Measles Outbreak 2019: Yeshivas In New York Threatened With Closure, Mayor De Blasio Declares Health Emergency

The Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, New York, has been one of the areas of the country hit hardest by the recent measles outbreak, centered on the area’s Orthodox Jewish Community. In an effort to curb the number of outbreaks, the New York City Department of Health and Mayor’s Office are taking a sterner approach to the outbreak.

According to ABC7 in New York, yeshivas were hit with threats of violations and potential closures by the NYC Department of Health. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has also declared a public health emergency in the areas and is ordering mandatory vaccinations.

Originally, the Department of Health ordered yeshivas and child care centers in the area to begin excluding non-vaccinated students and children in December. The order was meant to stand until the outbreak was confirmed over.

However, a yeshiva violated this order in January and started letting unvaccinated students back in. This one unnamed yeshiva has also been connected with over 40 confirmed cases in the Williamsburg area.

To ensure yeshivas and child centers in affected areas follow the order, the Health Department started issuing Commissioner’s Orders that threaten possible fines and closures if the original order is not followed.

The declaration and order from the Mayor’s office is also an attempt to further curb the measles outbreak in Williamsburg, especially ahead of Passover, which is April 19 to April 27.

De Blasio's announcement also comes on the heels of Rockland County in upstate New York declaring a state of emergency in March because of its own measles outbreak.

The order will have New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to check vaccination records of anyone who may have contact with measles patients. If anyone is found to not have been vaccinated, they could be hit with a violation and potential $1,000 fine.

"There's no question that vaccines are safe, effective and life-saving," de Blasio told the meida during his declaration announcement.

"I urge everyone, especially those in affected areas, to get their MMR vaccines to protect their children, families and communities."

New York City officials have also been advising anyone unvaccinated who plans to travel during Passover to receive vaccinations, especially if traveling to areas with prominent outbreaks.