MIDDLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — The risk of mosquito-borne viruses like EEE and West Nile has the Middleboro Public School system on high alert.

The district has decided to move up all outdoor after-school activities to earlier in the day so everyone is off the field at least 30 minutes before sunset.

“You’re in kind of EEE central in Middleboro with Carver already making the decision, and Plymouth already making the decision. We joined forces with them and in the end, it’s all for safety,” said Sean Siciliano, Chief Technology Officer & Communications Director of the Middleboro Public Schools.

The district promised games wouldn’t be canceled as a new school year begins, adding that this was not an east decision to make.

“Unfortunately we understand that it’s not the true Friday night lights,” Siciliano said. “But I think the community will understand why we’re doing it. We’re doing it for the safety of everyone.”

The school system hopes to return to normal as soon as the Department of Public Health says it is safe to do so.

Locations are not exact and are meant to illustrate findings by community. Source: RI DEM/RI DOH, MA DPH

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