Camden, ME

In these unprecedented times, we need to ask community to pull together and do difficult things, including social distancing, and temporary closing of many of the local businesses and gathering spots we hold dear.

This page provides information on Town Response Plans as well as links to information on state and federal resources to help our community members and our businesses through this difficult situation.

Town Response Plans and Press Releases

Town Office Re-opening Plans - June 1, 2020
Town Manager's Response Plan - March 16th
Town Manager's Response Plan - March 24th
Town Manager's Response Plan - April 8th

Planning & Development Office Response Plan

Help keep our wastewater employees safe – flush only paper!

In these days of limited access to toilet paper, please remember that the Town’s wastewater treatment plant is very sensitive to what you flush. If its something other than toilet paper, please do not flush it.

State Actions and Proclamations

Links to some of the major actions taken by the State of Maine are provided below. More comprehensive information is available through www.maine.gov/governor/mills/covid-

Keep Maine Healthy Certificate of Compliance for Maine Visitors

September 22 - Maine's Path to Recovery Phase II Grants
April 28 Governor's Order - Restarting the Economy
April 16 Governor's Executive Order concerning evictions. Learn more.
March 24 Governor's Executive Order. Learn more.
Governor's March 31 Executive Order.
Governor’s March 18 Executive Order. In this Executive Order to Protect Public Health, Governor Mills mandates closure of dine-in service for restaurants and bars statewide. The order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people that are primarily social, personal, or discretionary in nature, and strongly urges businesses such as gyms, hair salons, and theatres to close their doors for two weeks.
March 17 Legislative Package. Governor Mills and the Legislature worked together to pass an emergency package that includes among other thing, a loan guarantee to help banks help citizens who need it. Learn more.
March 17 Proclamation Declaring Abnormal Market Disruption. This proclamation prohibits s price gouging on items such as hand sanitizer, paper supplies, food, and water, and makes offenses punishable by law. Learn more.

Resources for Residents

Looking out for each other is more important now that ever. If you know of someone who needs help, please refer them to one or more of the following resources.

211 Maine. During this emergency, and at other times, residents can call “2-1-1” on their phones to access information on a wide range state, federal, nonprofit and local assistance services. A searchable database is also available at 211Maine.org.
Resources for coping with COVID-19 Pandemic - Camden/Rockport Region. A dedicated team of community volunteers has assembled an extensive community resource guide. This guide covers social services, mutual aid groups, and information specific to COVI-19 to help people get through the coming weeks.
Consumer Loan Program. The State of Maine is rolling out a Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)-backed Consumer Loan Program to help banks via loan help consumers with the financial fallout of COVID-19. The Program provides loan guarantees. As your bank for more details on any loans they will offer with this assistance.
Camden General Assistance. If you are a Camden resident you can call the General Assistance Office at (207) 236-3353 to see if you are eligible for assistance with basic necessities. While the office will be closed to walk-in service during the Civil Emergency, staff will be available by phone at 236-3353.
Unemployment claims can be filed online. We are told that the usual waiting period will be waived. State staff advise listing the reason for unemployment related to COVID-19 simply as “layoff” to aid in fast processing. If you have questions, visit the Maine.gov Unemployment page or submit questions to Maine Department of Labor staff.
New federal requirement for paid sick leave. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires certain employers to provide full and part time employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions apply through December. Learn more

Resources for Businesses

A few key resources for businesses are highlighted below. Both the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development and the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce will be providing and updating more comprehensive resource pages.

Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness.

SBA Assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering assistance related to COVID-19. Selected information is highlighted below. More comprehensive information is available from SBA directly.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. US Small Business Administration Disaster Loans will be available to Maine small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 and are eligible for SBA loans. These low interest loans can help business pay fixed debts and bills, cover payroll, and more.
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. SBA has assembled information to help employers manage risks related to COVID-19. Learn more
Help for Sole Proprietors. The State is offering a loan guarantee through the Finance Authority of Maine to help lenders help consumers and sole proprietors who are impacted by COVID-19. Ask your lender for information on any loan products they might be offering with this assistance.
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces. These guidelines include recommendations on what employers can do to limit exposure of workers and manage related workplace issues. Learn more
Important Coronavirus related Tax Changes (click here).
Finance Authority of Maine loans. FAME is offering loan options to help businesses and consumers in need. Learn More
New federal requirement for paid sick leave. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires certain employers to provide full and part time employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions apply through December. Learn more
Broadband Survey
Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and subsequent emergency declarations, executive orders and required social distancing in Maine and across the country, many of us have had to work remotely from our homes. Essential town business functions, including select board meetings are also taking place remotely over the internet. In an effort to determine specific concerns that residents and businesses might be experiencing with their Internet connectivity and reliability during the Covid 19 stay-at-home period, the Town has partnered with Mission Broadband to assist us in understanding your needs. Please clink on the link below to let us know how you are doing
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Camden_SD_BB_Impact

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control

The US and Maine Centers for Disease Control are resources for information on COVID-19, symptoms, spread, and what you can do to help prevent the spread.

Maine CDC Coronavirus Page. Access information on the spread of COVID-19 in Maine, travel advisories, frequently asked questions, and more. Learn more
US CDC Coronavirus Page. Access CDC recommendations on how to stay safe and prevent transmission to others. Track the spread of cases in the US. Learn more

How to protect yourself and others
Maine CDC is requiring and recommending social distancing for Maine people at this time in order to protect themselves and slow the spread of COVID-19. Beyond social distancing, everyone should follow these preventative measures:

Staying home except for essential travel or work.
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
Washing your hands often with soap and water and use an alcohol-based sanitizer between washings.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Taking care of your health overall by staying current on your vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, eating well, getting a good night's sleep, and exercising.

Make use of these U.S. CDC resources: