Print
Share page with AddThis

COVID-19

Town of Kittery COVID-19 Response

The Town of Kittery is actively monitoring updates from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the Maine CDC regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Our first responders and public safety staff continue to receive information and participate in safety briefings with the Maine CDC. Town employees have been provided with guidance to pretect themselves and the public.

The Town of Kittery has protocols in place and is prepared to respond as conditions warrant.  The Town will be making decisions based on the most recent information available and will post updates regarding events, meetings and public activities as soon as new information is available.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Maine CDC page for the latest on the situation by clicking here.

Please visit the following links for additional information:

COVID-19 Update - May 17, 2022

Residential households in the U.S. are now able to order an additional eight free at-home COVID tests from the federal government.  To order your free at-home tests, please click here. 

Those who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages, 8:00 AM - midnight, EST, 7 days a week.

For more information, please click here or visit www.covid.gov/tests/faq. 

COVID-19 Update - March 7, 2022

Following the most recent information from the State of Maine and U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Town of Kittery will be lifting its mask requirement in municipal buildings.  

Effective Wednesday, March 9, 2022, the Town will transition to “Masks Optional” in all municipal buildings.  Disposable masks will remain available in municipal buildings, for those that want or need to continue wearing them.  The Town of Kittery will continue to monitor State and Federal COVID-19 assessments for York County and will make adjustments to these guidelines as necessary.

Please continue to stay home if you feel sick, and get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or believe you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.  COVID-19 Test kits are free from the federal government, and can be ordered by filling out a simple form located here.  Each household is eligible to receive four free tests (two per kit).

The best way to reduce the chance of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 is to get the vaccine and booster shots. If it has been over six months since you were initially vaccinated, it is time to get the booster shot. For more information about getting vaccinated please click here.

For more information and resources related to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 page on our website, by clicking here.

COVID-19 Update - February 16, 2022

Ahead of school vacation next week, the Mills Administration announced today that it has expanded eligibility for Project Access COVID Tests (ACT), a partnership between the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and the Rockefeller Foundation that mails free COVID-19 tests directly to the homes of Maine people. Tests are now available statewide, with every household in Maine eligible to order one set of five at-home rapid tests, regardless of ZIP code of residence.

The program is limited to one order per residential address during this first phase of the project.  No payment information is required — both the tests and shipping are free to residents – and the tests will be delivered through Amazon approximately one week after ordering.

To place an order, please visit the Project ACT website by clicking here.

To read the full announcement, please click here.

COVID-19 Update - January 18, 2022

Residential households in the U.S. can begin ordering rapid COVID-19 tests from the federal government, free of charge.  Each household is eligible to receive 1 order of 4 tests, which are set to begin shipping via the United States Postal Service in late January.

To order your free at-home tests, please click here.  To complete your order, you will need to provide your name and residential mailing address. 

For more information about the at-home tests, and other testing resources, please visit https://www.covidtests.gov/ or click here.

COVID-19 Update - November 18, 2021:

Governor Mills announced that effective immediately, all Maine adults age 18 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot, regardless of underlying medical condition if:

  • They completed the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series at least six months ago; OR
  • They received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

For the full announcement from Governor Mills, please click here.

To find a vaccination site near you, please visit the State of Maine's vaccination site by clicking here or call the Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111.

COVID-19 Update - August 4, 2021:

The Town of Kittery is continuing to monitor the updated information and guidance being provided by state and federal authorities and make decisions that public safety staff determine are best for the community. 
 

On July 27th, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced updated recommendations regarding COVID-19 due to new evidence about the Delta variant currently circulating in the United States. The most recent recommendation is that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in public indoor settings, in areas of substantial or high transmission.  Following suit, Governor Mills announced that the State of Maine will follow the CDC’s updated recommendations.

York County’s level of community transmission is currently listed as “substantial”.  Masking is required for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people while inside all Town of Kittery public buildings.  Further updates will be provided to the community as we receive them.

To see the County transmission status, please click here.

The Governor and Maine health officials continue to strongly urge Maine people to get vaccinated as the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19.  For more information on vaccinations in Maine, please click here.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the U.S. CDC's website by clicking here.

COVID-19 Update - May 13, 2021: (please refer to the York Hospital website as information may have changed since 5/13/21)

York Hospital is now registering anyone (non-Maine residents included) age 18+ for COVID-19 vaccinations with no waiting list.
 
  • The Vaccine Hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, including the Maine vaccine timeline, please visit www.yorkhospital.com/vaccines.

Additional Vaccine Information:

May 12, 2021:

Maine's COVID-19 Vaccine Incentive Program - Your Shot to Get Outdoors!

The State of Maine has launched an outdoor-centered incentive program aimed at encouraging Maine people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before the summer season begins.

The public-private initiative, called “Your Shot to Get Outdoors,” is led by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and brings together the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, L.L.Bean, the Portland Sea Dogs, and Oxford Plains Speedway to offer incentives to get Maine people vaccinated and engaged in outdoor activities.

Effective immediately through May 31, 2021, any Maine resident age 18 and older who gets their first shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Maine will qualify to receive a variety of rewards.

For more information on the program, and rewards being offered, please click here.

April 13, 2021: (please refer to the York Hospital website as information may have changed since 4/13/21).

York Hospital is now registering community members who are Maine residents, age 16+ for COVID-19 vaccinations.

  • Eligible residents may sign up for a vaccine appointment via York Hospital's online Waiting List at: https://covidvaccine.yorkhospital.com.
    • The online form is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • The online form will request a full name, date of birth, phone number and email address, if available.
  • To be added to the Waiting List via telephone, please call 207-752-8685, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM - 5 PM.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, including the Maine vaccine timeline, please visit www.yorkhospital.com/vaccines.

