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Outbreak Outlook – Northeast – Jan 20

Jan 20

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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

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Respiratory Diseases

ILI

Influenza-like illness is beginning to improve for most of the Northeastern region, so I think we are past the worst of flu season. Still, it will be weeks before we return to low levels of ILI activity.

New York City is reporting very high levels of influenza-like illness at 11%. Moreover, unlike other states in the region, the city is not yet seeing a clear peak in ILI—outpatient visits and test positivity are still rising. However, since most of the country is now past peak, I think we can expect NYC to turn the corner soon, too.

Mid-Atlantic states show moderate activity. New York reports consistent indicators with 4.2% for both outpatient ILI and ED visits, with moderate wastewater levels. Pennsylvania shows lower rates with 3.2% outpatient ILI, 3.3% ED visits, and moderate wastewater levels.

 

New Jersey is also experiencing quite high outpatient ILI, at 8.1%, which is a decline from 8.4% the week prior. New Jersey also has high (6.0%) ED visits, though showing moderate wastewater levels. Massachusetts follows with 5.2% outpatient ILI (down from 5.9% the week prior), though lower ED visits at 3.4%, with high wastewater levels.

Northern New England shows lower activity, particularly in Maine with 2.9% outpatient ILI, the region’s lowest ED visits at 1.7%, and moderate wastewater levels. Rhode Island reports 3.0% outpatient ILI, 2.5% ED visits, despite high wastewater levels.

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COVID-19

The winter wave continues, though this year is shaping up to be less intense than years prior. Wastewater activity is high, but dipped a bit this past week. Severe illness remains elevated. It is too soon to tell for sure whether the dip in wastewater activity is temporary blip before it increases again or if we have passed the peak of this winter wave, but my money is on the latter.

Wastewater activity is very high or high but decreasing in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Activity increased in only one state in the region: Maine.

In Maine, wastewater activity is very high, higher than it has been at any point in the past year. At the opposite end of the spectrum is New York, where activity remains minimal.

Visits to the ED held steady or increased in every state in the region this past week, and most states have moved from ‘minimal’ to ‘low’ levels of ED visits. Only New York and New Jersey remain at a minimal level (<1.5%).

Hospitalizations are also elevated across the region. Two states reported increases in hospitalizations: Connecticut (7.3 hospitalizations per 100,000) and Pennsylvania, where hospitalizations are at a high 11.0. Hospitalization rates are also a bit high in Rhode Island (8.0) and Massachusetts (9.0), but things held steady there this past week.

The rest of the region has a bit lower – though still moderately elevated – hospitalization rates, and things held steady or decreased this past week. This includes Maine (6.6), Vermont (5.4), New Jersey (5.1), and New York (4.6). New Hampshire had a particularly notable improvement, with hospitalizations decreasing abruptly from 9.5 to 5.7 in one week.

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RSV

On the bright side, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is clearly receding across the region, though most states are still reporting more than 1% of visits to the emergency department are for the virus.

These improving trends include New York City, which has seen a steady decrease in laboratory reports since late December.

I expect we will see continued declines of RSV in the weeks to come.

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Stomach Bugs

Nationally, we are in the middle of the largest norovirus wave in over five years. It is a rough season in the Northeast as well, but so far it is not radically out of step with prior winter seasons. Currently, test positivity is at 14.6%, and it has been bouncing between ~14-20% for the past month in the region. Yuck. The best preventive measure is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid touching your face in between.

Source: CDC

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Food recalls

The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:

New:

• Casa Mamita frozen chicken and cheese taquitos (more info)

Previously reported:

• Wicklow Gold Cheddar Cheeses (more info)
• Blue Ridge Beef Kitten mix [for Cats] (more info). While not for human consumption, humans may be infected with Salmonella if they do not adequately wash their hands or contaminated surfaces after handling the product.
• Marketside Broccoli Florets (more info)
• Connie’s Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas (more info)
• If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.

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Homeless Services

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is reprinted from the Westchester County  website for those in need of shelter overnight in the  following deep drop in freezing temperatures forecast the next week beginning tomorrow.

