Dr. Michelle Morse
@NYCHealthCommr
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This is the official account of the Acting Health Commissioner, Dr. Michelle Morse, of @nychealthy.
New York City
Joined February 2014
As Acting Health Commissioner, I will lead @nychealthy to meet our goals to promote longer, healthier lives for New Yorkers. We know that will only happen when we put equity front and center. More on my vision as the City's doctor:
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I am not. Here for it, and here for NYC! We will get through this together.
i know commissioner dave a. chokshi is sick of us.
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We're calling on @WHO to act immediately to rename the “monkeypox” virus. We have a growing concern for the potentially stigmatizing effects that the messaging around the “monkeypox” virus can have on vulnerable communities. Read our letter:
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Today is a historic day. Beginning January 1, New Yorkers will be able to choose a non-binary gender marker on their birth certificate and self-attest to changing their gender on their birth certificate:
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Omicron is here in NYC and spreading quickly. We’re seeing a surge of #COVID19 cases ahead of the holidays – the 7-day average for new cases has tripled in the last month. All boroughs remain in high transmission. 🧵.
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We can't address public health problems without evidence-based, science-based solutions. We can't help the most vulnerable among us without naming them, and that includes people who identify as transgender. True diversity is a sign of strength, not a political slogan.
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We are in the throes of a second pandemic after #COVID19, a mental health crisis we will be dealing with for years to come. If we fail to act, the burden will fall mainly on our children and communities hardest hit by the pandemic.
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Although you may have heard anecdotes about breakthrough cases, let’s keep in mind that the plural of anecdote is not data. Our data shows that, among fully vaccinated New Yorkers, only 0.33% were infected, 0.02% were hospitalized, and only 0.003% died.
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Our data continue to support the unequivocal fact that the #COVID19 vaccines work, particularly to prevent severe disease. If you’re vaccinated, you’re far less likely to land in the hospital, to need oxygen, and to need a breathing tube. More data:
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Today I am issuing a Commissioner’s Order mandating vaccination for all City workers. This is a necessary step to further ensure their safety – and to help protect those whom we serve. Most city workers will have to submit proof of vaccination by 5 p.m. Friday, October 29. 🧵.
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Good news: We will soon be able to perform our own tests for #COVID19 here in New York City. #coronavirus
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Today, I am declaring a public health emergency due to the measles outbreak. @nycHealthy is ordering all people in Williamsburg to get vaccinated against measles.
Join me for an update on how we're confronting the measles outbreak in Williamsburg.
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Serving as the NYC Health Commissioner during this extraordinary moment in our City's history has been the privilege of a lifetime. To see our City through this latest #COVID19 wave, I will be continuing my service through March 15. 🧵.
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NYC is calling on the federal government to accelerate the pace of international COVID-19 vaccine donations and redirect unordered doses reclaimed from NYC and other jurisdictions globally, with the goal of contributing at least 500 million doses to COVAX by the end of 2021. 🧵.
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Also, hospitalization rates among unvaccinated New Yorkers are 13x those among vaccinated New Yorkers. We can't stress this enough — vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalization.
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A remarkable milestone — 75% of New Yorkers are now fully vaccinated. That includes 85% of adults fully vaccinated, and millions who have taken the booster dose to stay up to date. But we have more work to do to get children ages 5 to 12 vaccinated. 🧵.
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Today our city is celebrating the #LunarNewYear parade in Chinatown, a beautiful cultural tradition with a rich history in our city. I want to remind everyone to enjoy the parade and not change any plans due to misinformation spreading about #coronavirus.
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For my final 🧵 as @nychealthcommr, I’d like to invoke a saying that I love: “It’s better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.”.
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After you test positive for #COVID19, you MUST isolate (which means STAYING HOME) for at least five days and you CANNOT eat at restaurants. If you need help safely isolating from others, the city has plenty of resources, including free hotel rooms!
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Over the past two years, we’ve asked a lot of New Yorkers’ patience. And today we’re asking for a bit more patience and grace. Cases are definitively rising and it’s gotten our attention. 🧵.
