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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkreDF9XzPo
SEE THE COMPLETE BRIEFING ON YOUTUBE AT THIS LINK ABOVE:
NEW SPEED LIMITS PROPOSED IN WHITE PLAINS LOWER MAXIMUM SPEED TO 25 WITH EXCEPTIONS ON KEY ROUTES
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WPCNR TRAFFIC TRIBUNE. From The City of White Plains. January 29, 2024:
Added to the agenda at the Special Meeting at City Hall tonight, is an ordinance lowering the speed limit in White Plains with exceptions for key access and egress routes TO 25 MPH
Street by Street exceptions to the 25 MPH limit, elsewhere, including most of the core downtown, the speed limit is 25 MPH. Practice!
- Central Westchester Parkway: from Grant Avenue to the City Line, 45 MPH
- Mamaroneck Avenue from Bryant Avenue to the City Line, 40 MPH EXCEPT SCHOOL DAYS, when it is reduced to 25 MPH in school zones marked by flashing lights and 25 MPH flasing signs.
- Mamaroneck Avenue From Bryant Avenue both North and South Bound to BLOMINGDALE RD, 30MPH
- North Street, both North and Southbound between Ridgeway and White Plains Avenue, 40MPH, except school days when limit is 25 MPH marked by flashing lights and signs reading 25MPH.
- North Street, both North and Southbound between Ridgeway to and the City line, 40MPH
- Westchester Avenue (eastbound) between White Plains Avenue and the City line, 40 MPH
- Westchester Avenue (eastbound) between Paulding Street and the Bloomingdale Road ramp, 30MPH
- Bryant Avenue, between North Street and Westchester Avenue both eastbound and westbound, 35MPH. From North Street to Mamaroneck Avenue, 30MPH
- Westchester Avenue Frontage Road eastbound from Bloomingdale Road ramp to I-287 eastbound junction, 40MPH
- Bloomingdale Road, 30MPH
- Central Avenue, 30 MPH
- North Broadway, northbound and southbound between Barker Avenue and the Cityline, 30MPH.
- Old Mamaroneck Road , northbound and southbound, between Bryant Avenue and the City line. 30MPH
- Tarrytown Road. 30MPH
- White Plains Avenue
A letter included in the “backup material” the speed limit is being lowered under the new New York State Legislation (A.1007, A/S.2021-A) which now allows cities to reduce city wide limits to 25 miles per hour in the amended Section 1643 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. The former traffic the default maximum speed through a city, town, or village was 30 MPH.
By giving municipalities local control to reduce speed limits, this legislation will improve public safety and prevent pedestrian fatalities.
The amendment to the city Traffic Ordinance is in accordance with recommendations of the Transportation Commission, Department of Parking/Traffic Division and is to become effective upon adoption by the Common Council.
JAN. 29: COVID, FLU, RSV INFECTIONS DECLINE IN NORTH EAST. “WAVE” IN DECLINE: DR. CAITLIN RIVERS
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Welcome to the Northeast edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe Now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin
Respiratory Diseases
ILI
The Northeast continues facing moderately elevated flu activity in outpatient settings, though the situation is improving rapidly.
Northeast Region: ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
In Maine, influenza-like illness (ILI) has persisted, with a slight increase of 0.3%. Rhode Island and New Hampshire have experienced relatively stable ILI levels over the past week.
On the other hand, several states have seen significant declines in ILI. For instance, Pennsylvania had a decrease of 0.5%, Massachusetts saw a drop of 0.7%, New Jersey experienced a reduction of 0.9%, and Vermont had a decline of 0.3%. These numbers suggest that ILI has peaked in these areas.
Northeast Region: Change in ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
Influenza hospitalization rates also retreated across the board last week, with the steepest decreases seen in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. More moderate yet meaningful drops happened in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maine as well.
Overall the data indicates peak flu activity likely occurred for most Northeastern states based on region-wide declines in hospitalizations. However pockets of stubborn ILI persist, keeping outpatient severity levels still moderately elevated.
