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THIS JUST IN: HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT FOR THE COMING VACCINE: ANALYSIS FROM YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL MOVES ON ALLOWING MIGRANT WORK PERMITS AS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IGNORES REQUEST

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WPCNR IMMIGRATION ISSUES. From New York State Senate,  New York State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda, 32ND SENATE DISTRICT,Parkchester, Soundview, West Farms, Hunts Point, Longwood, Concourse, Melrose, Morrisania, Mott Haven, East Tremont, and Westchester Square. September 13, 2023:

Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state was weighing whether to issue work permits directly to recent asylum seekers.

Frustrated by the federal response to the migrant crisis, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Tuesday that New York State was considering ways to issue work permits to asylum seekers in a bid to circumvent the long wait for permits at the federal level.

Such a drastic step would make New York the first state to openly test federal law, underscoring the depth of a crisis that has sent over 100,000 migrants to New York City over the past year.

The move, which would likely be challenged in court, could also escalate tensions between President Biden and Democratic leaders in New York, who have increasingly criticized his handling of the situation.

“This would be unprecedented,” Ms. Hochul said at a news conference in her Manhattan office. “I believe the federal government believes that we need to have their authority to move forward with state work permits, but, as I’ve said, we have to let them work.”

Lawmakers in Albany have introduced bills that would create a state-level worker permit program for individuals who have filed federal paperwork claiming asylum.

Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, has not endorsed any particular bill and stressed that her lawyers were still exploring multiple ideas. She said she would meet with the state’s legislative leaders on Tuesday, and did not rule out calling a special session in Albany to pass legislation.

Earlier on Tuesday, White House officials pushed back against a state-level work permit system.

In a call with reporters, senior administration officials said that work permits were “very clearly a federal authority,” adding that workarounds were “not something that we would encourage states to pursue.”

Instead, the officials said they were focused this month on helping the city and state accelerate the permit application process for migrants who were already eligible to work but had not yet filled out the necessary paperwork.

The White House was unable to say how many migrants in the city are in that category, but said the number was substantial.

The officials spoke anonymously to discuss the Biden administration’s efforts to assist New York.

The governor said on Tuesday that she had floated the idea during a meeting at the White House in late August with the president’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients; a White House spokesman declined to comment on the record about Ms. Hochul’s statement.

The debate around work permits comes at a critical moment for New York City. An estimated 59,000 migrants are still in city shelters. As space and resources dwindle, New York’s leaders are increasingly concerned services could buckle, with grave humanitarian and political implications.

Mayor Eric Adams said last week that he could see no end to the influx, warning that it “will destroy New York City.” Immigrant rights activists and left-leaning Democrats denounced the statement as xenophobic, but on Saturday the mayor cited the escalating costs as he ordered fresh rounds of budget cuts for every city agency.

Mr. Adams and Ms. Hochul have clamored for the federal government to take steps to speed up the issuance of work permits for migrants as a way for them to gain financial independence, while their cases are processed. Under federal law, migrants who apply for asylum must wait at least 180 days before receiving a work permit.

One state bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz and State Senator Luis Sepulveda, both Democrats, would task the State Department of Labor with creating a temporary permitting program and issuing permits within 45 days after a person applies. The bill would allow both private and public sector employers to hire the asylum seekers.

“Let’s fight and find a way around the clear powers of the federal government versus the state,” Ms. Cruz said in an interview. “I think we came up with a with a bill that recognizes that in the instance of an emergency, the state has the power to do this.”

Both bill sponsors said they expected the bill to be challenged in court if passed, most likely by Republicans.

“We are in new territory here, but under the circumstances, we have to take a chance,” Mr. Sepúlveda said in an interview.

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, a Queens Democrat who introduced similar legislation, argued in a statement that there was legal precedent for localities to respond “in the absence of federal action,” citing the issuance of same-sex marriage licenses in San Francisco before its legalization at the federal level.

But immigration law experts said that such a permitting system would run afoul of federal immigration law.

