THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 19, 2020 Page 9 DiDomenico votes to pass bill to protect residents from EEE virus O n June 11, State Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that seeks to help protect residents from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne arbovirus that is rare, but can be fatal. The legislation, An Act to mitigate arbovirus in the Commonwealth, comes as the state prepares for what is expected to be another active season for mosquitos across the state. “Mosquito season has already begun, which is why my colleagues in the Senate and I felt it was critical we take preventative measures now to safeguard our residents from EEE and its dangerous eff ects,” said DiDomenico. “This bill will establish a comprehensive and coordinated approach to controlling mosquitos, and I am confi dent that these actions will not only help to protect public health, but also ensure environmental protection.” Last year Massachusetts saw a resurgence of EEE, with more than 200 communities designated as moderate to critical risk by the state Department of Public Health (DPH). The virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can impact humans of any age as well as animals. Massachusetts typically experiences outbreaks every 10-20 years, and the outbreak can last for two to three years. In late September 2019, DPH confi rmed three people died due to EEE. Prior to 2019, the most recent outbreak, according to state health offi cials, began in 2010. The bill authorizes the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) to take actions to reduce the mosquito population if DPH determines there might be an elevated risk of EEE. These actions include public education, surveillance of the mosquito population, elimination of standing water, and application of larvicides that safely prevent mosquitoes from becoming adults. SRMCB would also be authorized to conduct aerial pesticide spraying, subject to notifying the public and putting in place procedural safeguards. Certain landowners, such as owners of organic farms, may apply to opt-out of spraying, and a municipality may opt-out of spraying if the Executive Offi ce of Energy and Environmental Aff airs approves an alternative mosquito management plan provided by the municipality. The bill also creates a Mosquito Control for the 21st Century Task Force to recommend reforms to modernize and improve the state’s mosquito control system. The bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. WE’RE OPEN and Here for You AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) AC SPECIAL Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2012 FORD FUSION SEL 2015 NISSAN ALTIMA 6 Cylinder, Auto., 1 Previous Owner, Most Pwr., Options incl. Keyless Entry, & Pwr. Sunroof. Only 110K Miles! ALL TRADES WELCOME! $5,995 Easy Financing Available! Only 104K Miles, One Owner, Most Power Options, in Excellent Condition. QUALITY & PRICE $7,250 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! In-Person and Telemedicine Appointments at Our Stoneham and Malden Locations Are you coping with an injury, joint problem, sprain or strain? Some healthcare needs can’t and shouldn’t wait. Even during this uncertain time, our expert orthopedic, pain management, physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists are here to help you. Both of our locations are open and we are offering in-person and telemedicine appointments during regular business hours. We’ll work with you to determine the best option for your needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment: (781) 279-7040 • agilitydoctor.com Agility Orthopedics Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
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