Sunday night temperature will plunge to 15 degrees, through the week Monday through Friday each night will see 9 degree temperatures think ahead.

The resources below are available through the Westchester County Department of Social Services. These include shelters, homeless programs and links to related online information.

Emergency Overnight Drop-In Shelter. Westchester County operates a 43-bed facility between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Singles’ Homeless Assessment Center at 

Westchester County operates a 43-bed facility between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Singles’ Homeless Assessment Center

Designed to assess newly homeless individuals to identify any health, mental health or substance abuse issues which may have contributed to homelessness. The Singles’ Homeless Assessment Center recommends an appropriate level of placement and treatment.

Family Shelters

There are four homeless family shelters in Westchester County which contain approximately 260 units.

Singles’ Emergency and Transitional Residences

There are approximately 430 units in single adult shelters and transitional residences in Westchester.

Emergency Apartments

Under the Emergency Housing Apartment Program, there are over 170 emergency apartments scattered throughout Westchester County.

Domestic Violence Shelters

There are three shelters for women who are victims of domestic violence, having a total of 49 beds. 

Though many homeless may not have a computer or access to one, WPCNR  reprints this vital hard-to-find information. So far the County has not issued advisories on the upcoming cold wave. Here is the information provided on the county website at this time. No new  locations for temporary new overflow shelters have been set up or announced at this time. White Plains had not issued any procedures in the face of the cold wave at this time. if you are homeless and have access to a phone there are numbers to call. it is not clear if the offices are open this weekend in face of the climate threat.)

The Office of Temporary Housing Assistance (OTHA) of the Westchester County DSS provides temporary shelter to homeless families, singles and childless couples.

The office partners with not-for-profit agencies who provide case management services in shelter facilities, transitional residences and emergency apartments.

Homeless programs are designed to lead the homeless population toward permanent housing and independence.

The WCDSS Office of Temporary Housing Assistance provides the following services:

• Placement and Payment – The office handles the placement of homeless in Westchester County and payment to agencies who provide services.
• Housing Resources Development – The office has oversight of homeless units and facilities as well as construction and renovation projects and other building-related issues of homeless facilities.
• Case Management Services – The office oversees casework services to the homeless provided by the not-for-profit agencies and provides direct casework services to the hard to serve population.

Applying for services

Eligibility for temporary shelter and services is determined at the social services district offices, depending on where you last lived in the county of Westchester. They are open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Warming/Drop-in centers located throughout Westchester

The following warming/drop-in centers for single individuals seeking shelter from the cold are open and may be contacted directly. Families seeking shelter after hours or during weekends should contact DSS Emergency Services at (914) 995-2099.

Click on a facility’s street address for a location map and link to create directions.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS SHOWCASES COMMITMENT TO MIDDLE-CLASS SUPPORT AND FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IN NEW VIDEO

WATCH VIDEO HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p6aRLzoBc

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins released a new video emphasizing the administration’s ongoing efforts to keep taxes low, ensure the efficient use of resources, and prioritize the needs of the middle class.

Jenkins said: “As County Executive, I’m committed to ensuring that Westchester remains a place where families can thrive. By having a 0% tax increase for the operating budget for the last 6 years and working with all stakeholders, we have been maximizing every dollar to support vital services, foster economic growth and protect the middle class. Westchester is one of the few communities that shares sales tax revenue with local municipalities to keep taxes low. This isn’t just about balancing budgets—it’s about security and investing in the future of our communities to ensure that government works for everyone.”

The video outlines the County’s dedication to fiscal responsibility over the last seven years, including collaborating with the Board of Legislators, local departments, and agency partners to maximize the value of property and sales tax dollars. It also highlights some of the County’s initiatives to support the business community, particularly in the life sciences sector and how this sector is a strategic driver of economic growth.

Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “Westchester’s thriving business community is a cornerstone of our economic success. By fostering growth in the life sciences, we’re attracting investments and creating opportunities that benefit residents and businesses alike—which will continue to have long-term positive impacts as these sectors evolve and establish themselves. This is just one part of the successful strategic approach to economic development we began putting into action in 2018. It’s a perfect example of how our driving focus has always been about building partnerships that fuel innovation and keep Westchester competitive, while delivering tangible benefits like job creation and increased revenue to support essential services. We’re always thoughtful about how all the pieces fit together.”