“A court would be very likely to strike such a state permitting process down if it involves allowing private employers to use these state-issued work permits to hire recent migrants,” said Stephen W. Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law at Cornell University.

Mr. Yale-Loehr and other immigration law experts have called for a different approach that they argue is allowed under federal law: having state governments hire asylum seekers directly. The University of California regents, for example, announced earlier this year that the university system would explore a way to hire students who lack legal status and work permits.

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NY STATE EXPANDS CANNABIS INDUSTRY. APPROVES ADULT-USE CANNABIS APPLICATIONS. LAUNCH OF LICENSING APPLICATIONS

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State Announces Over $70 Million in Cannabis Sales Through Late August,
Cannabis Growers Showcase on Pace for $12.5 Million in Sales in 2023

New York State Continues to Pave the Way for Increase Medical Cannabis Access
with Approval of Expanded Registered Organization Application

CCB Approves Cannabis Research License Applications to Drive Scientific
Advancements in the Cannabis IndustrY

WPCNR CANNABIS NEWS. From the NY Cannabis Control Board. September 13, 2023:

Wednessday, the New York State Cannabis Control Board (CCB) voted to finalize the
Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) proposed regulations for the adult-use cannabis
market, paving the way for the most significant expansion of the state’s cannabis market since
2021.

With this approval, a broad universe of individuals and small businesses across the state will now
be able to apply for cultivator, processor, distributor, microbusiness, and retail dispensary
licenses beginning on October 4, 2023. In addition to the opening of the general license application,
currently-operational Adult-Use Conditional Cultivators (AUCCs) and Conditional Processors (AUCPs)
will also be able to apply for full, non-conditional licenses.

“Today marks the most significant expansion of New York’s legal cannabis market since
legalization, and we’ve taken a massive step towards reaching our goal of having New Yorkers
being able access safer, regulated cannabis across the state. We are immensely proud to be
building the fairest, most competitive cannabis industry in the nation — one that puts those most
harmed by prohibition first and offers a true opportunity for all New Yorkers — not just large
corporations — to compete and thrive,” said Chris Alexander, Executive Director of the
Office of Cannabis Management.

“The regulations finalized today are the result of robust
engagement with stakeholders across the State who submitted thousands of comments. This final
package truly represents the values of equity and competition that we believe are central to this
market. I want to especially thank Governor Hochul for her leadership, the Board for their
collaboration, the Legislature for their vision, and our advocacy partners for their commitment to
this mission.”

“Today’s unveiling of our cannabis licensing program represents a defining moment for New
York State’s commitment to entrepreneurship and fostering a truly diverse cannabis marketplace.
Starting this October, aspiring business owners can navigate the application process for various
licenses with ease through the New York Business Express (NYBE) platform,” said Tremaine
Wright, Chairwoman of the New York State Cannabis Control Board. “Our pledge to social
and economic equity will continue to take center stage, ensuring that individuals and
communities from all backgrounds have a fair shot at success in this burgeoning industry. With
these comprehensive additions, New York solidifies its reputation as a trailblazing leader in the
cannabis world.”

The Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) established licensing priority for social
and economic equity (SEE) applicants, defined as those individuals “from communities
disproportionately impacted (CDI) by the enforcement of past prohibition, minority- and womenowned businesses, distressed farmers, and service-disabled veterans.”

In addition, to ensure that individuals and small businesses have real opportunity to compete and
thrive in New York’s cannabis market, the law also established a two-tier system, which prevents
licensees on the supply side of the market from having more than a minimal financial interest in
businesses on the retail side of the market.

The regulations finalized today provide a clearer and
more robust framework for how OCM is to implement these provisions of the MRTA.
With respect to SEE applicants, priority consideration for adult-use cannabis licenses will be
provided to such applicants who qualify as individuals from a community disproportionately
impacted, distressed farmers, and service-disabled veterans.

