New Bedford Public Schools cancels all outdoor evening actives due to EEE

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has classified the risk level in Greater New Bedford as ‘critical’ for EEE. Due to the serious threat of exposure to the mosquito-borne illness, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Superintendent Thomas Anderson has ordered, effective immediately, that all outdoor activities and events are to be concluded no later than 6:00 p.m. Sports practice sessions, previously scheduled games and outdoor band rehearsal times will be adjusted. Students and parents will be notified of these changes as soon as possible.

“Please understand that we are not permitted to apply mosquito repellent, however, parents may choose to apply repellent to their student before coming to school,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our staff and students. We need to ensure that everyone, students and adults, understand the seriousness of this illness,” Superintendent Anderson said.

For the latest information on the EEE threat, please refer to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases