New York Declares State Of Emergency Over Monkeypox Outbreak

In a surprising move, the Governor of New York issued an Executive Order which placed the entire state of New York under a State of Emergency.

In the first major outbreak of the Monkeypox virus since 2003, New York has been leading the nation in positive infections from the Monkeypox virus.

Earlier this month officials began ramping up vaccination efforts in an attempt to curb infections in those who had been deemed most at risk, however, it seems that the viral infection has been spreading faster than medical professionals and government officials have been able to contain.

After reviewing the latest data on the monkeypox outbreak in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our aggressive ongoing efforts to confront this outbreak... More than one in four monkeypox cases in this country are in New York State, and we need to utilize every tool in our arsenal as we respond. It's especially important to recognize the ways in which this outbreak is currently having a disproportionate impact on certain at-risk groups. That's why my team and I are working around the clock to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity and responsibly educate the public on how to stay safe during this outbreak.
-Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State

In fact, the outbreak in New York has been so bad that more than 1,300 cases have been found in these New York Counties alone.

In response, as part of the State of Emergency, New York has acquired more than 100,000 additional monkeypox vaccinations. Officials have also extended the eligibility requirements for the vaccine, and have increased the number of medical professionals that are eligible to give the vaccine to patients.

For more information about Monkeypox, its symptoms, and ways to keep yourself safe, you can check the New York State Health Departments Monkeypox Website right here.

The Symptoms and Signs of Monkey Pox

The New York Department of Health offers some tips on how New York residents, especially those with weakened immune systems, can prevent monkeypox,

- Ask your sexual partners whether they have a rash or other symptoms consistent with monkeypox.
- Avoid skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a rash or other monkeypox-related symptoms.
- If you are exposed or experience symptoms, make sure to reach out to a health care provider.

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These 7 Prisons Are The Most Violent In New York State

New York released a report with the most recent number of violent assaults on inmates in state prisons. There were 134 inmate deaths noted in the report, although it doesn't break down the prisons where each death occurred or who caused them. Here's a look at some of the general violent incidents reported for 2020, which is the most recent data reported by the state. Compared to 10 years ago, inmate assaults have almost doubled. In 2011 there were 666 and in 2020 there were 1,205 reported. These numbers do not include inmate assaults on staff members. Overall, the number of unusual incidents includes things like assaults, deaths, accidents, sexual misconduct, and disruptive behavior. According to the state,

"The number of unusual incidents has increased 132% from 5,980 in 2011 to 13,870 in 2020. These higher incident numbers were largely due to increases in assaults on incarcerated individuals (+81%), assaults on staff (+86%), contraband (+130%), disruptive behavior (+372%), and staff use of weapons (+1,035%)."

In 2020, 1,836 weapons used to cut or stab, including ice picks, razor blades, can lids and shanks were discovered in state prisons around New York.

Source: New York Declares State Of Emergency Over Monkeypox Outbreak