WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WARNING: POLIO IS PREVENTABLE WITH THE VACCINE. BUT THE DISEASE ONCE YOU GET IT IS INCURABLE.

Governor Hochul Declares State Disaster Emergency, Bolstering Immunization Drive – E.O. Immediately Expands Network of Vaccine Administrators, Adding EMS Workers, Midwives, and Pharmacists

NYSDOH Continues to Assess Spread & Prevent Disease Through Monitoring & Vaccination – Working with Local and National Health Authorities, Healthcare Providers, and Community Partners

One Case of Paralytic Polio Previously Identified in Rockland County

Poliovirus Detected in Wastewater Samples from Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, New York City and Now Nassau County

ALBANY, N.Y. from THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE (EDITED FOR ORGANIZATION, NO CONTENT ” CHANGED OR INTERPRETED” ) (September 9, 2022) –

Expanding response efforts and urging immunization, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) updated New Yorkers on polio in New York State. With evidence of circulating poliovirus, Governor Kathy Hochul today issued an Executive Order declaring a State Disaster Emergency, increasing the availability of resources to protect New Yorkers against paralytic disease.

(Editor’s Note: Parents who have not completed their childrens’ vaccinations yet in the White Plains City School district have until September 20 to turn in complete paperwork on the vaccination requirement fulfilment, according to the Superintendent of Schools last week.)

(Editor’s Note 2: I cannot underestimate the horridness of this disease. I have just been looking at photographs of pictures of children suffering form polio in the 1950s. They are horrifying. Braces on childrens’ legs. Children in “Iron Lungs,” smiling as celebrities visit them. A simple search on “polio victims photos” will lead you to every reason you could have to get your children and yourself vaccinated. Call your doctor and do not hesitate. )

As of August 1, 2022, Rockland County has a polio vaccination rate of 60.34 percent, Orange County has a polio vaccination rate of 58.68 percent, Sullivan County has a polio vaccination rate of 62.33 percent, and Nassau County has a polio vaccination rate of 79.15 percent, compared to the statewide average of 78.96 percent, among children who have received 3 polio immunizations before their second birthday.*

Bolstering the immunization drive, the E.O. immediately expands the network of polio vaccine administrators with the addition of EMS workers, midwives, and pharmacists and authorizes physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue non-patient specific standing orders for polio vaccines. The E.O. also requires healthcare providers to send polio immunization data to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) through the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), enabling NYSDOH and local health departments to focus vaccination activities where they are needed most and have yet another datapoint to understand the level of protection against polio in communities.

“On polio, we simply cannot roll the dice,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “If you or your child are unvaccinated or not up to date with vaccinations, the risk of paralytic disease is real. I urge New Yorkers to not accept any risk at all. Polio immunization is safe and effective – protecting nearly all people against disease who receive the recommended doses. Do not wait to vaccinate. If you are unsure of you or your families’ vaccination status, contact a healthcare provider, clinic, or local county health department to make sure you and your loved ones receive all recommended doses.”

Following the identification of a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated individual in Rockland County, NYSDOH launched wastewater surveillance — a tool to check for signs of the virus in sewage water in communities – as people infected with poliovirus shed virus in their stool. Sequence analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found poliovirus in samples collected from Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, New York City, and now, Nassau County. The sample collected in August from Nassau County has been genetically linked to the case of paralytic polio previously identified in Rockland County, further evidence of expanding community spread. All samples reported are samples of concern, meaning they are types of poliovirus that can cause paralysis in humans.

All New Yorkers who are unvaccinated, including children by 2 months of age, those who are pregnant, and people who have not completed their polio vaccine series previously, should get immunized right away. Unvaccinated New Yorkers or those not up to date with immunizations who live, work, go to school in, or visit Rockland County, Orange County, New York City, Sullivan County, and Nassau County are at the highest risk of contracting paralytic disease.

The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), the only vaccine available in the United States, is safe, and contains no live virus. It protects 99 – 100 percent of people who get all recommended doses. In accordance with CDC, the polio immunization schedule by age is as follows:

WHO SHOULD GET IT–HOW MANY DOSES

• All children should get 4 doses of the polio vaccine. The first dose should be given at 6 weeks through 2 months of age, followed by one dose given at 4 months of age, 6 through 18 months old, and 4 through 6 years old.
• People starting the polio immunization series after 4 years of age who are unvaccinated or are unsure if they have been immunized should receive a total of 3 doses.
• Adults who have only had 1 or 2 doses of the polio vaccine in the past should get the remaining 1 or 2 doses – it does not matter how long it has been since the earlier doses.
• In addition, adults who live or work in the areas where poliovirus has been detected (Rockland County, Orange County, New York City, Sullivan County, and Nassau County) and don’t believe they are vaccinated should get vaccinated.