Additional Vaccine Information:

March 31, 2021

COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Proclamation - Notice of Expiration
Emergency Proclamation Expiration

March 30, 2021

Town of Kittery Reopening Update

Following the State’s lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions and safety protocols, the Town of Kittery will be following suit by beginning its next phase of reopening. 

Effective April 1, 2021, the Town will end its local Emergency Proclamation, and begin lifting some restrictions to allow for many services and activities to resume with appropriate safety precautions. 

The Governor’s Emergency Declaration and Executive Orders regarding face coverings, gatherings and capacity limits remain in effect, and will continue to govern safety protocols in public spaces and private businesses in Kittery.

For the Town of Kittery's full Reopening Update, please click here.

March 29, 2021:

Local Vaccination Clinic - May 4, 2021 - Gorges Road Fire Station

The Kittery Fire Department is hosting a local vaccination clinic on May 4 at the Gorges Road Fire Station.  Any eligible resident of Maine may sign-up for the vaccination by clicking here.

The Fire Department is pleased to be able to offer this vaccination clinic in our area.  Chief David O’Brien is coordinating the vaccination clinic through the Incident Management Team of the York County EMA.  He is working with our team of Firefighters, and Stewards Ambulance Service to ensure a safe and efficient process for administering shots in one day.   This is not a drive-through clinic. 

We are encouraging residents in the Kittery/Eliot area to sign up.  We understand traveling to a supercenter or York may be a challenge for some of our residents. This clinic offers a closer option to get vaccinated.

The Fire Department is hoping to host additional clinics in the coming months, as the State of Maine continues to accelerate access to vaccine throughout the state.

March 23, 2021

Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

There are now more transportation options for Mainers who need a ride to and from a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.  Free transportation is available for people who do not have access to reliable transportation, are unable to drive, or are otherwise unable to travel to their appointment.

To download/print the information, please click here.

Transportation to Vaccination Sites

March 17, 2021

Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line

March 8, 2021

York Hospital is now registering community members for COVID-19 vaccinations.

  • Eligible residents may sign up for a vaccine appointment via York Hospital's online Waiting List at: https://covidvaccine.yorkhospital.com.
    • The online form is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
    • The online form will request a full name, date of birth, phone number and email address, if available.
  • To be added to the Waiting List via telephone, please call 207-752-8685, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM - 5 PM.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, including the Maine vaccine timeline, please visit www.yorkhospital.com/vaccines.

Additional Vaccine Information:

  • York Hospital is currently registering community members who are Maine residents age 50 and over, and Educator/Child Care Providers.
    • Educators and Child Care Providers are encourages to use pharmacies indicated by state (Hannaford, Walgreen's and Walmart) as their vaccine supply is being dedicated solely to educators, and you are likely to be scheduled sooner for your vaccine. 
  • To seek out alternative options for your vaccine, additional vaccination sites can be found by visiting https://www.maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites.
  • For the latest information from York Hospital, please visit: https://yorkhospital.com/covid-19-updates.

January 19, 2021

With COVID-19 numbers still rising, the Town of Kittery is making every effort to keep the public and our staff safe by offering a variety of contact free services.  Many Town Hall and Customer Service center related services are available online, saving you a trip inside the building.

For a helpful list of services and resources available at Town Hall, please click here.

December 4, 2020

Maine Tourism, Hospitality & Retail Recovery Grant Portal Open 

The Tourism, Hospitality & Retail Recovery Grant Program is focused on supporting Maine’s service sector small businesses, such as restaurants, bars, tasting rooms, lodging and retail shops. The grant program will evaluate needs based on gross sales loss between March and September 2020, compared to the same time in 2019. Eligible applicants may receive up to $20,000.  Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. 

The application portal will is open effective 9:00 AM on Friday, December 4, 2020 on the DECD website found here.  The application portal will remain open until funds are depleted.

For more information on the program, including eligibility criteria, application instructions and more, please click here.

October 22, 2020

Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program Phase II - Deadline Extended

The deadline for Phase II of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program has been extended to October 29, 2020.

For more information, please click here.

September 23, 2020

Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program Phase II

The state of Maine has announced Phase II of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program, providing financial relief to small businesses and nonprofits in Maine. Eligibility for the grant program has been expanded. 

  • The new application deadline is October 23, 2020

For more information, please click here.

September 2, 2020

Fort Foster Seasonal Update

Effective Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Fort Foster will be open on weekends only.

  • Parking will be prohibited within 75 feet of the gate to provide safe turn-around space for vehicles.  
  • Parking will be available on the outbound side of Pocahontas Road.
  • Parking will be prohibited on the inbound side of Pocahontas Road.

Per CDC guidelines, dogs must be on leash at Fort Foster at all times.

Please observe all signage to insure safe social distancing in the parking lots, trails, and open areas. Face masks are recommended for all visitors.

For more information about protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 while visiting parks and recreational facilities, please click here.

August 25, 2020

Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program

The state of Maine has announced the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program, providing financial relief to small businesses and nonprofits in Maine. Businesses with 50 employees or fewer are eligible to apply. The application deadline is September 9, 2020. 

For more information, please click here.

August 17, 2020

The Town of Kittery is Open for Business

The Town of Kittery has launched a brand new PSA, in collaboration with the York Region Chamber of Commerce and the Town of York. 
 
Watch the video below to see how restaurants and businesses in Kittery and York are practicing social distancing and serving customers and diners safely.
 
 
To view the PSA on Youtube, please click here.

Prevous Updates

For previously posted updates and information, please click here.