FLU RATE OF HOSPITALIZATIONS RISE IN NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA. COVID IN SLOW DECLINE IN NY

Posted on February 19, 2024 by John Bailey

Force of Infection

NORTHEAST
Outbreak Outlook – Northeast – February 19
FEB 19, 2024

BY DR. CAITLIN RIVERS

(REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION)

Welcome to the Northeastern 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

Flu season is not over quite yet for the Northeast. Outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses held roughly steady, instead of declining as hoped, and influenza hospitalization rates are on an upward climb in about half the states in the region.

The rate of both new hospitalizations for influenza and proportion of outpatient visits for ILI held roughly steady in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New Jersey.

Spotlight on New York: In New York City, the percentage of visits to the doctor for fever and cough or sore throat is still very high at 8%. It is declining, but very slowly. It’s been a very long flu season in NYC. Other parts of the New York State are struggling more. Confirmed influenza cases have increased in recent weeks in the Central, Capital, and Western parts of the state, and hospitalizations are rising too. The season is not over yet, so continued caution is warranted.

Massachusetts held roughly steady for outpatient visits, and saw a decrease of 0.6 points to 5.5 per 100,000 population for influenza-related hospitalizations.

Rhode Island and Vermont are mixed: they had moderate decreases in the proportion of outpatient visits for ILI but also saw moderate increases in new hospital admissions for influenza.

Maine saw a slight increase of 0.4 points to 3.2% of all outpatient visits for ILI, and continued the upward trajectory in hospital admissions that it has been on for a few weeks, increasing by 0.9 points to 5.7 admissions per 100,000 population.

New Hampshire (+0.5 to 3.2), and Connecticut (+0.9 to 4.0) also reported moderate increases in new hospital admissions for influenza.

COVID-19

The number of new weekly hospitalizations for Covid-19 has improved steadily since the holiday season, though current levels remain elevated. Wastewater concentration of SARS-CoV-2 has dropped considerably in the Northeast, too.

More recently, in the past week wastewater concentrations remained relatively stable in the region, though the Northeast continues to have the highest wastewater concentration in the country.

At the state level, Vermont stands out in a good way this week: it had a 31% drop in new hospitalizations in the past week, and now has the lowest regional rate of hospitalizations as well: at 4.7 per 100,000. (Caveat: States with smaller population appear to have larger fluctuations due to the smaller number of individuals involved.)

New Jersey (-13% to 7.5 per 100,000) and Connecticut (-5% to 7.0) also logged notable improvements in hospitalization rates in the past week.

Rates remained roughly stable over the past week in New York (8.6 per 100,000 population), Massachusetts (7.8), and Pennsylvania (6.3).

RSV

PCR test positivity for RSV continues to improve. After a peak in December, positivity has now decreased to below 4%.

Stomach Bugs

Norovirus activity remains elevated, with test positivity over 15%. The Northeast has the highest test positivity in the country. The next month or two is peak norovirus season, so be cautious. Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent transmission.

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

New

Raw Cheddar Cheese (more info)

Multiple other product recalls associated with the queso fresco and Cotija cheese recall from last week, including taco kids. See the full list here.

Ready to eat meat products from Don Novo, including chorizo and smoked pork ribs (more info)

Previously reported:

A big recall of Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese is affecting numerous consumer products: (more info)

Trader Joe’s Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Cilantro Salad Dressing, Elote Chopped Salad Kit, Trader Joe’s Southwest Salad (more info)

Cilantro Lime Crema, Everything Sauce Fiesta, Cilantro Cotija dressing, Poblano Caesar dressing, Cilantro Dressing, Street Taco Express Meal Kit sold at Trader Joes, Don Pancho and HEB (more info)

Rojo’s Black Bean 6 Layer Dip (more info)

Cheese, Yogurt, Sour cream by Rizo Brothers California Creamery (more info)

Robitussin Honey CF Max cough syrup products (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
A measles case was reported in a child with a recent history of international travel in Toronto, Canada. While not technically in the Northeastern census region, I couldn’t find much else to share this week.

PRESIDENTS DAY AND WEEK: GEORGE WASHINGTON THE FIRST AND THE BEST.

Posted on February 18, 2024 by John Bailey

WPCNR MILESTONES. Reprinted from the WPCNR ARCHIVES. February 18, 2022: Thursday, February 22 is George Washington’s Birthday. The time when we remember the first leader and the best. It is instructive to look at our first leader, George Washington, the father of our nation — America — that used to be. One cannot help be reminded of the snowy winter at Valley Forge, when the bedraggled, poorly equipped rebel army suffered but held together, and attacked the German troops in Trenton on Christmas Eve, 1776, crossing the Delaware River at night. What kind of man was he that George Washington could inspire his troops against all odds? What kind of men were they who would risk certain death if wounded (no med-evacs in 1776) for an idea: rights and freedom? Washington was a man of tremendous character. Of principle. Where did he get this character? He specialized in self-control at an early age. That congressmen, lobbyists, and pundits and yes, Presidents, means mind-control, reason and responsibility, and humanity. According to the book, The American President, Washington, at sixteen, had formed a code of conduct. He had written a book of etiquette with 110 “maxims” to guide his conduct in matters. In this etiquette book he had written: Every action done in company ought to be done with a sign of respect to those who are not present. Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not when others stop;…Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave…Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise. The character sketch provided by the authors of The American President, indicates this personal “rulebook” was a book that Washington wrote over the years and referred to it often, for, they write, for the following reasons: “for self-control, to avoid temptation, to elude greed, to control his temper. Reputation was everything to him. It had to do with his strength, his size, his courage, his horsemanship, his precise dress, his thorough mind, his manners, his compassion. He protected that reputation at any cost.” Earning respect by example. Quelling rebellion with a few words. He sets an example today for those who would take advantage of America’s weakness and seize power by opportunism. Washington inspired by example.

