Below, find a timeline of Maine’s most public instances of resistance to the state’s mask mandate. 

May 3, 2021 —  The New Gloucester Board of Selectmen took no action on an anti-mask resolution that questioned the constitutionality of executive orders requiring face coverings in public settings. The resolution, is almost entirely word-for-word taken from a resolution introduced in Androscoggin County by Androscoggin County Commissioner Isaiah Lary in February.

March 3, 2021 — Androscoggin County Commissioners ratified a proposal that provides a prevention, reaction and preparedness plan that addresses employee health and safety.

Feb. 22, 2021 — The Paris Select Board unanimously passed a resolution opposing Gov. Janet Mills executive orders on face coverings after mistakenly claiming the mandates violate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Feb. 18, 2021 — The recall effort against Androscoggin County commissioners Brian Ames of Lewiston and John Michael of Auburn was dropped following their votes a day earlier to reject a controversial anti-maks resolution.

Feb. 17, 2021 — The Androscoggin County Commission rejected the controversial anti-mask resolution proposed by Commissioner Isaiah Lary during a contentious meeting. The vote was 6-1, with Lary the only one voting in favor of his statement.

Feb. 10, 2021 — Androscoggin County Commissioner Isaiah Lary of Wales refused to back down and released a new resolution against a statewide mask mandate. The new statement resolves:

• No county official can enforce a “pandemic order,” including the wearing of masks by any resident, visitor or in a business in Androscoggin County.

• To prevent the use of county funds, employees and equipment to enforce the mandate.

• The county administrator take steps to bring the question before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Feb. 8, 2021 — A recall effort is underway to remove three members of the Androscoggin County Commission — Brian Ames, Isaiah Lary and John Michael — for their roles in the anti-mask debate.

Feb. 4, 2021 — Androscoggin County Sheriff Eric Samson sent commissioners a letter saying he and his staff would not attend future meetings due to the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Feb. 3, 2021 —With spectators shouting “cowards” and “shame,” the Androscoggin County Commission voted 4-3 to table a resolution rejecting the COVID-19 mask mandate ordered by Gov. Janet Mills. The vote came after more than two hours of debate among commissioners and the testimony of nearly two dozen residents.

Video: Mask-wearing objections raised at Androscoggin County Commission meeting

Feb. 2, 2021 — Androscoggin County Commissioner Isaiah Lary announces a resolution at the Androscoggin County Commission meeting opposing mask mandates by local, state and federal governments.

Jan. 20, 2021 — The Androscoggin County Commission met to debate a formal COVID-19 policy for its employees and staff. But it became a debate about wearing masks and what some commissioners called the overreach by Gov. Janet Mills with her mandates on wearing masks and COVID-19 response. Four of the seven commissioners were not wearing masks.

Jan. 13, 2021 — The Piscataquis County Commission passes a resolution objecting to Gov. Janet Mills’ COVID-19 executive orders that includes falsehoods about face coverings and the severity of the disease.