x
Breaking News
More () »

Tensions over coronavirus quarantines bring trouble to Vinalhaven

Knox County Sheriff's say coronavirus, COVID-19 case has sparked a possible forced quarantine on Vinalhaven Saturday

VINALHAVEN, Maine — Editor's note: You are hearing the term 'flattening the curve' as a way to stem the tide of coronavirus cases. The above video explains what that means

In the past two weeks, as cases of COVID-19 coronavirus have spread, several out of state residents have been returning to their Maine summer homes several months early, presumably to get away from crowds where they usually live. 

Complaints have been voiced publicly and on social media in some areas, with calls for those people to self-quarantine when they come to Maine.

Those emotions may have led to trouble on the island of Vinalhaven Friday, as police responded to a report that several men with guns were trying to block someone from leaving a house on the island, to force them to quarantine. 

The Knox County Sheriff’s Department says the complaint was first called to the Coast Guard by marine radio, and then relayed to the Sheriff. Deputies, Marine Patrol and Coast Guard, responded and found that a tree had been cut down, dragged across the driveway, apparently to block anyone from leaving the house.

The Knox County Sheriff's Department clarified the case Saturday, saying a trio holed up in their Cripple Creek Road home until help arrived after several people gathered around the end of the man's driveway. 

Knox County officials say they are concerned what the incident means for the island community. 

"Deputies have learned that there is a general belief by some island residents that the Cripple Creek Residents are supposed to be quarantined because they came here from another state and could have Covid-19. Deputies did investigate this and learned that the trio had been residing on Vinalhaven for about 30 days, which is outside of the guidance issued by state officials, and none have any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

We want to bring to the public's attention the matter of restricting a person's movements within the state. Whether someone is a Maine resident or not, they have the right to free movement and anyone who infringes upon that free movement is potentially violating the law."

 Officials told NEWS CENTER Maine, the people accused of cutting and dragging the tree had already left. 

Social Distancing Video

Several towns have asked seasonal residents and visitors to self quarantine and advised people to remain in their home states so as to not overwhelm the local health care system.

Knox County Sheriff’s Department says the investigation continues.

At NEWS CENTER Maine, we're focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the illness. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: /coronavirus

NEWS CENTER Maine Coronavirus Coverage

RELATED: Live Maine Coronavirus Update: 1 dead, 168 confirmed cases

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: Trump signs $2.2 trillion stimulus bill, issues Defense Production Act for GM ventilators

RELATED: New Hampshire records second coronavirus related death

RELATED: Maine 'Rises Up' during coronavirus outbreak

RELATED: Trump: Throw Rep. Thomas Massie out of Republican Party

RELATED: 'Black Bear Exchange' food pantry helps UMaine students, faculty and staff during COVID-19

RELATED: Maine abuse survivors at greater risk during coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak

RELATED: How ‘stay-at-home’ orders and gathering bans due to coronavirus are being enforced in Maine

RELATED: Pen Bay Hospital handles first case of coronavirus, COVID-19

RELATED: Mainer living in Italy urges others to take COVID-19 seriously

RELATED: Trump signs $2.2T stimulus after swift congressional votes

RELATED: Maine funeral home offering virtual services amid coronavirus outbreak

RELATED: Stimulus check calculator: See how much you'll likely be getting

RELATED: One person in Maine has died from coronavirus, COVID-19, Maine CDC says

RELATED: New Hampshire governor issues stay-at-home order, extends school closures through May 4

RELATED: 'She's everyone's world right now. She's our love.' Brunswick family celebrates 100th birthday amid COVID-19

RELATED: Gov. Mills launches online resource for Mainers to help Mainers amid coronavirus pandemic

RELATED: UPDATE: South Portland issues 'stay home' order due to coronavirus, COVID-19

RELATED: Hoda breaks down on 'Today' after interview with Drew Brees

RELATED: A look back at this week's coronavirus news in Maine

NEWS CENTER Maine YouTube Coronavirus Playlist

Before You Leave, Check This Out