All SEE applicants will receive a
50% fee reduction in application or licensing fees and will be eligible for application support and
technical training through the Cannabis Hub & Incubator Program (CHIP), which will be
launching this fall.

In addition, to ensure transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance, OCM will
implement a robust system for tracking the ownership and financial interests of cannabis license
applicants.

This includes the requirement for applicants to list their “True Parties of Interest”
(TPI), which will enable OCM to assess ownership stakes of individuals and businesses
operational in one part of the market in other parts of the market. This critical information will
serve a vital function in upholding the integrity of New York’s two-tier market and the viability
of small businesses across the supply and retail sides of the market.

New Yorkers seeking to apply for licenses will be able to file their applications through the New
York Business Express (NYBE) platform, and OCM will soon be releasing detailed application
instructions on its website. More information regarding license types, the SEE provisions, and
the State’s two-tier system, is available here.

With these regulations, the State ushers in a new era of cannabis regulation in New York, one
defined by inclusiveness, transparency, equity, and economic opportunity.
Outline of Adult-Use Regulation Package

The finalized adult-use regulations create a framework for an equitable and sustainable cannabis
industry grounded in public health best practices, including keeping cannabis products out of the
hands of youth, establishing product quality and safety guidelines, outlining employee training
standards, and defining business security requirements to protect public safety.

These regulations
also incentivize sustainable cannabis operations by prioritizing energy and resource efficiency
and protecting against wasteful business practices. Most importantly, these regulations maintain
the goals of equity initially laid out in New York’s Cannabis Law and the Marihuana Regulation
& Taxation Act (MRTA).

The Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation Package Outlines:
1. The application and license selection and process;
2. The role municipalities play in regulating cannabis businesses;
3. Key social and economic equity program provisions;
4. Environmental and sustainability standards cannabis cultivation, processing and
manufacturing;
5. Ownership and true party of interest provisions; and
6. General business operating requirements, including but not limited to: security, worker
health and safety standards, inventory tracking, record keeping and transportation.

The regulations went through two separate public comment periods, the first from December 14,
2022 until February 13th, 2023, and the second from June 14 to July 31, 2023. Collectively,
OCM and the CCB received more than 4,000 distinct comments from approximately 550
individuals during these periods.

Commenters, representing a broad spectrum of stakeholders, sought clarification on various
provisions, proposed additional amendments, requested technical modifications, and shared their
valuable opinions with both OCM and the CCB. This robust and constructive feedback was
pivotal in guiding the final adult use regulations.

Licensed Dispensaries Reporting $70+ Million in Cannabis Sales Through Late August;
Cannabis Growers Showcases on Pace for at Least $12.5 Million in Sales in 2023

In addition to finalizing the adult-use regulations today, OCM provided an update to the CCB on
the ongoing success of the Cannabis Growers Showcase program, launched in July 2023 by
Governor Hochul to create new avenues for New York’s cultivators and processors to sell their
products. This initiative is a partnership that is enabling cannabis growers and existing, licensed
retail dispensaries to sell cannabis products to consumers. New York State is the first in the
nation to allow the sale of cannabis products at state and locally-sanctioned locations.

Since the announcement of the program, OCM has received close to 50 applications to host
events, and has approved 25 of them, with 15 of those CGS events running through the end of
the calendar year. To date, these CGS events have yielded $600,000 in sales, and at the current
rate of sales, the CGS events are on pace to generate more than $12 million in sales through the
end of the calendar year. That projection may grow as OCM approves additional CGS events in
the coming weeks. View upcoming and previous Cannabis Growers Showcases here.

The State’s 23 licensed dispensaries have reported cumulative sales of over $70 million through
late August of this year, with a marked increase through the summer. From January through
May, total sales were approximately $18.8 million. June’s sales jumped to $8.9 million, with
over $34 million reported in July and August. This equates to more sales in the last two months
than the previous six combined—a trend that will continue in the months and years to come.

