vaccinating the employees that keep Maine’s tourism industry alive is a dangerous step backwards.

Sign this petition as a ‘thank you’ to all essential employees who have worked to keep Maine’s economy alive through the pandemic. Maine has been a leading state in combating the virus, so lets continue to set an example as we safely enter back into the way life should be.