As the HHS Fall season enters the playoff phase, we are pleased to have several of our varsity teams advancing to the playoffs with several teams being high-seeds in their respective brackets – high enough where HHS will be hosting at least three home playoff games during the first full week of November. In addition, because Daylight Savings Time ended on Sunday, November 3rd, sundown will be an hour earlier, requiring us to consider adjustments to our EEE protocol to allow for adequate time for our teams to practice and also host local tournament games. The Holliston Health Department has notified me that weekend lows reached levels that satisfy the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s advisory that “when temperatures between 27-29 degrees Fahrenheit have occurred over wide geographic areas, risk from mosquito-borne disease is considered to have ended inside that area.” However, because Holliston’s EEE level is officially set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and they have not updated community risk levels since October 28th, Holliston is still designated to be in the Critical risk zone. Until such time as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health officially lowers Holliston’s risk level, we will be implementing an adjusted EEE protocol. These adjustments have been reviewed and approved by the Holliston Board of Health.
Effective, Monday, November 4, 2019, we are lifting the prohibition of all HHS outdoor athletic activities after sundown. Teams may practice under the lights at Kamitian Field and playoff games will be scheduled, where necessary, without regard to the time of sunset.
Because the EEE threat level is still officially high, we are making the following adjustments to our safety protocols:
- Student-athletes who will be outside after sunset will be expected to apply spray mosquito-repellent prior to the beginning of the practice or game. This expectation will be enforced by team coaches, our Athletic Trainer and the Athletic Director.
- Spectators are STRONGLY encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. In addition, spray mosquito-repellent will be available, free-of-charge, at our ticket booths located at the entrance to Kamitian Field to all spectators who wish to apply it at any time during the game. This information will be announced to spectators at least twice during each game that is held at Kamitian Field.