New York State Continues to Pave the Way for Increased Medical Cannabis
Access with Approval of Expanded Registered Organization Application

OCM announced that the Registered Organization (RO) Application will be made
available for viewing following today’s CCB meeting to expand access to medical cannabis in
New York.

The application process will be exclusively accessible online and is complemented by a
comprehensive Application Instruction Sheet, providing a seamless guide for interested parties.
As mandated by the Medical Cannabis Regulations, applicants will be required to submit a nonrefundable application fee of $10,000 to apply.

In line with the requirements outlined in the Marihuana Regulation Taxation Act,
(MRTA), applicants must exhibit cultural, linguistic, and medical competence, ensuring they are
well-prepared to cater to the diverse needs of patients who may benefit from medical cannabis.
This innovative approach demonstrates OCM’s continued commitment to creating a more
inclusive and effective cannabis industry in the State.

Additionally, this approach distinctively
puts an emphasis on collaboration; encouraging applicants to form partnerships that demonstrate
their collective capability to fulfill their obligations and serve their respective communities
effectively. This collaborative model addresses the shortcomings of the previous approach to
integrating ROs, aligning with the evolving standards of today’s market.

In order to foster transparency and provide clarity to potential applicants, OCM encourages
interested parties to submit their inquiries and questions to OCM by October 13th. Responses to
these inquiries will be promptly posted on OCM’s website under Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs), which serves as a valuable resource for applicants looking to apply for a new RO
registration.

CCB Approves Cannabis Research License Applications to Drive Scientific
Advancements in the Cannabis Industry

The CCB voted to approve the Cannabis Research License Applications to produce,
process, purchase and/or possess cannabis for limited research purposes. These licenses will help
further research into cannabis, an area of research that has been severely limited by a century of
cannabis prohibition in the United States.

Researchers, scientists, physicians, cultivators, and
others will now have the ability to study and collect the evidence needed to better understand the
vast potential of the cannabis plant and lead to new robust innovations. The application for the
Cannabis Research License, which requires a $250 application fee and a $500 license fee, must
be completed online and will be accessible on OCM’s Cannabis Research webpage. The
application will be available for submission starting September 13, 2023 and will be accepted on
a rolling basis.

“As we continue to build a comprehensive regulated cannabis market, New York State is poised
to lead the nation in cannabis research and science,” said Nakesha Abel, Deputy Director for
Health and Research for New York’s Office of Cannabis Management. “For far too long, the
ability to conduct high quality scientific investigations on cannabis has been limited by too many
barriers. With the New York State Cannabis Research License, researchers will now be able to
perform studies on the cannabis products that patients and consumers are utilizing in the real
world.”

The draft regulations for the Cannabis Research License were introduced at the March 2, 2023,
CCB meeting, and went out for a 60-day public comment period that concluded on June
5th. OCM received 22 public comments, and there was overwhelming support of the regulations
and New York’s efforts to stimulate cannabis research. Because no substantive changes were
made as a result of the public comment, regulations were voted to be adopted at the July
19th, 2023 CCB meeting and were subsequently effective on August 9th, 2023.

CCB Approves One Additional Laboratory Testing Permit
The Cannabis Control Board approved one additional laboratory permit today, Dope Diagnostics
Lab in Pearl River, NY, bringing the total number of laboratories permitted to conduct adult-use
and medical cannabis testing in New York State to 16.
The approval of this permit serves as a critical part of New York’s equity-first supply chain,
helping to bring safer cannabis products onto the shelves of New York’s first adult-use cannabis
retail dispensaries. CANNIBIS REPORT. From the New York Office of Cannibis Management. September 13, 2023:

 

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NEW VACCINES COMING OVER $100 A DOSE PRIVATE INSURANCE MUST PAY — UNIVERSAL VAXES RECOMMENDED ACIP/CDC CLIFF NOTES FROM YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

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Your ACIP Cliff notes

Who is eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine this fall?

Today  Tuesday, ACIP—an external advisory committee to CDC—had a much-anticipated meeting with one goal: determine who is eligible for an updated Covid-19 vaccine this fall in the United States.