*John Vorperian with “George Washington” at Purdy House where General Washington stayed during the Battle of White Plains.*

He lived with his troops. He shared hardships with them, and there was so much respect for him that he was able to talk them out of armed rebellion at the end of the American Revolution. Washington had been asked by the army to join them to overthrow the Continental Congress, and make himself King. Washington had been asked by one of the officers of the rebels to join them, and he wrote them, You could not have found a person to whom your schemes are more disagreeable. Banish these thoughts from your mind. Hearing that the rebels who were planning insurrection (back in 1783, they knew what insurrection was) against the new country due to paid withheld by the Continental Congress, Washington rode to Newburgh, New York, (not far from White Plains, NY,USA) on March 15, 1783, to meet with the dissident insurgents. Washington spoke to the rebellious group, saying, “Gentlemen, as I was among the first who embarked in the cause of our common Country; as I never left your side one moment, but when called from you on public duty; as I have been the constant companion and witness of your Distresses…it can scarcely be supposed …that I am indifferent to your interests. But…this dreadful alternative, of either deserting our Country in the extremest hour of her distress, or turning our Arms against it…has something so shocking in it that humanity revolts from the idea…I spurn it, as every Man who regards liberty…undoubtedly must.” The would-be rebels fell silent, digesting what he had said. Then Washington withdrew a letter from Congress, but could not read the text, withdrawing some eyeglasses from his tunic, remarking, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.” The men present were reported to have tears in their eyes at this gesture of Washington’s and abandoned their plot out of respect for their leader. Washington retired from the military, surprising the entire new country. His action surprised King George III of England, who was astonished that Washington had refused to hold on to his military authority and use it for political or financial gain. The defeated King of England, remarked, “If true, then he is the greatest man in the world.” Washington was. Seeker of Diverse Views. How to pick a cabinet. As President, George Washington invented the Presidential Cabinet, whom he referred to as “the first Characters,” persons who possessed the best reputations in fields and areas of the jobs he was filling. Washington said on political appointments: “My political conduct and nominations must be exceedingly circumspect. No slip into partiality will pass unnoticed…” Washington tolerated the relentless clashes between Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, but lectured them on the necessity for tolerance and moving beyond partisanship: “I believe the view of both of you are pure, and well meant. Why then, when some of the best Citizens in the United States, Men…who have no sinister view to promote, are to be found, some on one side, some on the other…should either of you be so tenacious of your opinions as to make no allowances for those of the other? I have great esteem for you both, and ardently wish that some line could be marked out by which both of you could walk.” The Constitution Should be Protected When George Washington left office after two terms, he made a farewell address which warned future generations of Americans about foreign entanglements and partisanship in the republic: I shall carry to my grave the hope that your Union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the Constitution may be sacredly maintained; and that free government…the ever favorite object of my heart…will be the happy reward of our mutual cares, labors and dangers.” Washington died in 1800, three years after leaving office in 1797. He was saluted on the floor of congress as being “First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.” He was the first and best. The ultimate role model for any leader, February 22, 2024 is a day that tries Americans’ souls. It is hoped that some of our “leaders” in Westchester, in Albany, in Washington might read the words I have quoted above and take them to heart in future deliberations. Work a little. It’s not all about you. It’s about doing what is best for us all. George Washington’s vision of his country is being challenged by those who know not what they do. Or want to do to voices that disagree with them But we who remember, and read these words must refocus. I hear you, Mr. Washington, and we heed, so help us God.

REDRAWN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS DO NOT CHANGE MUCH VOTING ORGANIZATIONS SAY. NY INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION PRESERVES PRESENT DISTRICTS, IGNORES MINORITY EMPOWERMENT PRESERVES STATUS QUO

Posted on February 17, 2024 by John Bailey

“Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” Marcel Proust

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2024 ROUNDUP. By John F. Bailey February 17, 2023:

The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission has sent its redrawn congressional maps characterized as having been arrived at by a genuine effort of compromise to the state legislature for legislature approval.

All 26 District maps are on the NYIRC website: https://nyirc.gov/storage/plans/20240215/congressional_plan.pdf

(Simply scroll Down to District 16 and District 17.)

