As of early August, the U.S. CDC is recommending that people in Cumberland County wear face coverings in public indoor settings. Per updated guidance, people in counties with “substantial” or “high” levels of COVID-19 community transmission are advised to wear face coverings in public indoor settings. U.S.CDC updates information daily (Click Here to view). There are no new restrictions effective while doing business in Scarborough Town offices. The Town will continue to assess the State trends and follow CDC guidance as any changes occur. Select the fields “Maine” for State and “Cumberland” for County to view Scarborough levels. Check back often for your source of up-to-date information.
Gov. Janet Mills issued a new mask mandate for Mainers as cases of COVID-19 continue rise in Maine. The governor’s executive order replaces and is more comprehensive than the order that has been in place since July. The new mask mandate requires we wear a mask most places that we go outside of our own homes and yards – even if we can physically distance from others. >>Q&A Additionally, owners and operators of all indoor public settings in Maine must now post plainly visible signs notifying entrants of the requirement to wear cloth face coverings, and may deny service or entry for non-compliance. (Exemptions continue for those who have serious medical conditions or are unable to remove a mask without assistance.) If you live or work in Scarborough and need a mask, contact Project GRACE.
Using grant funds from the United Way of Greater Portland’s COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, two dozen totes with basic necessities, including a gallon of water, snack food, hand sanitizer, toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, and wipes were distributed by public safety in areas in Scarborough known to have a homeless population. These totes will also be available for officers to use as needed. “This certainly is no long-term solution to the growing homelessness in our town,” Dembski-Martin remarks. “However, I am hopeful as we circulate these bags we can also have genuine dialogues, helping to figure out other unmet needs and possible solutions.” >>MORE
Friends of Project GRACE, including the Loyal Order of the Moose and Town & Country Federal Credit Union, have donated funds to help Project GRACE distribute simple health kits with 2 masks, 2 pairs of gloves, and a 2oz bottle of hand sanitizer. The donation is also being used to offer masks at two 'help yourself' locations: one at the Scarborough Public Library and one at the Post Office at Oak Hill. Be well, everyone! If you'd like to help keep the Post Office station supplied with masks, please get in touch!
With the recent order from the Governor requiring face coverings in public places where social distancing is difficult, Scarborough public safety, public works, and town staff are in need of homemade masks to be able to perform routine tasks, particularly when they restart town services. If you have the ability to help, please contact Deputy Chief Rich C. Kindelan at (207) 730-4203 or [email protected], or email us via our "Give Help" form. Pick up can be arranged so you don't have to travel, and drop-off locations include:
UPDATE 4/14 - Other places looking for masks include Maine Veterans Home, Bessey Commons, Cape Memory Care, and several individuals who have contacted Project GRACE. UPDATE 3/31 - Scarborough Terrace would like to have homemade face masks. They prefer the pattern with the pocket. You can drop them off at their facility anytime (600 Commerce Drive). People across the country are putting their talents work, sewing masks and gowns. Project GRACE volunteers are collecting and distributing homemade masks to where they are needed, including right here in Scarborough. >>MORE Homemade masks are considered by the CDC to be ‘of last resort’, says a Central Maine Healthcare spokesperson, "but if they are worn OVER an N95 respirator, they could prolong the usable life of the respirator and help to conserve resources." Partners for World Health has surgical blue wrap and other materials to make masks for donations. Interested volunteers can learn more at facebook.com/PartnersForWorldHealth. If you have supplies like N95 masks that you want to donate to a hospital or health provider, please call ahead to ask about their needs and how they want you to make the donation.
Red Cross blood drives have been canceled, resulting in fewer blood donations and concerns about the nation’s supply for transfusions. Healthy people can schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Updated information about blood drives and the impact of coronavirus can be found at facebook.com/MaineRedCross.
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