In The News

Four Maine counties currently have a HIGH level of community transmission; ten Maine counties currently have a SUBSTANTIAL level of community transmission; and two Maine counties currently have a MODERATE level of community transmission.

The State of Maine will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (U.S. CDC) updated face covering guidance, which recommends that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings in indoor, public settings in areas with “substantial” or “high” levels of community transmission.

Check on the U.S. CDC website for updates of transmission levels by county. The U.S. CDC determines level of community transmission based on the number of cases in the last seven days per 100,000 people and the percentage of tests in the last seven days that have a positive result.

Consistent with Maine’s recent approach to COVID-19-related policy and the expiration of the State of Civil Emergency, these changes are recommendations, not requirements.

Join the Department of Economic and Community Development in a regional discussion to share input on potential business and nonprofit support programs.

Commissioner Heather Johnson, Carlos Mello from the Finance Authority of Maine, DECD staff, and region-specific organizations will host eight virtual input sessions as a chance for us to receive feedback directly from business owners, nonprofit executives, and community leaders. This is an opportunity for you to share how we can best help you as we move forward in our economic recovery. Sessions will be held via zoom. If you are not able to join a session in your region, please feel free to attend another session. 

Use the link below to register for a session. When you register, you will receive an email with the link and passcode for your session. 

This major 2020 study provides unparalleled analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on film and television production; calculating a global screen production value of $177 billion in 2019 – and a loss of $145 billion in economic impact over the first six months of 2020 – though the impact is likely to be temporary as production resumes. – Olsberg•SPI

Augusta, MAINE – The Mills Administration announced today that the State of Maine will follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (U.S. CDC) updated face covering guidance, which recommends that:

1. all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear face coverings in indoor, public settings in areas with “substantial” or “high” levels of community transmission; and
2. all teachers, staff, and students in K-12 schools wear face coverings, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission level.

According to the U.S. CDC, York and Piscataquis counties have “substantial” levels of community transmission at this time, which means that individuals should wear face coverings in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status. Maine’s other 14 counties currently have “moderate” levels of community transmission according to the U.S. CDC and are thus not subject to the first recommendation. The U.S. CDC determines level of community transmission based on the number of cases in the last 7 days per 100,000 people and the percentage of tests in the last 7 days that have a positive result.

Consistent with Maine’s recent approach to COVID-19-related policy and the expiration of the State of Civil Emergency, these changes are recommendations, not requirements.

Hollywood was in a collective state of shock last month when Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment forged a multiyear deal to make movies for Netflix. Two years ago, the legendary director reportedly opposed the idea that streaming films should qualify for Oscars. The new pact was seen as a sign that the old guard was finally embracing the realities of a shifting business forced to adapt to changing consumer habits.

“It was a big moment for us,” says Scott Stuber, Netflix’s movie chief. “Throughout Wall Street, throughout the industry, there was recognition about the possibilities that this deal presents. We’re going to do great things together.” – Variety