Leaks of how districts changed found their way into the hands of some media outlets in time for stories to be published in major media as of Wednesday morning, when no maps were available. There were no explanations from the NYIRC as to the effects of the redrawn maps and how many districts had changed, after the Commission voted 9 to 1 Abstention Tuesday afternoon to approve maps and then a second 9-1 vote to send the new maps on to Albany legislature for approval or denial.

The legislature in on vacation now and as of today Saturday State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins has not called the legislators back to Albany to consider a timely approval or more time to make changes before petition signature collections are scheduled to start.

The Congressional Districts of interest in the Westchester area are District 16 and 17. The District 16 map below shows no change from the previous district. The 17th district remains the same and incumbent Congressman Mike Lawler is very pleased at that.

NEW REDRAWN DISTRICT 16 IN GREENOVERLAY SHOWING NO CHANGE. (AND A CLOSER VIEW BELOW 🙂

THE NEW CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 16 HAS 519,751 REGISTERED VOTERS, 255,074 WHITE, 119,751 BLACK, 112,155 HISPANIC AND 30,355 ASIANS.

DISTRICT 17 NEWLY REDRAWN IS SHOWN BELOW IT TOO IS VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED

DISTRICT 17 HAS 533,808 REGISTERED VOTERS, 45,236 BLACK, 390,729 WHITE, 69,538 HISPANIC AND 26,093 ASIAN.

Voting organizations across the state were not enthusiastic about the proposed redrawn districts.

The NY League of Women Voters rounded up statements from a number organizations on the execution of the new proposed redrawn maps:

In what feels like the never-ending story, we bring you more news on redistricting. On Thursday, the Independent Redistricting Commission met and announced a new set of Congressional maps. You can take a look at the maps here and compare them with the 2022 version. NYC and Long Island will remain mainly unchanged, aside from a few small sections in Brooklyn and Queens. Upstate NY (yes, I’m unfortunately referring to anything above the city as Upstate) will see more drastic changes if these maps pass in the Legislature. Legislators are in their home districts on break next week so we won’t see them re-convene until February 26th.

In response, the following groups released these statements:

“The reconvened Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) owes New Yorkers an apology. From the start, thiscommission met behind closed doors, locking New Yorkers out of a process that directly impacts them. We have no idea how these maps were drawn, who influenced them, and why the districts are the way they are. Now, the Legislature must hold at least one public hearing – and allow written testimony – so New Yorkers can weigh in on the process before lawmakers vote on these maps. It’s the least they can do,”

Susan Lerner, Executive Director
of Common Cause/NY.

“New Yorkers deserve a better redistricting process. The IRC should have held deliberations in public, and sought public input. Before voting on the maps, the legislature must hold at least one public hearing, and allow New Yorkersto comment on these lines. Going forward, we need a more independent process that reduces partisanship and outside influence over the commission, brings more diverse voices to the table, minimizes the potential for deadlock, and eliminates the Legislature’s authority to veto the final maps,”

Betsy Gotbaum, Executive Director of
Citizens Union.

“New York’s redistricting process has been plagued with multiple changes and convoluted decision making, ” said Cesar Ruiz, Associate Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF.

“It’s essential that the legislature hold a public hearing.We cannot allow the will of the voters to be undermined. A redistricting process only works where there is a processin place that is fair, transparent, and equitable.”

“The League of Women Voters of NYS is dismayed that the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) held no hearings during their consideration of new congressional maps. Public input is critical to ensuring that the voters are choosing their elected officials and not the reverse. Even though it was not required by the court decision, the IRCshould have realized the importance to all to solicit this public input in this redrawing of the maps. The League has advocated for public input throughout this multi-year redistricting process and will continue to support all efforts now and in the future to ensure the public’s voice is heard in determining district lines,”

said Laura Ladd Bierman,
Executive Director, League of Women Voters of NYS.

“Public input is essential to give legitimacy to the redistricting process. Eyes are on New York. Don’t shut the public out of the process for a second time.

We ask the legislature to prioritize democracy over expediency and hold a
public hearing before any map is finalized,”

said Elizabeth R. OuYang, Coordinator, APA VOICE Redistricting
Task Force.

“New Yorkers deserve a transparent, fair and inclusive process when it comes to redistricting.

Instead, constituents were handed a set of congressional maps developed by the Independent Redistricting Commission without community input and shrouded in secrecy until their release today. Now it’s up to the Legislature to correct this wrong, by seeking and incorporating public input from New Yorkers before voting on these new maps.

This is the only way to increase trust in the system and ensure that every New Yorker has a say in the process that will impact their lives foryears to come. Building a more open process is vital for fostering an inclusive democracy that represents and upliftsthe voices of immigrants and all New Yorkers,”

said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of the New York
Immigration Coalition.

On Tuesday, these groups will host a virtual hearing on New York’s redistricting process. Attendees will hear from
members of the public and voting and civil rights groups about the current state of New York’s redistricting, why

INSTANT SNOW REPLAY!

Posted on February 17, 2024 by John Bailey

WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA 7 A.M. SATURDAY MORNING 2 INCHES OF SNOW FELL OVERNIGHT CREATING THE SAME WET HEAVY FLUFF STUFF SO HARD TO SHOVEL LAST TUESDAY. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE, SHOVELING.