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Update on the omicron variant: There are currently NO confirmed cases of the omicron variant in NYC. Delta remains the dominant strain – about 98% of sequenced specimens. We do anticipate detecting omicron in the coming days, based on what we know about its global spread.🧵.
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‼️📣Starting today, ANYONE can request a vaccination in their home. This is great news! It's really never been easier or more convenient to get this lifesaving vaccine. 💉➡️ Go to to fill out the request form.
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NEW: NYC is now requiring new employees joining City service to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Today, I am also making a strong recommendation that everyone — regardless of vaccination status — wear a mask in public indoor settings. 🧵.
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NEW: @nycHealthy is implementing the COVID Safety Requirement starting August 2. This means all of our clinic-based staff — doctors, social workers, custodians and registrars — will have to show proof of vaccination or a weekly negative #COVID19 test. 🧵.
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NYC is launching a #COVID19 vaccination site at the American Museum of Natural History!. @AMNH is an iconic monument to science and discovery. Serving as a setting for our historic vaccination campaign is both exciting and perfectly fitting. #NYCVaccineForAll
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Today I’ll be issuing a Commissioner’s Order that mandates ALL public school staff receive their first dose of a #COVID19 vaccine by September 27. This is the right policy where it matters most – in our schools.
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I’m continuing to wear my mask because it’s what I’m recommending New Yorkers do in public indoor settings. Masking, along with getting vaccinated, boosted, tested and treated are the best tools we have to take on this virus.
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NYC: I need you to stay home. It is our civic responsibility to make sure we do all we can to stave off this #COVID19 pandemic, and that means staying home. It doesn't matter if you have a test or not, because what your doctor will ask you to do will be the same: #StayHomeNYC.
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Big news today!. 🎉 75% of adult New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. 🎉 56% of vaccine-eligible children in NYC have received at least one dose, ahead of the national average.
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Breaking: As of tonight, more than 50,000 12- to 15-year-olds have been vaccinated in NYC! 🎉 We're making great progress. Parents: You can get your kids vaccinated this weekend. Find a site offering the Pfizer vaccine here:
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More New Yorkers’ deaths are due to law enforcement than are captured by our official surveillance measures. @nycHealthy has been reviewing this process & found official counts are flawed. This is a draft, but we believe in transparency & accountability:
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UPDATED: our weekly data shows a sustained, marked increase in risk of hospitalization for unvaccinated New Yorkers compared to vaccinated New Yorkers. Full data:
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Today I am thrilled and honored to start leading @nycHealthy as its 44th Health Commissioner. I am in awe of the work of this agency and the commitment of the public health professionals who work every day to promote the health (mental and physical) and safety of our city.
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Monkeypox vaccination update: NYC will receive 25,693 doses for its next vaccine allocation. We will have more information on distribution and when appointments will be made available in the coming days, after vaccine has been delivered to the City.
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Vaccination is the key to ending the pandemic—and now the vaccine will be the Key to NYC. Let’s make sure the spaces where people are gathering and working are safe. To bring NYC back, we need NYC vaxxed.
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We are currently seeing an increase in COVID-19 transmission in NYC. We have tools available to keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or were recently exposed, get tested and make sure to seek treatment if you test positive:
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New: We’re expanding the COVID Safety Requirement (proof of vaccination or a weekly negative test) to ALL City staff starting in September. For workers in foster care, shelters or senior centers this will start even earlier, on August 16. 🧵.
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It has been an honor and privilege to serve at the helm of @nycHealthy, with its long and distinguished history in promoting and protecting New Yorkers’ health. @nycHealthy stands ready to continue the important work of guiding the city through this public health emergency.
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NEW: Today I'm issuing a Commissioner's Advisory urging ALL New Yorkers to wear a mask indoors: NYC is approaching a “high” level of COVID-19 alert.which represents high community spread. 🧵.
Today @NYCHealthCommr issued an advisory as the City approaches the high #COVID19 Alert Level. All New Yorkers should wear masks in all indoor public settings. Those at high risk of severe illness should avoid crowded settings and limit get-togethers:
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NEW: CDC has reported that ~13% of #COVID19 cases in the NYC area are omicron — meaning that this variant of concern is spreading quickly in our city:
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Masking: Today, I am issuing a Commissioner’s Advisory STRONGLY recommending that all New Yorkers wear a mask AT ALL TIMES when indoors and in a public setting – like at your grocery, building lobbies, offices, and stores.
