WATERFORD ADJUSTS TOWN ACTIVITIES CURFEW DUE TO EEE

Waterford — Due to the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the town has notified residents that it will cease all outdoor activities at 5 p.m. until further notice.

An email from the town read “any co-sponsored program or groups using Town of Waterford fields will need to end all activities by 5 p.m.”

This time is expected to change based on temperature and daylight savings time.

“As daylight savings takes effect, adjustments will be made accordingly with input and advice from Ledge Light (Health District) and town leadership,” the email read.

Waterford Recreation & Parks Program Coordinator Kerry Sullivan said this move was made in coordination with surrounding towns and Ledge Light Health District, the local health department for North Stonington, Stonington, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Lyme, Ledyard, Groton, Waterford and New London.

Director of Health at Ledge Light Stephen Mansfield said the State Department, in conjunction with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, has developed guidelines for municipalities to follow. The only factor that would alter the recommendations is a hard frost eliminating the mosquito biting population.

Sullivan said the town is hoping for that hard frost soon because it’s affecting athletic programs. For example, “Our local peewee football is supposed to be hosting the Super Bowl Nov. 9,” she said. “If this doesn’t change, then they’re not gonna be hosting the Super Bowl.”

An Oct. 15 press release from the CAES said that while mosquito numbers are in decline, CAES “continues to detect EEE virus in mosquitoes in several areas of the State.”

Chapter to fund research, education and services for families affected by the disease.

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