increase font size Maine will lift physical distancing requirements for schools this fall The Department of Education announced that remaining physical distancing requirements will be relaxed next school year and all schools should be able to offer full-time, in-person learning. Share The Maine Department of Education plans to lift all physical distancing requirements this fall in a move the state said it hopes will allow schools to return to full in-person learning. The department is continuing to encourage schools to participate in its free pooled testing program to protect students for whom a COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been authorized and to minimize disruptions from quarantines. But participation in the testing program will not be tied to the easing of the distancing requirements as was previously the case.