This 6-hour meeting was information-packed.

Here are your cliff notes.


Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

Everyone over 6 months is eligible for an updated Covid-19 vaccine this fall. I strongly agree, as the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks across all age groups.


First up, Novavax.

Yesterday, the FDA approved mRNA vaccines for this fall, but did not include Novavax. FDA isn’t allowed to comment on why. (My guess is Novavax faced delays in approval for manufacturing—they’ve had trouble with this in the past).

CDC recognized the concern on the ground (for the record, this is a fantastic way to build trust) and clarified today’s recommendation was intentionally designed to be broad enough to cover Novavax when the FDA gives the “okay.”

Novavax stated:

  • A fall vaccine is still planned. I’m optimistic.
  • A vaccine will be available to those who previously had an mRNA vaccine.

Severe disease for kiddos is similar to flu.

One of the biggest questions was whether vaccine benefits continue to outweigh the risks for kids. Updated stats were presented:

  • Behind adults 75+ years, infants (<6 months) had the highest rate of Covid-19 hospitalization. The burden of severe illness is lowest among children ages 5–17 years compared to other age groups.
  • For kids, hospitalization rates were lower or comparable to flu. Once hospitalized, though, more kids went to the ICU for Covid-19 than for flu.
    Percent of COVID-19- and Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations with ICU Admission among Infants, Children, and Adolescents by Age Group — COVID-NET and FluSurv-NET*, October 2022– April 2023. Source here.
  • Covid-19 hospitalization rate is higher than other vaccine-preventable diseases.
    Other pediatric vaccine-preventable diseases: Annual hospitalizations per 100,000 population prior to recommended vaccines compared to COVID-19. Source here.

Myocarditis was not a safety signal last fall.

After last fall’s updated Covid-19 vaccine, 2 myocarditis cases were verified out of ~650,000 doses. This is a much smaller rate for than the primary series. (We think this is because the increased time interval between doses reduces risk.) However, there is limited data, so this estimate has some uncertainty.

Incidence Rates of Verified Myocarditis or Pericarditis in the 0–7 Days After Bivalent Booster in Ages 12–39 years. Source here.

The benefits of a vaccine for severe disease among adolescents outweigh the risks.

Estimated COVID-19 hospitalizations prevented vs. potential myocarditis cases for every million mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses: 12 – 17-year-olds. Source here. Vaccines reduce long Covid.

Long Covid remains a risk.

Long Covid is a driving factor for many to remain vigilant. I was happy to see CDC presented data on this. One ACIP member noted: “This is the first time we’ve discussed a vaccine preventing acute and chronic health problems.”

  • Prevalence has declined (thanks to immunity and virus changes) but remains a risk. Prevalence is highest among young adults.
    Prevalence of ongoing symptoms lasting at least 3 months after COVID-19 by age. Source here.
  • Vaccines reduce long Covid, particularly among those who stay up-to-date. This applies to adults and children.

Updated vaccines worked last fall.

How well? Pretty darn well.

  • Emergency department and urgent care visits: 60% effectiveness among kids and adults. (As a comparison, this effectiveness is higher than for the flu vaccine.)
  • Hospitalizations: 65% effectiveness, but this waned over time (→ 22% six months later). There is sustained protection against ICU admission.
    • Remember, effectiveness is “relative” to some combination of prior vaccination, prior infection, or both. This means the 65% benefit is above and beyond an individual’s underlying immunity.
Absolute VE of original monovalent and bivalent booster doses against hospitalization and critical illness among immunocompetent adults aged ≥18 years – September 2022 – August 2023. Source here.

Vaccines are cost-effective for those >65 years old.

This is the first time the government is not paying for Covid-19 vaccines.

Pfzier/Moderna is charging ~$120-129 per dose and Novavax is ~$130. (I think the cost of these vaccines is absurd given taxpayers funded Operation Warp Speed.)

