AUGUSTA — Consistent with a directive of President Joe Biden, Governor Janet Mills ordered Tuesday the United States and the State of Maine flags be lowered immediately statewide through Friday, February 26 in solemn remembrance of the 500,000 Americans, including 660 Maine people, who have died with COVID-19.

“As a state and as a nation, we have suffered unimaginable loss these last twelve months, but the greatest grief is borne by families whose loved ones are no longer with them because of this deadly disease,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Let us pause in solemn remembrance of the 500,000 Americans, including 660 Mainers, we have lost, honor the lives they lived, and pray for the swift recovery of all those who are still battling this virus.”