COVID-19
The Northeast region experienced a drop in Covid-19 hospitalization rates over the past week, with weekly admissions falling 0.8 per 100,000 population. The decline, from a peak of 13 to 9 per 100k, suggests hospital burdens have started easing across Northeastern states after this season’s wave.
Northeast Region: New COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Average rate per 100,000 population
At the state level, decreases were observed in every state over the past week. The most significant declines were in Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Additional substantial drops were seen in Vermont, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Smaller reductions were reported by Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. With all 9 Northeastern states showing falling hospitalization levels, the region appears to be moving past its peak.
Northeast Region: Change in New COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Weekly new hospitalizations per 100,000
RSV
The Northeast mostly saw decreases in RSV PCR test positivity rates over the past week. Maine saw the most substantial drop at -2.9 percentage points. Other meaningful declines occurred in New Hampshire (-1.0 point), Massachusetts (-1.0 point), and New York (-0.8 points). Smaller decreases happened in Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Rhode Island did not report RSV data.
Northeast Region: RSV Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
Stomach Bug
Norovirus activity in the Northeast is remaining steady, with test positivity around 11%. This first quarter of the year tends to be when norovirus circulates widely, so be cautious over the next few months. Remember that hand sanitizer is not particularly effective at preventing norovirus; soap and water is best.
Northeast Region: Norovirus Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
Food recalls
The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:
New
- Robitussin Honey CF Max cough syrup products (more info)
Previously reported:
- Brightfarm Spinach and Salad Kits (more info)
- Charcuterie meats sold by Fratelli Beretta and, newly, Busseto (more info)
- Tons of different granola and oatmeal products from Quaker (more info).
- If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.
In other news
- Blastomycocis, a fungal infection mostly commonly associated with the northern Midwest and parts of the Southeast, is now being found more commonly in other regions, including Vermont. Blastomycosis is caused by a fungus that is found in wet soil and decaying organic matter. The illness is challenging to diagnose because its symptoms resemble other respiratory infections, including fever, and body aches. If untreated, can lead to serious illness or death. New research indicates a higher prevalence than previously known. A study examining health insurance claims in Vermont between 2011 and 2020 identified 114 cases, with 30% requiring hospitalization.
COMMON COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING TAKES UP NEW CIVIL SERVICE WORKERS CONTRACT. TWO YEAR CONTRACT 3% EACH YEAR. REVISED PROPOSAL FOR FORMER GOOD COUNSEL PROPERTY
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WPCNR COMMON COUNCIL CHRONICLE-EXAMINER. From the City of White Plains. January 29, 2024:
A Special Meeting of the Common Council tonight is scheduled to vote on a new contract with Civil Service Employees Association. The meeting was announced by the City Friday. D
The new contract runs for two years and provides raises of 3% in the first year and 3% in the second year. The position of Legislative Aid will be established. The dental contribution will be increased $25 in each year.
The Common Council will also be presented with a newly revised proposal for the former Good Counsel property, at 52 North Broasway that has not been taken up since 2020. The former plan is pictured below.
Former plan for the 52 North Broadway property, formerly owned by the Sisters of the Good Counsel, that has not been considered since November 2020 when the covid epidemic was sweeping the city.A revision to it will be presented this evening.
The Special Meeting begins at 6:30 P.M. EST at City Hall, 255 Main Street,
COVID CASES, FLU, RSV CASES DROP NORTHEAST.”WAVE” DECLINES “PAST ITS PEAK”: RIVERS
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Welcome to the Northeast edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe Now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin
Respiratory Diseases
ILI
The Northeast continues facing moderately elevated flu activity in outpatient settings, though the situation is improving rapidly.
Northeast Region: ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
In Maine, influenza-like illness (ILI) has persisted, with a slight increase of 0.3%. Rhode Island and New Hampshire have experienced relatively stable ILI levels over the past week.
On the other hand, several states have seen significant declines in ILI. For instance, Pennsylvania had a decrease of 0.5%, Massachusetts saw a drop of 0.7%, New Jersey experienced a reduction of 0.9%, and Vermont had a decline of 0.3%. These numbers suggest that ILI has peaked in these areas.
