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  •       loading... December 1st, 2024 Report It, Fix ItAlerts & Announcements  Doing Business My Rockland Search

    • COVID-19 Civil State of Emergency

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

    This page provides information on City actions, as well as links to information on state and federal resources to help our community members and our businesses through this difficult situation.

    City Actions and Proclamations

    Information on City actions related to COVID-19 is provided below, most recent first. Please know that we do not take these actions lightly. Our highest priorities have to be keeping our community safe and doing our part to help flatten the curve.

    • March 18 Press Release about City Services During This Emergency. In this press release, City Manager Luttrell explains that City Hall is closed until April 6, but that General Assistance Applications will be taken by phone at 594-0302. The transfer station is open. All other City buildings are closed to the public.
    • March 17 City Declaration -- Civil State of Emergency. City Manager Luttrell declared a Civil State of Emergency, effective for 5 days, and which can be extended with Council approval. Read the proclamation here. The Proclamation restricts gatherings that are primarily social, personal or discretionary in nature to no more than 10 people, requests restaurants and bars to close dine-in service, and requests that businesses such as gyms and yoga studios close for the forseeable future. The Order remains in effect for 5 days, and can be extended with Council Approval.

    This FAQ provides further information on the emergency declaration and its applicability.

    Help keep our wastewater employees safe – flush only paper!

    In these days of limited access to toilet paper, please remember that the City’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-

    • 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.
    • March 24 Governor's Executive Order.  Learn more.
    • April 16 Governor's Executive Order concerning evictions.  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.
    • Community Resource Guide. A dedicated team of community volunteers has assembled an extensive community resource guide at com/rockland-resources. 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.
    • Rockland General Assistance. If you are a Rockland resident you can call the General Assistance Office at (207) 594-0302 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 594-0302.
    • 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
    • Knox Hub This page is designed to be a living repository of useful information brought to you by Knox County EMA/GIS Program.

    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.

    • August 20th:  Governor Janet Mills announced the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program to support Maine businesses and nonprofits as they continue to grapple with economic hardships caused by COVID-19.
    • Rockland Recovery Loan Program. This program offers deferred-payment loans of up to $5,000 at 0% APR to eligible businesses affected by COVID-19.  Application review is first come first served.  All applications received by June 15 will be reviewed before month's end.
    • Website directory of Rockland businesses who remain open. A website developed by Wilder by Design shows who in Rockland is open for takeout, delivery and online orders. Businesses who want to be added can go to RocklandIsOpen.com, and click on “Add My Business”.
    • 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. Learn 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

    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