BELFAST —The City of Belfast launched a COVID-19 public education plan this week. As part of the Keep Maine Healthy initiative by the Mills Administration, the City of Belfast applied for and was awarded funding to develop and implement this COVID-19 prevention and protection plan.

The first phase includes signage for Belfast businesses and in public spaces downtown reminding residents and visitors of the mask requirement in the Governor’s most recent Executive Order and social distancing recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. 

“The City of Belfast supports public health and safety. Science has shown the way. The City of Belfast will follow,” said Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders, in a news release.. “My late parents would be thrilled to see the word Please. It’s how I was raised, and that seems to be a very useful word in these uncertain times.”

The City of Belfast worked collaboratively with Our Town Belfast and Belfast businesses to develop the proposal that aims to protect the health of Belfast residents and visitors while allowing the opportunity for tourists to enjoy Maine’s incredible summer and support our small businesses.

“Our Town Belfast was pleased to work with the City of Belfast to secure funding for this effort,” conveyed OTB Executive Director Zach Schmesser. “We are grateful to be working alongside partners, such as our downtown businesses, to educate our community about this important public health measure that will help keep our businesses safe and economically viable.”

The City of Belfast’s multilayered approach aims to protect Belfast residents, protect visitors, and support Belfast small businesses by reducing to the greatest extent possible COVID-19 risks associated with travel inherent to tourism.

“The City of Belfast is on the front lines for community questions and concerns related to COVID-19,” explained City Manager Erin Herbig. “We recognize the importance of coordinating with our business owners to send a message to our residents and visitors alike: Belfast is a safe location to visit, shop, eat and spend time with your family.”