Recently, Westchester County earned a AAA bond rating from S&P Global Ratings while also maintaining its AAA credit rating from Fitch Ratings, reaffirming the County’s financial health, fiscal responsibility, conservative budgeting, and strong sales tax revenue over recent years. Westchester County is the only county in New York State to receive a AAA bond rating from S&P Global Ratings. The AAA credit rating from Fitch Ratings is its highest possible credit rating.

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. JANUARY 14, 2024

Yonkers Anti-Roommate Bill: A Threat to

Affordable Housing and Community Stability

From Virginia Perez (The writer is a former Member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators)

The Yonkers City Council didn’t get the memo.

New York families are hurting. We can barely pay our bills. Rising costs have affected everything from the quality of food we serve our children — fresh produce is for rich people now — to home thermostat settings which seem to drop another degree or two with every passing year.

But of all our rising expenses, housing is the worst.

Ask the Governor. Ask the State Legislature. Or just look at the data. New York is suffering a massive housing crisis, so why would the Yonkers City Council do anything to make it worse?

The Council is bizarrely considering an ill-conceived “anti-roommate” bill that would devastate hardworking residents in single-family and two-family homes across the city, particularly on the west-side of Yonkers where I grew up. As written, the proposed law would presume that more than three unrelated people living in a home do not constitute a “family.” This arbitrary definition targets individuals sharing homes with friends, coworkers, or others, subjecting them to fines and even eviction at the sole discretion of the building commissioner.

This legislation is not just impractical—it’s dangerous. A similar law passed in Austin, Texas, a decade ago led to skyrocketing rents and an affordability crisis there.

Recognizing the harm caused, the Austin City Council reversed course in 2023, dismantling the restrictive policy. As Austin council member Zo Qadri aptly put it,

“At a time when the state [legislature] is doing the most to police marginalized people’s lives, and a time when rents continue to go up over $200 a month upon renewal, the city of Austin must stop policing people’s relationships they choose in order to afford housing in this city.”

Beyond the devastating impact on residents, this bill could also jeopardize Yonkers’ future funding.

The city receives grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Westchester County, and one of the stipulations of this funding is that Yonkers must not enact legislation that makes housing less affordable, which is exactly what this legislation would do.

By driving up housing costs and limiting shared housing options, this bill directly contradicts that requirement, potentially putting critical grant funding at risk.  This action leaves the City at risk of litigation, a potential loss of millions of dollars in funding, and a consequent increase in taxes to make up any shortfall. No one wants that.

Many single, hardworking residents rely on shared housing to make ends meet.

It’s how people get by in inflationary times like these. If this law passes, the city risks creating a cascade of evictions, further reducing affordable housing options and punishing those who are simply trying to live within their means. Instead of policing personal relationships, Yonkers must prioritize policies that expand access to affordable housing and protect residents from displacement.

Everyone knows that working- and middle-class New Yorkers are feeling the pinch. “Affordability” is the new buzzword for politicians on both sides of the aisle. Whether they do or don’t, our elected leaders want us to believe they’re feeling our pain.

Except in Yonkers. Here, evidently, the message hasn’t arrived.

Please contact your local council members to express your opposition to these harmful policies, and show your support by attending the public hearing at Yonkers City Hall on Tuesday, January 28th at 6:45pm!

Yonkers City Council must reject this proposal. Housing is a fundamental need, and people should have the freedom to choose how and with whom they live. Let’s learn from Austin’s mistakes and ensure Yonkers remains a place where all residents can find—and afford—a home.

Virginia Perez was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States with her family as a young girl. A Yonkers resident, she attended Yonkers Public Schools and graduated from Saunders Trade and Technical High School.  Virginia served as a Westchester County Legislator for the 17th District from 2012 to 2019, making her the highest-ranking Latina in Westchester County history.