ROCKLAND — The Maine Department of Health and Human services will be closing its Rockland location after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release. 

The Rockland office will be closed Monday, but is slated to reopen Tuesday. 

The Maine DHHS has previously announced two closures after positive results at its Lewiston location. 

The DHHS was alerted to the positive test result Sunday and has notified employees of the Rockland office. Approximately 20 employees were working in the Rockland office last week. 

The Maine CDC is working to identify individuals who have been in close contact with the employee. 

The employee last worked in the Rockland office nearly two weeks ago, per the release, and their role did not involve visiting clients at their homes or significantly engaging with the public in the office.  

On March 17, DHHS announced steps to support physical distancing in its 16 regional offices, without disrupting critical benefits and services.

In line with guidance from the U.S. CDC, DHHS limited interactions with the public to accepting paperwork for drop-off.

The Department's regional offices are open to the public only for paperwork drop-offs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Clients have been encouraged to fill out and submit applications and reviews for programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and MaineCare online through MyMaineConnection.

Paperwork may be submitted via fax, email or postal carrier. Clients are strongly encouraged to sign-up for paperless noticing through MyMaineConnection to decrease delays in delivery of critical benefit updates.

Individuals may also call the toll-free number at 1 (855) 797-4357 for assistance, agents are available from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Most DHHS staff are now working remotely, as part of the Mills Administration's response to COVID-19.

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services has estimated that approximately 70 percent of State employees — excluding emergency, hospital and crisis, and public safety personnel — are currently working remotely.

Governor Mills has urged Maine people to avail themselves of the state's online services and resources during this public health emergency.

Measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should be taken seriously regardless of the setting, including maintaining physical distance, staying home if you're not feeling well, and speaking to your health care provider if you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as shortness of breath, fever, and cough.