New York declares monkeypox a public health emergency

The Mayor of New York, Eric Adamsand New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan, declared a public health emergency today due to the monkeypox epidemic.

“Today we are declaring monkeypox a public health emergency in New York City. Over the past few weeks, we have moved as quickly as possible to expand reach and access to vaccines and treatments to ensure the safety of people.

“This outbreak needs to be addressed urgently, with action and resources, both nationally and globally, and this declaration of a public health emergency reflects the gravity of the moment,” they said in a statement.

They clarified that the declaration will allow the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issue Emergency Commissioner’s Orders under the New York Health Code and amend the provisions to include measures to help slow the spread.

“We are also working with partners at all levels of government to get as many additional doses as possible, as quickly as possible, so that we can protect New Yorkers during this growing epidemic,” they added.

New York is currently the epicenter of the outbreak and it is estimated that approximately 150,000 New Yorkers are at risk of being exposed to the disease.

EHR

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