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In the winter of 1893-94, there was a smallpox outbreak in Brooklyn. While that was a long time ago — Brooklyn wouldn’t officially become part of NYC for another 4 years — many of the strategies used to fight the outbreak look familiar to us today. 🧵.
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I’m honored to be your new Health Commissioner, and ready to get started with the important work of protecting the health of all New Yorkers. I'm proud to join a team that I know cares deeply about science, equity and compassion.
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Today I’m enjoying a wonderful lunch in Chinatown. I’ve been disheartened by reports of bias and discrimination against the Asian community recently. Let me be clear – our public health response is about a virus, not a group of people.
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I’d love to see @KyrieIrving get vaccinated — for his own health as well as that of his teammates and community. People in NYC and across the country look up to him. 🧵.
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Meeting patients where they are means taking our vaccination campaign mobile. Launching THIS WEEK with a focus on restaurant and delivery workers. #NYCVaccineForAll
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✅ New Yorkers are still advised to wear face masks in all indoor public settings. Higher quality masks, like KN95s, KF94s, or N95s, offer better protection than cloth face masks.
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I'm proud that New York City is one of the few places around the world offering free, same-day delivery of the vital #COVID19 antiviral treatments. Here's why we chose this approach— 🧵 @nycgov @nycHealthy .
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Today the NYC Board of Health passed a landmark resolution on racism as a public health crisis. This marks a historic occasion for the country’s oldest Board of Health to officially recognize this crisis and demand action. 🧵.
Happening now: The NYC Board of Health is meeting to pass a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis. Watch ⬇ .
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The recent increase in NYC vaccinations is being sustained—this marks two consecutive weeks with more than 100,000 first or single doses administered. 59% of first/single doses thus far in August were administered to Black and Latino New Yorkers. Let's keep it up NYC!
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Rates of hospitalization have been dramatically higher among the unvaccinated. At the time of this report, over 73% of all New York City residents were fully vaccinated.
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Overall, a smaller proportion of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 since the omicron variant emerged in NYC have been hospitalized, but the total number of hospitalizations increased because of the very large number of reported cases.
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Our vaccine requirement for NYC school staff has now been reviewed in state courts, federal courts, and the Supreme Court and upheld. Vaccination will keep students and staff safer.
NEWS: Justice Sonia Sotomayor has denied the request for an emergency injunction against @NYCSchools vaccine mandate. We were at 90% employees vaccinated today, will share final numbers Monday!.
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Since we kicked off the @nycgov in-home vaccination program, over 33,000 people have been vaccinated in their homes! This effort has been critical to reaching people who can most benefit from vaccination.
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The current COVID-19 outbreak in NYC is overwhelmingly among people who are unvaccinated. This virus finds cracks in our armor, and right now the biggest cracks are among communities that remain unvaccinated. What we know about COVID-19 outcomes in NYC:
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The new Public Health Corps announced today will build on the hard work already being done in our communities to fight this pandemic and prepare us for future emergencies. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what public health can look like in NYC. 🧵.
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📢 𝟰𝟴,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!.Since our COVID-19 vaccination campaign began, we estimate 48,000 lives have been saved — and an immense amount of suffering avoided — due to vaccines. More on the study:
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For the first time this year, NYC is below 1% positivity! All of our #COVID19 milestones are trending in the right direction, and this makes me hopeful. Here is our update for Friday, May 28:. 🔹Of people tested, .93% of people tested positive on May 26.
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Remember, there are things all New Yorkers can do to beat back omicron: .✅ Get vaccinated and get boosted.✅ Wear a high-quality mask.✅ Get tested.✅ Meet outdoors.✅ Avoid optional activities if at risk for severe illness.