At this time, the following New Yorkers who have previously completed their polio vaccine series should receive one lifetime booster dose of IPV:

• Individuals who will or might have close contact with a person known or suspected to be infected with poliovirus or such person’s household members or other close contacts.
• Healthcare providers working in areas where poliovirus has been detected (Rockland County, Orange County, Sullivan County, New York City, or Nassau County) who might handle specimens that might contain polioviruses or who treat patients who might have polio (e.g., urgent care, emergency department, neurology, virology laboratory workers).
• Individuals with occupational exposure to wastewater can consider a booster.

Polio is a dangerous, debilitating, and life-threatening disease. Spread from person-to-person, poliovirus enters the body through the mouth, usually from hands contaminated with the stool of an infected individual. People can spread the virus even if they do not know they are sick, and asymptomatic spread is a high concern among health officials. According to CDC, 70 percent of people infected with polio experience no symptoms. About 25 percent experience mild or flu-like symptoms that may be mistaken for many other illnesses. About 1 in 100 individuals will develop severe disease, including permanent paralysis. Of those paralyzed, 2-10 percent die when their breathing muscles become immobilized. Based on evidence from earlier polio outbreaks, health officials estimate that for every one case of paralytic polio observed, there may be hundreds of other people infected.

There is no cure for polio, but it is preventable through safe and effective vaccination. A core component of CDC’s childhood immunization schedule and required by NYSDOH for all school-aged children, most children are already vaccinated. New Yorkers who are unsure of their or their child’s vaccination status should reach out to a healthcare provider right away. As of August 1, 2022, Rockland County has a polio vaccination rate of 60.34 percent, Orange County has a polio vaccination rate of 58.68 percent, Sullivan County has a polio vaccination rate of 62.33 percent, and Nassau County has a polio vaccination rate of 79.15 percent, compared to the statewide average of 78.96 percent, among children who have received 3 polio immunizations before their second birthday.*

A rate of well over 90 percent is NYSDOH’s goal, and every adult and child must be up to date with vaccinations to prevent disease at the individual level. In addition to immunization to prevent disease, New Yorkers should know that handwashing with soap is important, as alcohol-based sanitizers do not work on some types of germs, like polio.

New Yorkers can learn more about polio and polio immunization here. Information about wastewater surveillance and results is available here.

Polio vaccination rates by county are available here. Available polio vaccination rates by ZIP code are available here.

About New York State Polio Vaccination Rates

*Polio vaccination rates are calculated based on data of children that have received 3 polio immunizations by 2 years of age, reported their residency as the State of New York, provided their New York State county of residence, and have at least one immunization or have a New York State birth record outside of New York City, based on data as of August 1, 2022 from the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS). As of January 8, 2008, all health care providers in New York State, outside of New York City, are required to report all immunizations administered to people less than 19 years of age, along with the person’s immunization histories, to NYSDOH using NYSIIS. Calculated rates are based on where the individual resides, based on the most recent resident information reported through NYSIIS. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH) maintains non-COVID-19 immunization records for New York City residents through the Citywide Immunization Registry (CIR).

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County Health Department Reminds Residents to Take Precautions Against Mosquitoes

WPCNR HEALTH ADVISORY.Westchester County has learned of its first human case of West Nile Virus this year, which was confirmed in an Elmsford resident with multiple underlying medical conditions, who is recovering at home.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “This first case of West Nile Virus should remind us all to take precautions against mosquito bites by removing standing water from our property, especially after recent heavy rain and flooding, and using repellents when we spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.” 

West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications. In 2021 and 2020, three people were diagnosed with West Nile Virus, and in 2019, one Westchester County resident had the virus.

The Westchester County Department of Health evaluated standing water around the resident’s home and nearby catch basins, and treated those with larvicide as needed.

Residents should inspect their property and remove any standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.

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WPCNR WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. September 8, 2022:

Effective immediately, masks will no longer be required on Westchester County Bee-Line Buses, and Bee–Line ParaTransit.  Earlier today, New York Governor Kathy Hochul removed the mask requirement on public transportation.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Largely steady COVID rates are making COVID part of our new reality, but not an illness that should impact our day-to-day life as it did two years ago. As always, those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask should do so, but that is a choice not a mandate.”

