Dear Lincoln Community and Lincoln Public Schools Employees and Families,

As you are certainly aware, the threat of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is increasing throughout Massachusetts and our neighboring towns.  In order to ensure the safety of our children and community members, we are taking precautionary measures to avoid unnecessary contact with virus infected mosquitoes.

As recommended in the public health advisories, we are canceling outdoor activities that occur between 7 PM and 6 AM until further notice. This includes school- and community-sponsored athletic events, practices, and all other organized activities scheduled to take place out of doors.  In addition, no school activities should be carried out in wooded areas beyond the playing fields. At this time, the schools are not making changes to recess routines for students during the school day.

All outdoor recreational facilities, including athletic fields, tennis courts, public parks, playgrounds, and sport courts are also closed between the hours of 7 PM to 6 AM.  

Community members may wish to take additional precautions by dressing in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, and by applying mosquito repellent.

Parents are encouraged to apply mosquito repellent to students’ clothing before sending them to school, or send students with mosquito repellent towelettes or non-aerosol lotions to self-apply before recess.  Please be aware that school personnel are unable to apply insect repellent to students without a doctor’s order.

Information about EEE and ways to avoid insect borne diseases, specifically EEE, can be found on the MA Department of Public Health website pages at https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts and https://www.mass.gov/news/state-public-health-officials-raise-risk-level-for-eee-to-high-in-several-southeastern

If you have any questions, please reach out to either of us.

All the best,

Becky McFall, Superintendent

bmcfall@lincnet.org

Dan Pereira, Parks and Recreation Director

dpereira@lincnet.org