Hey folks, here’s what’s going on with the measles outbreak in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state disaster emergency because cases are rising, especially in rural areas. As of October 3, there are 108 confirmed cases statewide—7 in New York City and 101 outside the city. Since July 15, 92 cases have popped up in under-immunized communities across 18 counties. Local health departments have already administered over 1,000 doses of the MMR vaccine to help curb the spread. The executive order signed by Hochul expands the list of who can give vaccines, adding paramedics, advanced EMS, midwives, and pharmacists to the team. Hochul herself got her flu shot and is urging all New Yorkers to do the same, saying no one should get seriously ill from a preventable disease. These steps are meant to protect communities and support the health workers on the front lines.