Northeast Region: Change in ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
Influenza hospitalization rates also retreated across the board last week, with the steepest decreases seen in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. More moderate yet meaningful drops happened in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maine as well.
Overall the data indicates peak flu activity likely occurred for most Northeastern states based on region-wide declines in hospitalizations. However pockets of stubborn ILI persist, keeping outpatient severity levels still moderately elevated.
COVID-19
The Northeast region experienced a drop in Covid-19 hospitalization rates over the past week, with weekly admissions falling 0.8 per 100,000 population. The decline, from a peak of 13 to 9 per 100k, suggests hospital burdens have started easing across Northeastern states after this season’s wave.
Northeast Region: New COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Average rate per 100,000 population
At the state level, decreases were observed in every state over the past week. The most significant declines were in Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Additional substantial drops were seen in Vermont, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Smaller reductions were reported by Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. With all 9 Northeastern states showing falling hospitalization levels, the region appears to be moving past its peak.
Northeast Region: Change in New COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Weekly new hospitalizations per 100,000
RSV
The Northeast mostly saw decreases in RSV PCR test positivity rates over the past week. Maine saw the most substantial drop at -2.9 percentage points. Other meaningful declines occurred in New Hampshire (-1.0 point), Massachusetts (-1.0 point), and New York (-0.8 points). Smaller decreases happened in Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Rhode Island did not report RSV data.
Northeast Region: RSV Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
Stomach Bug
Norovirus activity in the Northeast is remaining steady, with test positivity around 11%. This first quarter of the year tends to be when norovirus circulates widely, so be cautious over the next few months. Remember that hand sanitizer is not particularly effective at preventing norovirus; soap and water is best.
Northeast Region: Norovirus Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
Food recalls
The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:
New
- Robitussin Honey CF Max cough syrup products (more info)
Previously reported:
- Brightfarm Spinach and Salad Kits (more info)
- Charcuterie meats sold by Fratelli Beretta and, newly, Busseto (more info)
- Tons of different granola and oatmeal products from Quaker (more info).
- If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.
In other news
- Blastomycocis, a fungal infection mostly commonly associated with the northern Midwest and parts of the Southeast, is now being found more commonly in other regions, including Vermont. Blastomycosis is caused by a fungus that is found in wet soil and decaying organic matter. The illness is challenging to diagnose because its symptoms resemble other respiratory infections, including fever, and body aches. If untreated, can lead to serious illness or death. New research indicates a higher prevalence than previously known. A study examining health insurance claims in Vermont between 2011 and 2020 identified 114 cases, with 30% requiring hospitalization.
NEVER FORGET. NEVER ALLOW.
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District 92 | News You Can Use
On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reckon with the awful history six million Jews systematically murdered by the Nazi regime, in addition to millions more Roma, Slavs, and other minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, intellectuals, and political dissidents. The day takes on a greater sense of gravity this year, with with war ongoing between Israel and Hamas following the horrific attacks of October 7th, and acts of antisemitism on the rise worldwide. This year’s theme, the Fragility of Freedom, could not be more timely. It is crucially important that we teach this history to the next generation, so that it may never again be repeated. Westchester County is fortunate to be home to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, which has arranged for Holocaust survivors to speak with local school groups and has preserved their stories in video testimonials. I encourage you to visit the Speakers Bureau on their website and listen to what these people and their experience have to tell us. The memories they share are difficult, but important to hear. They contain the lessons that equip us to stand up to antisemitism and other forms hatred wherever we encounter it, so that our world may be more safe, peaceful, and free for all.
Budget Update:
The Legislature’s joint legislative budget hearings opened this week in Albany. As a member of the Assembly’s Committee on Transportation, I had the opportunity to question the Commissioners of Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transit Authority, and Department of Motor Vehicles. During my allotted time, I raised a number of priority needs for our district, including:
In 2023, I led a successful effort to add $100 million to the budget for local road repairs. I will continue to push for maintenance, strategic planning, and the funding that goes with it as the budget process continues. Hearing Schedule The Legislature’s joint legislative budget hearings will continue through February 14. If you would like to follow these proceedings, livestream links are available on the Assembly and Senate websites, as well as on the Legislative Channel on cable systems throughout the State.