#Omicron is the fastest and most formidable variant we have seen so far. Here are the FIVE most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones 👇🏾
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For the week of March 15-21, #COVID19 variants now represent over 70% of cases sequenced from NYC specimens. The rapid increase in the proportion of cases due to these variants suggests that they are more infectious than previously circulating variants:
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Reminder New Yorkers, as you gather for this #MemorialDayWeekend, please do so safely. Take a rapid COVID-19 test before and after the weekend to ensure you're relaxing and honoring those who have served, in the safest way possible. Find a test here:
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Finally, let me acknowledge the pandemic fatigue that is being experienced by so many. I get it — but unfortunately this virus is not tired of us. I have faith in my fellow New Yorkers.
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NYC is making good progress in vaccinating our health care heroes. Despite the snowstorm, all 44 hospitals slated to receive the #COVID19 vaccine had it delivered and began administering it. So far, 11,152 people have received their first dose.
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The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is now headed to NYC to the benefit of thousands of our residents. Another lifesaving vaccine is good news for New York City. Leading scientists agree the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and will protect against #COVID19.
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Omicron quickly became the most prevalent variant and led to a dramatic increase in reported cases. Whereas the delta variant became the dominant variant (from 0% prevalence to more than 90% prevalence) over a period of 20 weeks, omicron became the dominant variant in five weeks.
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Congratulations to my dear friend Dr. @vivek_murthy on being confirmed as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States! . Looking forward to working together, not just on #COVID19, but also on 'parallel pandemics' such as mental health and social isolation.
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Reproductive rights and abortion are cornerstones of public health. In New York City, we are committed to protecting abortion and reproductive health care services, and we trust pregnant people to make personal decisions about their health and their bodies.
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An update on NYC’s #COVID19 situation: Although hospitalizations remain low right now, we are seeing an uptick in cases in recent days. We had anticipated this might occur as the weather gets cooler and people spend more time indoors. 🧵.
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There have been many privileges to serving as NYC's doctor, but this one is hard to top! Today I gave my parents their booster doses. Vaccination is about taking care of each another, and particularly those whom we hold most dear. Thanks Mom and Dad for showing the way as always!
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Structural racism is a key driver of health inequity. We use the framework of a “COVID-19 prevention cascade” to map out factors rooted in anti-Black racism and provide a roadmap for achieving racial equity in #COVID19 outcomes, for NYC and beyond. @nychealthcmo
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Last week over *105 thousand* New Yorkers decided to get vaccinated! That's an encouraging increase from the prior week. New Yorkers are hearing the message that the delta variant is dangerous and vaccination protects you. Get vaccinated, NYC!
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Today @NYCMayor and I declared monkeypox a public health emergency in New York City. Read more:
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4,200 children in New York State have lost a parent to #COVID19 — this devastating statistic hits hard as a father. As a city, we must do everything we can to keep COVID-19 transmission low.
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Total pediatric hospital census was stable to slightly lower during the omicron wave, though pediatric hospitalizations due to or with COVID-19 increased significantly. And unvaccinated kids 5-17 years old were over 4 times more likely to be hospitalized compared with all kids.
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I am thrilled and humbled that @NYCMayor de Blasio has appointed me Commissioner for @nycHealthy. It is a great honor to lead an agency and staff that have contributed so much to the field of public health locally, nationally and internationally.
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With that, I’ll pass the baton to the terrific @ashvasnyc. I can’t wait to see what he and the team accomplish during his tenure as @nychealthcommr. As I sign off, I invite you to follow me at @davechokshi. Thank you, NYC!! ♥.
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Important news today – the first overdose prevention center services in the country open TODAY in NYC! These are safe places where people who use drugs can receive medical care and be connected to treatment and social services:
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While I am fully vaccinated, I’ll be keeping my mask on in most shared indoor settings. When I put it on, I’ll be thinking of the sense of community, particularly around masking and distancing, that helped us get to this hopeful stage in the pandemic.
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NYC mobile vaccination buses will be making stops in these neighborhoods in the coming days; spread the word! Details at - Parkchester.- South Bronx.- Crown Heights.- East Flatbush.- Corona.- Flushing.
Our mobile vaccination buses are on the move and headed to a neighborhood near you! We're bring the #COVID19 vaccine to some of our most vulnerable communities, ensuring all New Yorkers get the protection they need.