Nonetheless, is the bang worth the buck? The University of Michigan conducted an analysis and found:

  • 65+ years old: Vaccines provide cost-saving in every scenario.
  • 18-64 years: There was an average societal cost ($33,000) for every 1,000 quality life-years gained from the vaccine. This decreases if we get a surge of cases or the virus mutates to become more severe. In addition, it’s likely cost-effective among those with risk factors like comorbidities, but data wasn’t presented.
Scenario analysis: Probability of hospitalization preliminary estimates. Source here.
  • <18 years: Unable to estimate given low numbers and high uncertainty.

Updated vaccine formula remains a good choice.

Pharma companies showed increased antibodies against currently circulating variants, including the newer BA.2.86.

Cross Neutralization Results (Day 29) After XBB.1.5 Vaccine in Adults – Duke Assay. Source: Moderna.

Discussion

Three noteworthy items were brought up:

  1. Access may be challenging because this vaccine is now privatized. For example, pharma requires pediatricians to purchase at least 200 virals. This is a risk to providers and will unintentionally drive inequities.
  2. Timing after previous vaccine/infection. This was not covered in presentations, which was incredibly disappointing. During the discussion, committee members asked and CDC’s answer was:
    1. Previous vaccine: Wait at least 2 months.
    2. Previous infection: No specific requirements, but 3 months was suggested.(I think this is too short; I’ll pull some evidence for a future YLE post.)
  3. Universal vs. targeted. One ACIP member preferred a recommendation for specific groups— like those over 65 years— or words like “should” vs. “may” to communicate urgency. Other members (and I) strongly support universal recommendations because of four reasons:
    1. More lives saved. “Compared with only vaccinating those 65+ years, universal vaccine recommendations projected to prevent about 200,000 more hospitalizations and 15,000 more deaths over the next 2 years.”
    2. Close loopholes for private insurance. They must now cover the vaccine for all.
    3. Promotes equity among those who don’t have a physician.
    4. Increases uptake among *vulnerable* people. It’s less confusing. We’ve already learned this lesson from the flu.
Image

ACIP voted (13-1) to recommend Covid-19 vaccines for everyone >6 months old. While the benefit profile differs significantly across age groups and time, risks of vaccination and infection remain outweighed for all ages.

What’s next?

This goes to the CDC Director for approval. Then, technically, you’ll be able to get a vaccine. However, access may be delayed or challenging, and waiting may make sense for some (more on this later).

My family will be getting a fall Covid-19 vaccine this fall. I hope you’ll join.

Love, YLE


“Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE)” is written by Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, M.P.H. Ph.D.—an epidemiologist, wife. During the day, she is a senior scientific consultant to several organizations. 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:

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WHITE PLAINS 9-11 REMEMBRANCE OBSERVANCE MOVES, REMEMBERS, RENEWS AT SILVER LAKE

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WPCNR MILESTONES. September 11, 2023:

It has been 22 years since the Twin Towers fell.

This morning, it seemed like yesterday under overcast skies.

In the White Plains annual acknowledgement of the horror of 9-11-2001,Commissioner of Public Safety, David Chong who was there evacuating  the towers that day gave a personal insight into what the day was like  (no other) and the Horror still unfolding aftermath has been like. Here is his inspiration.

 

County Executive George Latimer spoke putting each death into perspective for each of us.

 

Mayor Roach and the members of the Common Council John Martin, Justin Brasch, Jennifer Puja and Victoria Presser and County Legislator Benjamin Boykin  laid wreaths on the memorial to  the 6 White Plains citizens who died that day.

Rabbi Lester Bronstein closed the solemn Remembrance with a prayerful  message on how we can move into the future

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THIS WEEK IN OUTBREAKS SEPTEMBER 7

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This week in outbreaks, September 7 edition

Flu season inches closer

 

Respiratory diseases

Covid-19’s summer wave continues to increase.

I had hoped we would see some relief this week, but no luck just yet.

