New York is first state to declare monkeypox outbreak a 'Disaster Emergency', here's what it means for you
Due to the alarming cases of monkeypox, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency in the state via a tweet on Friday night, July 29. The state has reported a total of 1,345 monkeypox cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
The announcement, which came a day after the New York State Commissioner of Health declared monkeypox an "imminent threat to public health," said that the disaster emergency declaration would lead to a prompt response. Hochul tweeted, “I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront the monkeypox outbreak.” She further said, “This Executive Order enables us to respond more swiftly, and allows health care professionals to take additional steps that will help get more New Yorkers vaccinated,” adding, "More than one in four monkeypox cases in this country are in New York, currently having a disproportionate impact on at-risk groups. We are working around the clock to secure more vaccines, expand testing capacity, and educate New Yorkers on how to stay safe."