Latimer is still encouraging those who are eligible to receive the fourth COVID-19 vaccine. New York State still requires masks at health facilities, including nursing homes. 

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Training sessions kick off with school district superintendents on

state’s new gun legislation, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)

WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney. September 7, 2022:

As schools welcome students back from summer, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is launching new training sessions for superintendents on New York’s new gun laws that went into effect September 1, particularly, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which school administrators and health practitioners, like school nurses and counselors, can apply for when they see students in crisis.  

The first session will be held Friday, September 9, 2022, with the Council of School Administrators (CSA) at Southern Westchester BOCES with superintendents representing southern Westchester schools. A second session with northern Westchester school superintendents is being planned. The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health will also be present during these sessions. 

“Schools are one of our most valuable partners in the fight against gun violence and the engagement of school administrators is a critical investment in the safety of our school communities,” said Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah, who earlier this summer released a detailed Gun Safety Plan in the wake of the state legislature’s response to mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde followed by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning New York’s conceal carry law.

“These trainings are part of my Gun Safety Plan in action, and I’m doing everything in my power, as DA, and as a mother to school-aged children, to ensure New York’s new gun laws are used as effectively as possible.” 

A package of sweeping new gun legislation signed in June by Governor Kathy Hochul went into effect September 1 and includes gun-free zones and new age restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. The legislation also enhanced New York’s red flag laws. School officials are one of a few categories of people who can now apply for ERPOs—court orders that temporarily restrict individuals who pose an imminent risk to themselves or others from purchasing and possessing firearms.  

“It’s important that as educators and administrators we understand our new role in having a direct impact on the safety of our students and we’re proud to partner with the DA’s office so we can be equipped with the best tools,” said Dr. Jen Lamia, President of the Council of School Administrators (CSA) for Southern Westchester and Superintendent of Byram Hills Central School District.  

“We’re wholly committed to being central players in this timely dialogue with legal experts who can guide us on ensuring the utmost safety of our school communities,” said Dr. Eric Byrne, President of the Lower Hudson Council of School Administrators for Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties and Superintendent of Rye City School District.

Red flag law training with community stakeholders has been a cornerstone of DA Rocah’s agenda to keep Westchester County safe from gun violence. These trainings mark a continuation of a gun safety partnership between Westchester schools and the DA’s Office that began in 2021 with the launch of the Safe Storage Program, a countywide initiative with Moms Demand Action that provides valuable resources to families in every Westchester school district on New York’s gun laws and safe firearm storage practices.  

“There is nothing more important to me than the continued safety and protection of our students in Westchester County,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “Schools should always be a safe haven – a place where our young people can go to learn, develop and better themselves. It is our responsibility in government to partner with educators, administrators and law enforcement to guarantee the utmost safety of our school communities. I thank DA Rocah for her attention to this important matter.” 

Together with other county agencies, including the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and the Department of Public Safety, the District Attorney’s Office will continue to expand training on New York’s gun safety laws to interested groups throughout the county. 

DA Rocah’s detailed Gun Safety Plan was recapped in the office’s Gun Safety Community Forum in July. A recording of the forum can be viewed at: Gun Safety in Our Community Virtual Forum – July 18, 2022 

The presentation slides from the forum are available at: https://www.westchesterda.net/images/stories/pdfs/gunsafety.pdf 

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WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Gina Arena Campaign. September 7, 2022:

STATEMENT FROM GINA ARENA, CANDIDATE FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 40

On the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendation to reduce the overtime threshold

“A board of unelected bureaucrats in Albany intentionally hurt our farms by pushing forward with this unaffordable mandate.

When I think of New York’s agriculture industry, I think of our local farms here in Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland. Fresh food – right here in the Hudson Valley. But the reduction of the overtime threshold will undoubtedly devastate these local farms.

Our New York Family Farmers are just barely holding on during a time of surging inflation and a broken supply chain. The last thing Albany should be doing is economically harming our food producers more.

Peter Harckham and Governor Kathy Hochul must immediately step in and stop this bad policy from moving forward. If they cared about our family farmers, they would.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: DISTRICT 40 COVERS Westchester & the Hudson Valley. New York’s 40th District includes the towns of Beekman, Pawling and the village of Pawling in Dutchess County, the towns of Carmel, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County, and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Cortlandt, Lewisboro, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers and Yorktown, the town/village of Mount Kisco, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan, Croton-on-Hudson, Pleasantville and Sleepy Hollow