Westchester Forum Thank you to the local organizations and residents that participated in Thursday’s budget forum with the Westchester Assembly Delegation. We received testimony from nearly 50 individuals on a wide range of issues, including housing, education, healthcare, criminal justice, the environment, and the arts. The livestream from our hearing can be viewed here on my official Facebook page.
New Legislation Supporting
I am pleased to share that the Legislature has passed the following bills to protect and expand reproductive and maternal health care in New York State:
This package builds on our continued efforts to safeguard women’s rights and improve our health care system. Last year, we provided legal protections to healthcare practitioners providing reproductive healthcare, including through telehealth. We expanded access to contraception and abortion medication to students at state colleges and universities. And, we passed the Equal Rights Amendment for a second time—giving New Yorker’s the opportunity to vote on this amendment to the State Constitution in the November 2024 general election.
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7 PM TONIGHT: WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE JAN.26 REPORT FIOS CH 45. WP OPTIMUM CH 76: THE ONEWHITEPLAINS DRAFT PLAN PREVIEW — TONIGHT CH76 OPTIMUM AND COUNTYWIDE FIOS CH 76 AND ALWAYS ON www.wpcommunitymedia.org
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JOHN BAILEY PREVIEWS FIRST HALF OF THE NEW ONEWHITEPLAINS DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU.
AMY PAULIN ENDORSES GEORGE LATIMER FOR CONGRESS
INFECTIONS IN JANUARY SHOULD BE 50% LESS THAN JANUARY OF LAST YEAR
JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
EVERY WEEK ON FRIDAY 7:30
for 23 years
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
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“DOWN THE WAVE WE GO” STATE OF AFFAIRS JAN 23 FROM DR. KATELYN JETELINA
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Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí.
Anddddd respiratory illnesses have peaked. This means we are in the smack middle of the season, as we still need to go down the wave.
Here is your state of affairs.
Influenza-like illnesses: High but declining
The number of people seeking healthcare for respiratory illnesses—fever, cough, or sore throat symptoms—is still high but declining rapidly. In previous years, we’ve seen multiple humps, so don’t be surprised if this starts increasing again.
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Outpatient Respiratory Illness Visits (Source: CDC; Annotated by YLE)
If we look at the “big three,” flu, RSV, and Covid-19 have seen improvement. Flu is causing the most symptom burden, while Covid-19 continues to lead to severe disease.
Given that we are at the peak of the season, how is healthcare capacity?
It is incredibly difficult (if not impossible) to gauge through data.
This is because what happens internally (diverting care, delayed election surgeries, increased staffing for more beds, expedited discharge planning) isn’t reflected by numbers reported by hospitals. So we rely on anecdotes on the ground, like this one from Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital a few days ago:
Almost four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts General Hospital … continues to struggle daily with unprecedented overcrowding – particularly in its Emergency Department (ED). For the past 16 months, the MGH ED has operated nearly every day in “Code Help” or “Capacity Disaster” status.
This is concerning because it’s poorly timed with burnout and staff shortages. This will impact everyone’s care. We must figure this out if this is the “new normal.”
Now, a deeper dive into the “big three.”
Covid-19: Very high but declining
Covid-19 wastewater activity is still “very high.” In fact, it’s higher than it was last year. However, on a national level, activity is declining quickly. This basically means the newest subvariant (JN.1) is running out of new infection pathways.
There is still a lot of variability on the local level. For example, many cities—like San Jose, Chicago, and Miami—have yet to peak.
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Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 viral activity level on a national level (Source: CDC; Annotations by YLE)
Covid-19 continues to be the leader in severe disease, like hospitalizations. Covid-19 is currently causing about 3 times more deaths than the flu.
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It doesn’t have to be like this.