Wastewater concentration is still rising in all four regions of the country, putting it on par with levels last seen in February. (However, wastewater concentration remains below where we were this time last year).

Hospitalizations are also still rising:

  • Now: 17,000 new admissions, a 16% increase in the last week
  • June, our recent low: 6,500 new admissions
  • This time last year: 37,000 new admissions
  • EDITOR’S LOCAL PERSPECTIVE FROM NEW YORK STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
  • In the month of June  3 months ago, locally White Plains Hospital Medical Center  had 156 persons admited to beds in the hospital, and after being admitted, 91 tested positive for covid– 58% of admissions
  • The percentage of those admitted to a bed for treatment  White Plains Hospital has gone up in three months In the first week of September, August 31 through September 7,  106 patients were  admitted to beds, and after being admitted, 74 were found positive for covid–70%. 

As in previous weeks, the Southern region is most heavily affected. I’m not seeing many signs of slowing there, yet. Florida and Georgia, in particular, have high levels of Covid-19 activity. Parts of the Western region, notably Washington state, are also affected.

Source: CDC

Influenza-like illness is rising, which is somewhat unexpected.

Around 1.7% of visits to the doctor’s office were due to fever and cough or sore throat, which is still below the baseline of 2.5% that marks the beginning of flu season. Still, there has been a gradual increase in activity over the past several weeks. Most of that uptick is attributed to younger age groups, which have seen a sharp rise in influenza-like illness in recent weeks. For instance, children ages 0-4 have seen their rates increase from 4% to nearly 6%, the highest level since May.

To be clear, current ILI activity is far below what we see during the height of flu season, so I’m not ringing the alarm but rather commenting on trends.

Source: CDC

CDC pushed out a Health Alert Network advisory on increased RSV activity in Southeastern states earlier this week. I’ve been reporting on the same trends for several weeks now here on Force of Infection. This week is more of the same, with activity still rising in the Southeastern region. I’m also seeing some signals in the Southwest and Midwest, though it’s too early to tell if they are significant. I’ll let you know how things develop in the weeks to come.

PCR detections of RSV in the Southeastern region. Source.

Rhinovirus/enterovirus activity is way up, according to data from Biofire. That means stuffy noses are in the mix, too. On the bright side, metrics for norovirusadenovirus and the seasonal coronaviruses look good right now.

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE SEPTEMBER 8 REPORT NO MOVIES, COVID UNDERREPORTED FOR MONTHS PUT THIS LINK IN YOUR BROWSER www.wpcommunitymedia.org

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WATCH NOW ON  THIS LINK PUT IT IN YOUR BROWSER AND  WATCH THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

 http://www.wpcommunitymedia.org/white-plains-week–2/09082023-523

 

NO MORE MOVIES IN WHITE PLAINS AFTER OCT. 29 NATIONAL AMUSEMENTS DEPARTS CITY CENTER BIG HOLE IN SALES TAX RECEIPTS.

HERE IT COMES, DON’T MAKE A SLIP!

IS THIS THE END OF “VOX POPULI”?

COVID CASES UNDER COUNTED FOR MONTHS. POSITIVE ANTIGENS VERIFIED BY STATE NOT ADDED TO NEW CASE TOTALS DAILY UNTIL SEPT 1. WHO KNEW? NO REACTION FROM STATE SENATE, ASSEMBLY, GOVERNOR

WILL SCHOOLS RIDE HERD ON COVID, FLU, RESPIRATORY DISEASES, PUSH COVID VACCINATIONS OR  RIDE THE WAVE OUT?

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ON SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH AND  DEPARTNENT

OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

THE HEAT WAVE CONTINUES: HOT HUMID OPPRESSIVE IN THE MID 90S. WORKMEN FINISHED THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH STEEPLE UPGRADE IN  IMPOSSIBLE CONDITIONS.

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STATE OF AFFAIRS: PARENT EDITION from YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST WHAT YOU CAN DO THIS FALL

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