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New York State Department of Health

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COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say COVID-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say
Covid-19: NYers Should Order Free At-Home Tests, Officials Say As the season for respiratory illnesses begins, New York health officials are urging residents to take advantage of free COVID-19 test kits being offered by the federal government.  In an announcement on Friday, Oct. 4, the New York State Department of Health advised New Yorkers to order free rapid test kits, which are being offered to US households through the US Postal Service.  Each household can receive four at-home test kits, the government announced on Friday, Sept. 27.  Earlier Report - Covid-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplie…

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by Ben Crnic
News
NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 For the first time in a decade, health officials in New York confirmed a human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease. Click here for updated story: Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public' In Ulster County, the New York State Department of Health confirmed that a resident was hospitalized after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE), the agency announced Friday, Sept. 20. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. The Ulster County Department of Health is investigating. Earlier …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity
Covid-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity As new highly contagious COVID-19 variants emerge, authorities are reporting that statewide hospitalizations in New York have significantly increased compared to the same period last summer. With social gatherings increasing during the summer months and high temperatures forcing people indoors, New York Gov. Kathy Hocul stated on Saturday, July 6, that New Yorkers should get tested if they have symptoms.  In addition, they should also follow the usual precautions, including current CDC guidance, stay current with COVID vaccines, and seek appropriate treatments if necessary. “While we …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY 2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY A rare case of people being exposed to a cow with rabies occurred in a hamlet in upstate New York. It happened late last week in Lee Center, located near the city of Rome in Oneida County. The cow was sent to a New York State Department of Health center for testing and the test results came back positive, the Oneida County Health Department said.  Two people were exposed to the cow and have received post-exposure prophylaxis, the department said. Signs of rabies include: Animal acting strangely Animal acting mad Animal acting shy The animal may get unusually close Drooling or…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY
RSV Cases Spike Past Covid-19, Flu In NY Health officials are urging New Yorkers to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations as cases of RSV have skyrocketed past cases of the flu and COVID-19. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the New York State Department of Health urged eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The recommendation was published alongside data comparing the number of RSV cases alongside COVID-19 and flu cases across the state. From Saturday, Oct. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 25, COVID-19 cases dropped from around 200 cases to just over 150, while the flu increased from under 50 to around…

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by Sophie Grieser
Lifestyle
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving 'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving As millions of New Yorkers prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, health officials are urging people to remember the tenants of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Department works hard all year long to ensure the safety of our food supply at our stores and food manufacturing facilities, but food safety is also so important at home,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. “We urge everyone who is cooking for their loved ones this Thanksgiv…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants
Covid-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants Health officials are one step closer to rolling out updated COVID-19 vaccines just in time for a rise in cases heading into the fall and winter months. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new vaccines on Monday, Sept. 11, that are meant to better target currently circulating COVID-19 variants and provide better protection against hospitalization and death, the agency announced. Monday’s move affects vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for people ages 12 and older and are authorized under emergency use for children ages 6 mo…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options COVID-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options
Covid-19: Hospitalizations In NY Increasing; Health Officials Urge Treatment Options Health officials in New York are warning of an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations, mirroring a similar trend seen across the country. The latest data shows that COVID-related hospital admissions for the week ending Wednesday, Aug. 2, increased 22 percent over the previous week, according to the New York State Department of Health. Hospitalizations are now at 0.6 per 100,000 residents on average, translating to more than 100 admissions per day. Earlier Report: COVID-19: Summertime Uptick In Cases, Hospitalizations Reported By CDC During that same period, the number of reported COVI…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY
New Update - Smoky Skies: Air Quality Health Advisory Extended To All NY As smoke from Canadian wildfires moves east, every part of New York State will be covered in unhealthy air, according to authorities and new forecasts. On Wednesday, June 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the air quality health advisory has now been extended to the entire state of New York, now including eastern parts of state, as smoke continues to worsen and the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches unhealthy levels. Related: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area According to the State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health, a…

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by Sophie Grieser
Weather
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires
Smoky Skies Ahead: New Yorkers Advised To Prepare For Hazardous Air From Canadian Wildfires Click here for a new, updated story: Air Quality To Worsen In Coming Days: Here's How To Check Conditions In Your Area A new air quality forecast predicted a large amount of near-surface smoke that will cover most of the state of New York, according to an announcement by the governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers of a potentially thick blanket of smoke expected to cover the state starting Wednesday, June 28 as the Canadian wildfires continue to burn. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s forecast predicts that, due to a cold front entering the no…