Covid-19 vaccination rates remain abysmal (41% among those over 65 compared to 75% flu vaccine coverage). If we look at the UK, where more than 70% of the eligible population is vaccinated for Covid-19, flu hospitalizations passed those for Covid-19 this season.
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Figure Source: Prof Christina Pagel; Annotated by YLE
Flu: High and stabilizing
Flu peaked around New Year’s and started to decline quickly. However, we typically see patterns disrupted once school starts again, which happened this year. Flu rates stabilized among kids 5-17 years old, while the other age groups continued to decline.
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Percent of Emergency Department Visits for Flu, by age. (Source CDC; Annotated by YLE)
There have been 47 pediatric deaths due to flu so far this season.
RSV: Moderate and declining
RSV numbers remain higher than this time last year but continue to decline.
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National percent positivity rate of RSV tests (Source: CDC)
Hospitalizations among young children are nosediving. Adult RSV patterns are following pediatrics (as usual).
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RSV hospitalization rates by age (Source: CDC; Annotations by YLE)
Other things I’m paying attention to
- Spring vaccines? Many people are asking whether we will have spring Covid-19 vaccines for those over 65 again. I don’t know. But I do know that CDC’s advisory board—ACIP—has their regularly scheduled meeting at the end of February. I will keep you updated.
- Measles. Beyond those discussed in the previous YLE post, another outbreak was reported in Washington state (6 measles cases linked to a family gathering). In addition, the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident for measles, which is a strong signal showing increased concern. Currently, 319 measles cases are linked to an outbreak in the West Midlands.
- Charcuterie meats. The CDC warned of a Salmonella outbreak linked to charcuterie meats. They’re advising the public not to eat the Busseto Charcuterie Sampler from Sam’s Club or the Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta from Costco.
Bottom line
There is still a lot of sickness out there, but we are finally headed towards relief. One can’t help but wonder how this season, particularly the strain on hospitals today, would be different if more people got vaccinated.
Stay healthy out there!
Love, YLE and Andrea Tamayo
Andrea Tamayo is an intern at YLE. She is a science journalist and master’s student at the University of California, Santa Cruz Science Communication Program. You can find more of her stories at andreactamayo.com.
“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, M.P.H. Ph.D.—an epidemiologist, wife, and mom . During the day, she is a senior scientific consultant to several organizations, including CDC. At night, she writes this newsletter. Her main goal is to “translate” the ever-evolving public health world so that people will be well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. This newsletter is free, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support this effort, subscribe below:
COVID, FLU, RSV INFECTIONS DECLINE IN THE NORTHEAST: DR. CAITLIN RIVERS
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Welcome to the Northeast edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe Now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin
Influenza-like illness
Influenza-like illness (ILI) declined across the Northeast this past week, reinforcing my optimism that the region is past peak activity after a late December surge. Around 5.2% of visits to the doctor were for fever and cough or sore throat during the week ending January 13, down from 5.8% the week prior.
Northeast Region: ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
Outpatient ILI: The percentage of doctors visits for fever and cough or sore throat declined in most states across the region. ILI drops occurred in Vermont (-0.1 to 1.7%), Maine (-0.3 to 2.7%), Rhode Island (-0.5 to 2.6%), Connecticut (-0.6 to 3.4%), Pennsylvania (-0.6 to 2.8%), Massachusetts (-0.8 to 4.3%) and New Jersey (-1.1 to 6.5%). Only New Hampshire saw a slight uptick (+0.1 to 3.1%).
Northeast Region: Change in ILI Activity
Percent of doctors visits for ILI symptoms
Hospitalizations for influenza: In terms of influenza hospitalization rates, Vermont posted an increase this past week (+3.8 new admissions per 100K). Most other Northeastern states posted dramatic declines, including Maine (-1.2 per 100K), Rhode Island (-1.3), Massachusetts (-1.7), Pennsylvania (-1.1), New York (-1.1) and New Jersey (-1.1).
Wastewater concentration: Wastewater data also supports my conclusion that the Northeast has reached peak flu season. Wastewater concentration has declined markedly, after a late December peak.
