The Oxford Board of Health has implemented an outdoor curfew following the town’s first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year.
The curfew, aimed at reducing exposure to peak mosquito hours, could affect fall sports, sparking concern among residents. Despite protests, the curfew seeks to prevent further cases, as Massachusetts experienced 12 EEE infections in 2019, half of which were fatal.
Over 800 residents have signed a petition to keep sports fields open. But the school district will comply with the outdoor curfew, potentially leading to earlier or indoor sports practices. Organizations not affiliated with the town that choose to disregard the guidelines must acknowledge the risks in writing.
Oxford is now classified as a “critical risk” area for EEE, joining nearby towns like Douglas, Sutton, and Webster.
Approximately 30% of those who contract EEE do not survive.
NEW: Oxford, Massachusetts health officials have just recommended a 6 pm curfew due to an EEE outbreak despite protests from a large number of residents.
Here we go again… 🙄🤔 pic.twitter.com/Ow7JUzjZez
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 23, 2024
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