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by Sophie Grieser
News
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics 'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics Health officials in New York are hoping that a new campaign encouraging residents to complete their mpox vaccine will help prevent another outbreak ahead of summer. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, May 1, and includes digital ads on websites, posters in stores and communities, and social media posts, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Earlier Report: NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Images center around two themes: “It takes two” and “Know the skin you’re in.” Mpox is a rare, viral infection that spreads thr…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
COVID-19: Long Island Nurse Sold Fake Cards, Submitted Bogus Oxy Scripts: DA COVID-19: Long Island Nurse Sold Fake Cards, Submitted Bogus Oxy Scripts: DA
Covid-19: Long Island Nurse Sold Fake Cards, Submitted Bogus Oxy Scripts: DA A 50-year-old pediatric nurse faces over 30 counts in two different indictments for money laundering, providing fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, and creating false oxycodone prescriptions for people who were not her patients, authorities said. Amityville resident Julie DeVuono, owner of Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare, was indicted on Wednesday, April 12, for multiple felonies involving forged vaccination records and prescriptions, the Suffolk County DA announced. It is alleged that DeVuono, acting in conjunction with employees Brooke Hogan and Marissa Urraro, abused her position as a hea…

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by Sophie Grieser
Lifestyle
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say State health officials have a suggestion for those struggling to come up with a new year’s resolution: kick the habit of smoking e-cigarettes and vaping. In a statement Friday, Dec. 30, the New York State Department of Health urged residents to stop using the “highly addictive and dangerous” products. “According to research, both e-cigarette users and those who are exposed to secondhand emissions may experience long-term health issues,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. “I encourage New Yorkers who use e-cigarettes to ring in the New Year by making a resolution to quit usi…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals COVID-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals
Covid-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals State leaders are urging people to take precautions ahead of holiday gatherings as new data shows COVID-19 cases are rising on Long Island. Wastewater testing shows that COVID-19 cases are climbing in Suffolk County, the county’s health department revealed Thursday, Dec. 22. Testing found “substantial to high” levels of the virus at sewage treatment plants near Babylon, Gordon Heights, and Mount Sinai, according to a graphic shared by the health department on Twitter. COVID-19 Alert: Wastewater surveillance has indicated COVID-19 is rising in Suffolk County. Increases in wastewater ca…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says
NY Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says A former employee at a New York nursing home accused of sexually assaulting a resident had multiple complaints against him, yet his boss actively worked to conceal his abuse, prosecutors allege. The assault occurred at Long Island’s Fulton Commons Care Center, located in East Meadow, according to an indictment announced by Attorney General Letitia James on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Prosecutors said Daniel Persaud, a former licensed practical nurse at Fulton Commons, sexually assaulted a female resident in the fall of 2020. According to the indictment, the facility’s director of nursing, Carol F…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Friday, Sept. 9, after polio was found in more wastewater samples. The executive order will immediately expand the network of polio vaccine administrators with the addition of EMS workers, midwives, and pharmacies. It also authorizes doctors and certified nurse practitioners to issue standing orders for polio vaccines, the governor's office said. We're making it easier for New Yorkers to get their polio vaccine if they haven't already received it.@HealthNYGov is ramping up its vaccination efforts and EMTs, midwives, and pha…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA
Covid-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA It’s time to roll up your sleeve and get another COVID-19 vaccine. On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated versions of COVID booster shots made by Pfizer and Moderna that target the highly contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant. The updated vaccine boosters are designed to give people broad protection against COVID and can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, the FDA said in a statement. Pfizer’s modified booster was authorized for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna’s shot was approved for those 18 and up. People who…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases
NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Amid a new increase in cases in New York, the state's health commissioner has declared the monkeypox virus "an imminent threat to public health." "Based on the ongoing spread of this virus, which has increased rapidly and affected primarily communities that identify as men who have sex with men, and the need for local jurisdictions to administer vaccines, I've declared monkeypox an Imminent Threat to Public Health throughout New York State," State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett said.  The dedication means local health departments will be able to access additional state reim…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says 'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says
'Significant' Cancer Levels Discovered In NY School District, Report Says A study has found that people living near or who attend school in a New York school district had "significant" higher cancer incidents. The study found the number of residents of all ages living within the Northport-East Northport School District had a "statistically significant," higher rate of cancer, reported ABC 7 Eyewitness News. The types of cancer found in excess included pancreatic cancer, malignant melanoma of the skin, uterine (corpus) cancer, and prostate cancer," the study said. The study also found that people living within the area of Northport Middle School had particularly …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY
New Monkeypox Cases Confirmed In NY New monkeypox cases have been identified in New York. The New York State Department of Health said on Monday, June 13 that the number of confirmed cases this year is 11, with 10 in New York City and one in Sullivan County. The cases have been confirmed through testing for orthopoxvirus, the department said, adding that "from a public health perspective, it's important to treat these as probable monkeypox cases because": The monkeypox virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus family; The rarity of orthopoxvirus, generally; The presentation of symptoms, in confirmed orthopoxvirus cases, being cons…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region
