Harpswell hotel owners brace for local, state short-term rental restrictions

TIMES RECORD • April 6, 2020

Those in Harpswell’s hospitality industry are bracing after a pair of temporary state and local emergency orders prohibiting short-term rentals and discouraging tourism. Harpswell’s emergency order, which was issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19 applies to all lodging facilities, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, timeshares and short-term rental homes. The order also discourages those with seasonal homes from coming to Harpswell, but states that if they do come to Harpswell, they must undergo a 14-day quarantine. Harpswell has a year-round population of just under 5,000, but the town's population doubles in summer months.