Following an order issued by Maine Governor Janet Mills on March 5, Bowdoin has modified its rules for travel related to official College purposes, COVID-19 Resource Coordinator Mike Ranen announced in an email to all students and employees on Wednesday.

With the vaccine rollout continuing and infection rates trending downward nationwide, Mills’ directive eased travel between Maine and other New England states. Accordingly, Bowdoin will now permit travel for curricular and classroom work—as well as for student activities—to all New England states that do not have travel restrictions for Maine residents. This list currently includes Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In his email, Ranen outlined the required procedure to notify the administration before a trip,   explaining that travel plans will still have to be submitted to and approved by him at least one week prior to departure. He also specified required protocols and safety measures Bowdoin community members would have to take while traveling.

“There must be a written plan to remain in the ‘bubble’ or COVID-19 safe throughout the trip,” Ranen wrote. “This travel must not include any overnight stays.”