Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-10-09

Governor Carl E. Milliken. in q call
to the people Of Maine Tuesday
morning. requested that every pre-
caution be taken to prevent the fur
Their spread Of the influenza epidemic
and included in his request the sug-
gestion that all places Of amusement
be closed. In this appeal. Governor
Milliken said:
Upon the recommendation OF the
surgeon general OF the United States
Public Health Service and with the
Health. hereby request that all I'M
necessary places of public gathering.
and all places of amusement, such as
theatres, dance halls and pool-rooms,
be closed for the present during the
prevalence Of the influenza epidemic.
Il am not unmindful Of the need Of
recreation in these trying times and
Of the important part played by nee
essary recreation in maintaining the
cheerful spirit that is so helpful in
resisting the epidemic. Yet l fully
agree with the health authorities that
in the present situation amuSements
which call crowds together indoors
are dangerous and while this danger
continues people should take their
recreation in their own homes or
through some form Of active exercise
in the open air.
schools and churches should not
be treated as unnecessary public
gatherings. They are on different
footing from non essential amuse-
ments. They should be closed only
when in the judgment of the local
health authorities the danger in keep
ing them open over-balances the
need of their continuance. 1t is likely
that unless the epidemic has reached
considerable proportions in a given
community. the children will be safer
in school with proper care than they
would be with the schools closed
Where the schools are continued,
great care should be taken to instruct
the children in the simple precau-
tions to be observed against lnfec-
ton and all the children should be
inspected eve..' day by a doctor,
nurse or by the teacher under rnedi-
cal direction. Those having synp-
toms that might indicate Influenza
should be at once sent home AMI the
case followed up to make sure that
proper treatment is given.
1T is further suggested that in
communities where the disease is
prevalent, the operation of soda foun-
tains and the sale Of soft drinks be
discontinued unless under special
sanitary regulations to be approved
by the Board Of Health.
1T is urged also that all unneces-
sary travel be avoided and especially
that there be no travel to and from
places where the disease is prevalent.
unless in case Of emergency.
There is no occasion for panic
among our citizens. Maine has so
far been very fortunate and the dis
ease has not gained great headWay
EXCEPT in a few localities. The Unit
ed States Public Health Service, the
Maine Department OF Health, the Red
Cross. the Public Safety Committee
and the Medical Reserve OF the Ma
tional Guard are working together e1-
ficiently to aid stricken communities
and to prevent further spread OF the
disease. But while there should pc
no undue alarm, it is important that
every possible precaution be observed
nv our citizens in cooperation with
the health authorities so that the ep-
idemic may be fully brough hnder
control before the severe winter
weather sets in"