Governor Janet Mills today (July 8) issued an executive order that will require large retail businesses, restaurants, outdoor bars, tasting rooms and lodging establishments in Maine’s larger cities and coastal counties to enforce the wearing of masks.

The mandate takes effect immediately in Cumberland, Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, and York counties, and also in Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Brewer, and Lewiston.

The businesses must implement measures requiring customers to wear face coverings.