First Probable Monkeypox Case In New York State Outside NYC Confirmed In Region State health officials have confirmed the first case of monkeypox outside New York City has been diagnosed in a patient in the region.  The infected person is located in Sullivan County, the first case beyond NYC, the New York State Department of Health announced on Tuesday, June 7. The Sullivan County Health Department is treating this as a probable monkeypox case, and contact tracing efforts are underway, department of health officials aid. As of Tuesday, a total of nine confirmed orthopoxvirus/monkeypox cases have been identified in the state, including eight in New York City. "As…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Hits 10.5 Percent; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Infection Rate Hits 10.5 Percent; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Infection Rate Hits 10.5 Percent; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island is now among the highest of the state's 10 regions as New York continues to combat the latest surge of the virus. According to the latest update from the state Department of Health, the seven-day average COVID-19 infection rate in Nassau and Suffolk rose to 10.50 percent, up from below 10 percent just three days earlier. Statewide, the average infection rate is also on the rise, from 7.03 percent to 7.19 percent during that same timeframe. Twenty-one new COVID-19-related deaths were reported in New York in the past 24 hours, including in …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; New Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; New Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; New Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island is approaching a dubious distinction as New York continues contending with the latest spread of the virus. In Nassau and Suffolk counties, the seven-day average percent of positive tests rose to 6.93 percent on Tuesday, April 26, according to the most recent update by the state Department of Health. Statewide, the average infection rate is also on the rise, up to 7.09 percent after staying below 2 percent for several weeks earlier this year. Nineteen new COVID-19-related deaths were reported in New York in the latest update, including one…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Breakdown By Community After seeing a slight reprieve, the positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island has surged past 5.50 percent as New York contends with new cases of the virus rapidly spreading across the state. On Long Island, the average seven-day average positive percentage of those tested in Nassau and Suffolk dipped from 5.72 percent on Friday, April 15 to 5.41 percent the following day, up to 5.46 percent on Sunday, April 17, before spiking to 5.55 on Monday, April 18, according to the state Department of Health. Statewide, during that same span, the average positivity rate rose from 4.78 percent t…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Positive-Test Rate; Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Positive-Test Rate; Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Increases In Cases, Positive-Test Rate; Breakdown By Community The positive COVID-19 infection rate on Long Island continues to rise as New York contends with new sub-variants of the virus that have caused a spike in cases in some parts of the state. On Long Island, the average seven-day average positive percentage of those tested in Nassau and Suffolk has risen from 4.78 percent on Monday, April 11 to 4.95 percent the following day, and up to 5.21 percent on Wednesday, April 13.  Statewide, during that same span, the average positivity rate rose from 4.13 percent to 4.57 percent as the new sub-variants threaten to spread to other parts of New Yor…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY COVID-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY
Covid-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY Two new sub-variants of BA.2. or the so-called COVID-19 "Stealth Omicron" strain, could be considerably more contagious, say health officials who are reporting a surge in cases in Central New York State,  the first such outbreak in the nation. The New York State Department of Health on Wednesday, April 13 announced the emergence of the two Omicron sub-variants: BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1.  BA.2 now accounts for more than 50 percent of COVID cases nationally and 80.6 percent in New York.  The sub-variants have been estimated to have a 23- to 27-percent growth advantage above …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increase In Positive-Test Rate: Latest Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees New Increase In Positive-Test Rate: Latest Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees New Increase In Positive-Test Rate: Latest Breakdown By Community Long Island continues to see a rise in new COVID-19 infections as the region and state both saw the infection rate climb over 3 percent. In the past week, the average seven-day COVID-19 positive infection rate on Long Island rose from 2.54 percent on Monday, March 28 to 3.13 percent of those tested on Monday, April 4, according to the latest update from the state Department of Health. Statewide, the positivity rate is also surging, up from 2.43 percent to 3.05 percent during the same time frame. Ten new virus-related deaths were reported in New York, according to the Department of Health, …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Long Island Sees Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Latest Breakdown By Community COVID-19: Long Island Sees Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Latest Breakdown By Community
Covid-19: Long Island Sees Increases In Cases, Infection Rate; Latest Breakdown By Community Long Island continues to see a rise in new COVID-19 infections as the region and state continue to see the positive infection rate climbing after plateauing following the winter surge of the virus. In the past week, the average seven-day average COVID-19 positive infection rate on Long Island rose from 1.91 percent on Monday, March 21 to 2.54 of those tested on Monday, March 28, according to the latest update from the state Department of Health. The rise marks the seventh-straight day that Long Island has seen its infection rate climbing. Statewide, the positivity rate is also surging, up …

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by Zak Failla
News
Contaminated Water In These NY Towns Has Lasting Health Effects, National Study Underway Contaminated Water In These NY Towns Has Lasting Health Effects, National Study Underway
Contaminated Water In These NY Towns Has Lasting Health Effects, National Study Underway A national study is measuring the effects of contaminated drinking water in nearly a dozen regions of the country including towns near a Hudson Valley National Guard base. The contaminants, known as PFAS, are also called “forever” chemicals because they stay in bodies for many years and have been linked to potentially serious health problems. In many cases, the source of PFAS in the groundwater is likely past use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in the area. At airports and military bases, the foam is used as a fire suppressant to extinguish flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires. Th…

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by Jon Craig