Four more New York city schools are closed down amid the on-going measles outbreak that began last October. The parents of three children might also be summoned and fined for not vaccinating their children as per the Emergency Order.
New York Schools Close Down
The New York City Health Department has issued closure orders to four more schools this week for failing to comply with the Commissioner’s orders to provide access to medical and attendance records regarding the measles outbreak. The schools affected by the closure are located at 68-84 Harrison Ave.; 241 Keap St.; 590 Bedford Ave.; and 720 Wythe Ave.
Previously, the Health Department ordered the closure of the United Talmudical Academy for failing to provide access to their vaccination and attendance records, but the facility has since been reopened.
The order was created to ensure that schools are keeping unvaccinated students and staff out of the facilities.
Emergency Order
It was last April 9 that the Health Department issued an Emergency Order mandating all individuals ages 6 months and older who live, work, and go to school in particular ZIP codes to receive the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine to prevent the spread of measles in the city. Non-compliance to the order by April 12 would result in a $1,000 fine and civil summons, and non-attendance to the hearing would result in a $2,000 fine.
“Because of measles’ long incubation period, we know this outbreak will get worse before it gets better. However, we can turn the tide by people getting vaccinated, especially before Passover when families and communities will gather. We urge everyone to protect their children and their fellow New Yorkers by getting vaccinated immediately.” said New York Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot, M.D.
Civil Summons
Since the Emergency Order took effect, the city’s Health Department has identified three children who were exposed to measles but were still unvaccinated by April 12. As such, the parents of those children are expected to receive summons and will be fined if the violations are upheld.
Measles Outbreak In New York
Since the measles outbreak in New York started in October, 329 measles cases have been reported, with 44 cases added since the Emergency Order was upheld. Majority of the cases were of people under the age of 18, and most of them involve unvaccinated individuals or those who only had one dose.