Spotlight on NY: In New York state, ILI fell to 2.5%, which is fairly low compared to other states in the region. However, there has been an unusual uptick in in the central part of the state, so caution is warranted. In New York City, ILI activity remains very high at 9%. And although the outpatient ILI metric is decreasing, hospitalized cases of influenza actually increased, so again additional caution is warranted.
COVID-19
Overall, Covid-19 activity is easing in the region. Leading indicators like wastewater positivity and ER visits are improving in most states. We aren’t seeing uniform declines in hospitalizations just yet, but I think that will change in the upcoming weeks.
Hospitalizations: The Northeast region saw a mix of increases and decreases in Covid-19 hospitalization admission rates over the past week. Of the 9 states, 1 saw increase and 8 saw decreases. The only increase was in Connecticut, which rose 2.1 per 100,000 population. On the flip side, Maine posted the biggest decrease at 3.2 per 100,000. Other states with drops included New Hampshire (-2.6) and Vermont (-2.3). Marginal declines were seen in Pennsylvania (-1.8), Massachusetts (-1.9), and Rhode Island (-1.7).
Northeast Region: Change in New COVID-19 Hospitalizations
Weekly new hospitalizations per 100,000
Test positivity and emergency department visits: Both test positivity and the percentage of visits to the emergency department that are for Covid-19 dropped across the region.
Spotlight on CT: I checked secondary metrics like test positivity and ER visits in Connecticut specifically, which was the only state to see an increase in hospitalizations. I found that ER visits are falling in the state, so hospitaliations should soon follow.
Wastewater concentration: On the bright side, wastewater concentration dropped quite a bit in the Northeast, after peaking in late December. This gives me additional confidence that the winter wave is receding or will soon.
RSV
RSV activity in the Northeast has fallen for 6 weeks in a row now, with PCR test positivity currently at 6.6%, down from a recent high of nearly 14%. Looking ahead, I expect activity to continue to fall in the weeks ahead, likely dropping below the 5% threshold by the end of this month. Activity should continue to fall and remain low through the remainder of winter and spring until the season resumes in early fall.
Northeast Region: RSV Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
Norovirus
Norovirus activity has slowed a bit in the northeast, with test positivity dropping below 12%. Test positivity has been in the 10% to 14% range since mid-December. For comparison, last year test positivity peaked at 16% in early March. For this reason, I expect the norovirus season to continue for a while yet, but I am glad for the temporary reprieve.
Northeast Region: Norovirus Activity
Test Positivity, Percentage
Other bugs
- Seasonal coronavirus activity, a frequent cause of the common cold, is increasing rapidly, which is typical for this time of year. Expect some stuffy noses in the weeks ahead.
- Human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza virus, two causes of influenza-like illness, remain low. Adenovirus activity also appears to remain low.
Food recalls
The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:
New
- Brightfarm Spinach and Salad Kits (more info)
- Charcuterie meats sold by Fratelli Beretta and, newly, Busseto (more info)
Previously reported:
- Tons of different granola and oatmeal products from Quaker — more items were added to the list of contaminated products (more info).
- Ground beef sold by Valley Meats and Scanga Meat (more info, more info)
- Pet food sold by Blue Ridge Beef (more info). Pet food can pose a risk to humans through cross contamination.
- If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.
In other news
- Several animals with rabies have been reported in the region. This is not uncommon; the Eastern United States experiences periodic animal cases, especially in raccoon and bat populations. These contribute to the spread of rabies to domestic animals and occasionally to humans. Anyone who received a bite from an unknown animal or comes into any kind of contact with a bat should immediately call the health department or seek medical care to be evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis (preventive shots).
- The New York State Department of Health has issued a $300,000 penalty to a Nassau County midwife for falsifying immunization records. The scheme affected roughly 1,500 school-aged children from throughout the state. All affected children must be fully up to date with all age-appropriate immunizations, or be in the process of receiving their missing vaccinations, before they can return to school. The vaccination scheme began at the start of the 2019-2020 school year, shortly after the elimination of non-medical exemptions for required school immunizations.