State of emergency declared in New York over H1N1 swine flu virus
Thursday, October 29, 2009
- 4 February 2012: Unarmed man killed by narcotics officer in The Bronx
- 29 January 2012: New York police confirm cocaine shipment seizure at UN Headquarters
- 17 January 2012: Woman gives birth on New Jersey PATH train
- 14 January 2012: Man killed in police shooting in Brooklyn, New York
- 6 January 2012: New York firebomb suspect arraigned
According to US health officials, New York state governor David Paterson has declared a state of emergency in the state as a result of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak.
The Associated Press news agency reports that the six-page declaration was issued because at least 75 people have died of H1N1 related illnesses in New York since April. Three have died from H1N1 related illnesses just this past week. The declaration also says that human cases of the virus are on the rise.
Paterson says he issued the declaration because "a disaster has occurred throughout New York State, for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately."
The declaration will allow health officials more access to the H1N1 vaccine and the seasonal flu shot. It will also allow for an increase in the number of vaccine doses available in the state and will allow more health care facilities to administer the vaccine, including dentists and pharmacists. Schools with health centers will also be allowed to administer both vaccines.
Despite the declaration, officials stressed that there is no reason to worry. A spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Health, Claire Pospisil, said that "it [the declaration] helps us to be more prepared."
The order came shortly after US president Barack Obama declared a national emergency last Saturday, a response to the spreading of the virus, which has now been circulated in 46 states.
[edit] Related news
- "Obama declares swine flu emergency in US" — Wikinews, October 25, 2009
[edit] Sources
- BNO News. "New York Governor declares swine flu emergency" — Thailand.com, October 29, 2009
- Anemona Hartocollis. "Emergency Order Lets Dentists and Others Give Flu Vaccine" — New York Times, October 29, 2009
- Kay Mathews. "State of emergency declared in New York over H1N1" — Digital Journal, October 29, 2009
- Associated Press. "NY declares emergency over swine flu" — ABC News, October 29, 2009
