Municipalities work toward reopening public buildings under coronavirus restrictions
OLD TOWN — As Maine works toward reopening its economy, municipalities in the Penobscot region are also getting ready to reopen their public buildings — under guidance from the state to limit chances of spreading the coronavirus.
As part of Gov. Janet T. Mills’ second phase of reopening, municipalities can open their public buildings with restrictions including limitations on the number of people in a shared space and requiring people to maintain a six-foot distance if they’re not from the same household.
The guidelines, released by the state on May 20, also require all staff, vendors and visitors in municipal buildings to wear a face covering — except in situations where individuals are alone in a private office — among other suggestions to limit close contact.
Some communities, such as Alton and Bradley, have taken the state’s guidance a step further by asking customers to bring their own pens to use inside municipal buildings.
Alton’s town office, which closed in early April, will reopen to the public beginning Tuesday, June 2, town officials announced on Facebook.
Keeping with the state’s recommendations, the town will direct visitors to use alternate entrances and exits, and ask people to stay six feet away from other customers.
On May 5, the town of Bradley opened its municipal office on a “trial basis,” with limited customer interaction after being closed to the public since March. The town announced via its website that it would only serve one customer at a time and people must wear a mask while inside the building.
“Customers that appear to be symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing) will not be served,” the town said.
In Old Town, municipal offices have remained open during the pandemic by helping customers at the front door instead of letting them inside.
Beginning Monday, June 1, all of the city’s public buildings will reopen following the state’s guidelines. Everyone entering municipal buildings will also be required to sign in for contact tracing purposes, City Manager Bill Mayo said.
The library will stay closed, though the city said it’s finalizing plans for a curbside pick up service for patrons that is expected to start June 2.
Orono closed all of its municipal buildings March 16, and will be finalizing plans to reopen next week.
“We are reviewing the guidance and planning to open by appointment only,” Assistant Town Manager Belle Ryder said.
The town is also working to establish a secure locker system for remote transactions where people can pick up items and avoid in-person contact with employees.
Other towns including Veazie and Milford do not yet have an official reopening date, though they hope to within the next couple weeks, both have said.