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I want to thank @NYCSpeakerCoJo & @WomensCaucusNYC for their support, but also for their emphasis on values. My hope is that women of color considering positions in public service are not dissuaded by seeing those like them become the objects of dehumanizing insults and attacks.
.@NYCSpeakerCoJo and the Women’s Caucus denounce derogatory and misogynistic attack on @NYCHealthCommr Dr. Oxiris Barbot by @SBANYPD president Ed Mullins. Full statement here:
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I recently got tested and received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. Statement:
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‼️ Appointments now available for New Yorkers ages 12 to 15 ‼️. Younger New Yorkers can now get a COVID-19 vaccine at City sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. Find a site here:
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The increase in vaccinations we're seeing is correlated with our strategies -- $100 incentive, vax or test for City workers, and Key to NYC. More doses happened because of incentives and mandates.
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Today I’m feeling grateful to have received the #COVID19 vaccine. Not just for myself and my loved ones, but also because I know that every shot brings us closer to a city that is protected from COVID-19. Special thanks to @nycHealthy’s Dr. Jane Zucker for vaccinating me!
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In two weeks, 25 lives have been saved by NYC's Overdose Prevention Centers. @BronxDAClark, @ManhattanDA, @BrooklynDA & @QueensDAKatz and I are urging the Biden administration to endorse these centers. Read 👇🏾.
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Due to new evidence that #COVID19 may be spread before you develop symptoms, @nycHealthy is advising all New Yorkers to wear face coverings when out in public. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a scarf or bandana will do. More on our new guidance:
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We have good news to share from @NYCHealthy. After a two-month sustained increase of #COVID19 transmission, we are finally past the peak of this wave. Cases have fallen since May 23, giving us confidence that we have passed the peak and we are heading into a safer environment.
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As we gear up to celebrate the #LunarNewYear in NYC, I want to assure New Yorkers that there is no reason for anyone to change their holiday plans, avoid the subway, or certain parts of the city because of #coronavirus.
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I’m continuing to wear my mask. I’m doing that because it’s what I’m recommending New Yorkers do in public indoor settings. For most of us, masking remains a recommendation.
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About half of all patients in NYC hospitals have COVID-19. Despite stable total numbers of hospitalized patients, staffing shortages have been felt widely during the omicron wave across the health care sector in NYC. Nearly all hospitals report some impact on operations.
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I wholeheartedly support my fellow New Yorkers protesting structural racism & way unearned power gets levied on the backs of Black folks-literally. Proud of @nycHealthy not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. #RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis
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I'm pleased to see today’s court decision on my Commissioner’s Order requiring vaccination for NYC school staff. This paves the way for our Order to take effect on Sept. 27 as planned. Vaccination will keep schools safer for staff and students.
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New data from @nychealthy on racial inequities during the omicron wave in NYC explores why dramatic inequities experienced by Black New Yorkers throughout the pandemic became worse during the most recent surge: .Key analyses and ACTIONS🧵⬇️.
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Tonight let us pause to acknowledge, remember and honor all those who have lost their lives to COVID-19. #COVIDMemorial
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COVID-19 vaccination for 5- to 11-year-olds is strongly recommended by our nation’s leading scientists, based on data showing the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective. According to @CDCgov, if we vaccinate every New Yorker aged 5-11, we can prevent ~ 38,000 cases of COVID-19. 🧵.
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Dr. @michellemorse's experience has combined the best of public health, social medicine, anti-racism education and activism. Health equity requires leaders who propel change, and I am grateful that she has joined @nycHealthy to help us create a healthier, more equitable city.
Today we appointed the agency's first ever Chief Medical Officer, Dr. @MichelleMorse! 🎉👏🎉. Dr. Morse will lead the agency’s work in bridging public health & health care, ensuring greater alignment and coordination with health care systems, and more:
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The number of hospitalized patients increased dramatically due to omicron’s prevalence. As of Dec. 30, 2021, hospitalizations exceeded last winter’s surge and the number of patients in the ICU is approaching what was seen last winter.
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