Narrative of Resolution:
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To Adopt Public Health Order #1 2022
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INTRODUCED BY NICHOLAS SALAMONE FOR THE SULLIVAN COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO ACT AS LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH AND TO ADOPT PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER NO. 1 - 2022 RELATED TO MEASLES
TO SUMMER CAMP OPERATORS, SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW YORK
WHEREAS, Several counties in New York State, have recently, had outbreaks of the measles virus, and
WHEREAS, New York State recently experienced the largest outbreak of measles since 1989, and at least 19 confirmed cases in Sullivan County, and
WHEREAS, outbreaks frequently occur in areas where people are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, and measles outbreaks are currently occurring in every region of the world and can enter the United States through travelers from other regions; and
WHEREAS, although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, almost 1,300 cases of measles were reported in 31 states in the U.S. in 2019- the greatest number since 1992. The 2019 U.S. measles outbreaks were all linked to travel-related cases that reached at-risk populations (un or under vaccinated against measles) in the United States, and
WHEREAS; The Centers for Disease Control confirm that cases of Measles continue to occur in the United States; and
WHEREAS, continued vigilance for additional cases in New York State and Sullivan County is essential to determine whether elimination has been sustained, and
WHEREAS, there are hundreds of summer camps for children which operate in Sullivan County, many of which attract campers and staff from across the globe, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with New York State Public Health Law, the County Board of Health is authorized to adopt Public Health Order No 1-2022, which Order shall regulate attendance at summer camps based on evidence of measles immunity, or a valid medical exemption pursuant to the State Sanitary Code, and
WHEREAS, upon advice from the County Public Health Director, said Order is necessary and proper for the preservation of life and health, to reduce morbidity and mortality from this communicable disease, and to properly execute and enforce the New York State Health Law, including 2100, as well as other associated Rules and Regulations, including but not limited to those related to communicable diseases and outbreaks of diseases as defined in 10 NYCRR 2.2.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Legislature, acting in its capacity as the Sullivan County Board of Health, hereby adopts Public Health Order No.1 - 2022 to secure the safety, health and welfare of Sullivan County residents and visitors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Public Health Order No.1 - 2022 shall be effective immediately upon adoption by the Legislature and shall continue in effect through December 31, 2022; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Health designates, at its discretion, four hearing officers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Robert Doherty, a member of the Board of Health, is hereby authorized to sign and issue subpoenas in accordance with Public Health Law Section 309.
Local Board of Health Public Health Order No. 1 - 2022
Children’s Camps
1. This Order shall apply to all camps operated within Sullivan County, in accordance with the New York State Public Health Law and Sanitary Code, 10 NYCRR 7-2.2, including summer day camps and children’s overnight camps.
2. Prior to camp entry, the camp health director shall verify all campers and staff members, whether paid or volunteer, have evidence of immunity to measles or a valid medical exemption. Upon arrival to camp, the camp operator, health director or designee shall screen children and staff, as part of the initial health screening pursuant to the camp’s safety plan, for signs or symptoms of the measles illness. Additionally, the camp operator or health director shall request parents or guardians of campers to notify the camp operator or health director if such camper has had any possible exposures to the measles illness twenty-one days prior to attending camp and/or during the camp season.
3. No camp operator shall permit any camper or staff member to attend camp unless such camper or staff member has provided evidence of immunity to measles or valid medical exemption, to the camp operator of camp health director. Evidence of immunity includes:
a) Written documentation from a health care provider of one or more doses of a measles containing vaccine (MMR) administered on or after the first birthday of preschool-age children and adults not at high risk or two doses of measles containing vaccine (MMR) for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers;
b) Laboratory evidence of immunity;
c) Laboratory confirmation of measles; or
d) Birth before 1957
4. Notwithstanding, a camp operator may permit a camper or staff member who is in the process of receiving the measles vaccine to attend or work at camp. A camper or staff member is “in the process of receiving the measles vaccine” or “in-process” if the camper or staff member has received at least the first dose of the measles vaccine, has an appointment to complete a second dose of measles vaccine twenty-eight days after the first dose was administered and has not been recently exposed to an individual with measles. If a camper in attendance or staff member is working at a camp when the second dose is scheduled, such camper or staff member shall receive the second dose, or the camper or staff member shall be excluded from camp after the expiration of twenty-eight days after the first dose was administered.
5. All camp operators shall maintain records of camper and staff screening for signs or symptoms of measles illness or recent exposure to measles. Any immune camper or staff member who was exposed to measles within the twenty-one days prior to attending camp or
during the camp season shall be monitored for signs and symptoms of measles while at camp, and the camp operator or health director shall immediately report any such know exposures to Sullivan County Public Health Services and the New York Department of Health.
6. In addition to any other remedies available to the Board of Health provided by law, a fine of $2,000 for each violation shall be issued. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct violation.
Public Health Law Section 309.
7. The County Public Health Director is directed to undertake the actions necessary to enforce this Order.
8. This Order shall be effective upon adoption through September 30, 2022
9. A copy of this Order shall be posted at the summer camps and filed with the New York State District Health Office.