With some of you planning to come from out of state to Maine, this winter, I wanted to give an update on traveling here this winter. The virus is showing a spike in cases in Maine the past couple weeks that are more statewide and community spread verses the past super spreader events we have seen . Maine is still the second lowest state in the country in cases per 100,000 people. Maine tests at a higher rate than most, and the positivity rate is several times lower than the country as a whole.
Out of staters coming to Maine need to check Maine's CDC website to see if your state is excempt from the 14 day quarantine or if you need to do so upon entering Maine. The list of excempt states can change at a short notice, so stay updated. As I understand it, you can bypass the quarantine by getting a Covid test (that shows negative) within 72 hours of entering Maine. Again, as i understand it, the results of the test will be needed to check into a lodging business.
The good news is that Maine will have rapid testing available at 65 Walgreen stores up and running very soon. Results after the test are about 15 minutes. I would assume Walgreen's will print out a copy of the results for you.
Also as I understand it, these tests are highly accurate when the test comes back negative. However, not so much if the test comes back positive. The state recommends should you come back positive on a rapid test, you should take a second test of the non rapid type.
mike