Plymouth Announces Closing Of All Public Parks & Fields From Dusk To Dawn
The dawn-to-dusk closure is set to begin immediately, with signs being placed at all public parks and fields to enforce it.
On Friday, August 23rd, the town of Plymouth announced via press release that they would be closing all town parks and fields between the hours of dusk and dawn going forward. The decision came as a result of Plymouth's recent EEE risk level being raised to HIGH. This change in threat level occurred after a recent EEE infection was diagnosed in a horse exposed in Plymouth. Additionally, EEE-infected mosquitos have previously been found in Halifax, Kingston, Barnstable, Amesbury, and Haverhill.
The dawn-to-dusk closure is set to begin immediately, with signs being placed at all public parks and fields to enforce it. This closure extends to any athletic leagues and other organizations who utilize the spaces. The press release did not indicate when the dusk-to-dawn closure would end.
Tips On How To Avoid Mosquito Bites
In addition to information pertaining to the public park and field closure, the Plymouth press release went on to warn the public of the importance of knowing how to protect oneself from mosquito bites. They offered the following tips, which can be found on the MA Department of Health's website.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk. Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE.
If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Page 3 of 3 Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617- 983-6800.
More information, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mosquito-borne-disease-prevention or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. - Plymouth Press Release
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