Town of Walpole Implements Curfew for Town and School Outdoor Sports Activities

Until Further Notice Town of Walpole Implements Curfew for Town and School Outdoor Sports Activities

Within the Town of Walpole there is an elevated risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (“EEE)”.  It has come to our attention that a horse in Medfield that died has tested positive for the virus.  There are very few human EEE cases each year, but the virus can be fatal or leave victims with serious, lifelong health complications.

Due to nighttime weather conditions, the state is no longer aerial spraying to control EEE. In order to lower the risk to Walpole residents and visitors, the Health Director, in cooperation with the Walpole Board of Health, Town Administrator, and Walpole Public Schools, have decided that at this time curtailing evening activities is necessary.

All Town and Walpole Public Schools outdoor sports activities, including games and practices, will now end at 6:45 p.m. and night games will be rescheduled to the daytime or weekends.  Effective September 15, all outdoor sports activities will end at 6:30 p.m.  Beginning October 6, sports and practices, will end at 6:00 p.m. It is expected that these restrictions will be lifted at the arrival of the first prolonged frost.

It is important that residents and visitors limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn). If you do go outdoors, apply insect repellent with DEET.  Please also drain standing water on your property and repair any broken window or door screens.

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found at https://www.mass.gov/quides/eee-in-massachusetts