CM JAMES COMMENTS ON SUPREME COURT HALT OF ‘SODA BAN'

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MARCH 11, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON SUPREME COURT HALT OF ‘SODA BAN’

(New York, NY)— Today, the New York State Supreme Court halted the City of New York from implementing a ban on single-serving sugary drinks over 16 ounces, popularly known as the “soda ban”, which would have gone into effect on March 12, 2013. In a 37-page decision, Judge Milton Tingling “enjoined and permanently restrained” the City from exercising the ban, citing the regulations as “fraught with arbitrary and capricious consequences,” and questioning the administration’s right to implement such policy without Legislative (City Council) support.

"I have argued that the Mayor's proposal to ban sugary drinks over 16 ounces was arbitrarily punitive and would most harshly target small local businesses, and I’m glad that the New York State Supreme Court agrees,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I believe in promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and if the administration wants to make meaningful gains in this area, they can begin by seeking to meet New York State requirements for physical education (PE) in schools. Although state requirements set the minimum standard for PE in high schools at two classes per week, IBO reports show that the DOE fails to meet this standard. I believe that increasing exercise, promoting healthy food choices, and developing urban farming programs in schools has a real and lasting effect on obesity.”

Council Member Letitia James has been actively involved in the “Let’s Move” Brooklyn campaign, developed nationally by First Lady Michelle Obama; and she recently joined with Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Women's City Club of New York, and the American Heart Association in calling on the NYC Department of Education to bring New York City public schools' Physical Education (PE) programs up to State requirements.

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ATTENTION: New York City Council Restaurant Inspection Survey

As part of the City Council’s oversight of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and in response to mounting concerns raised by city restaurateurs regarding the restaurant inspection process, the New York City Council has recently announced the launch of a comprehensive restaurant inspection survey.

City restaurant owners and operators are urged to participate in this Council effort to gather information on food safety inspections, with particular emphasis on the recently implemented letter grading system and its impact on city restaurants.

Starting today, the survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/restaurantinspection and accessible through the Council’s website at www.council.nyc.gov.

The survey results will provide a foundation for an oversight hearing in late February, where the Council intends to further explore the inspection process and possible areas for reform.

ATTENTION: FCR and CM James Again Provide FREE Waste Receptacles

Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies and Council Member Letitia James are again providing free rodent-proof waste receptacles to 35th District residents.

The heavy-duty, plastic cans with lids are approved by the City's Department of Health.

The receptacles can be picked up at the District Office of Council Member James, 67 Hanson Place, between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Bring identification and proof of address when picking up, and call (718) 260-9191 to confirm availability.

CM James: Updates on Hurricane Irene- 35th District Information

The following is information regarding New York City’s preparations for Hurricane Irene, and the recommended steps New Yorkers should take to prepare.

Hurricane Irene is deemed as a Category 3 hurricane (downgraded to Category 2 on Friday), which is presently leaving the Bahamas and heading up the east coast towards Long Island and New York City. Although Hurricane Irene is moving slowly and the forecast remains uncertain, it is expected to hit NYC on Sunday with about 6-12 inches of rain.

According to the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), NYC developed a hurricane response plan since 2007 in reaction to the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. The plan is available online HERE. OEM is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm. At this time, the Mayor has not concluded that a full evacuation is necessary. Nonetheless, the city is preparing shelters in case of an emergency evacuation, especially for Category 1/Zone A communities (low-lying areas most at risk of flooding). The NYC Health Department and the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation are readily prepared to service elderly and disabled populations if the storm the hits. Yesterday, Mayor Bloomberg ordered an evacuation of the hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers within Zone A.

The Hurricane Evacuation zones can be found HERE. The 35th District overlaps with Zone A. The Brooklyn evacuation sites are listed below--

BOYS & GIRLS HS	1700 FULTON ST.
BROOKLYN TECH HS	29 FORT GREENE PLACE
BUSHWICK HS	400 IRVING AVE.
FRANKLIN K. LANE HS	999 JAMAICA AVE.
CLARA BARTON HS	901 CLASSON AVE.
IS 117	300 WILLOUGHBY AVE.
IS 136	4004 4TH AVE.
IS 187	1171 65TH ST.
PS 189	1100 E. NEW YORK AVE.
IS 246	72 VERONICA PLACE
PS 249	18 MARLBOROUGH RD.
IS 271	1137 HERKIMER ST.
IS 292	300 WYONA ST.
IS 383	1300 GREENE AVE.
JHS 57	125 STUYVESANT AVE.
JOHN JAY HS	237 7TH AVE.
NYC TECHNICAL COLLEGE	300 JAY ST.
ROOSEVELT HS	5800 20TH AVE.

OEM is recommending that New York residents have a "emergency bag" prepared, and that people stock up on supplies in advance of the storm.

The MTA is actively preparing for the impact of Hurricane Irene. The agency is making arrangements to bring in extra personnel over the weekend, preparing facilities and infrastructure by clearing drains, securing work sites against possible high winds, checking and fueling equipment, stocking supplies, and establishing plans to move equipment and supplies away from low-lying areas as needed. Because of the severity of the wind and rain associated with a hurricane, there may be partial or full shut down of services to ensure the safety of customers and employees.

ATTENTION: FCR Companies Provide FREE Waste Receptacles

FCR Companies Provide FREE Garbage Receptacles

Forest City Ratner (FCR) Companies will provide free waste receptacles to tenants, superintendents, and building owners near the Atlantic Yards project in an effort to address the Prospect Heights rodent infestation.

Health Department-approved lidded, heavy-duty trash cans are being offered by FCR to help keep rodents away from buildings.

**To be eligible, your building must be located: south of Atlantic Avenue from 4th Avneue to Vanderbilt Avenue; Vanderbilt Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Bergen Street; Bergen Street from Vanderbilt Avenue to 4th Avenue; 4th Avenue (East side only) from Bergen Street to Atlantic Avenue.

How to get your free garbage can:
1. Make sure your building is located within the boundaries and has 12 units or fewer;
2. At pick-up, provide photo ID and proof of address by showing a utility bill with your unit number dated within the last three months;
3. Visit the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office located in the trailer on Carlton Avenue (between Pacific and Dean Streets).

Cans will be available during the following hours:
Monday, August 15th- 10am-4pm
Tuesday, August 16th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Wednesday, August 17th- 10am-4pm
Thursday, August 18th- 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Friday, August 19th- 10am-1pm

For more information on how to prevent rodents, please attend an educational forum hosted by Empire State Development and New York City Departments of Health and Sanitation at the Pacific Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on--
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 6pm-8pm.

For more information, please contact the Atlantic Yards Community Liaison Office at 1-866-923-5315 or communityliaison@atlanticyards.com.

AY Rodent Control Meeting Report

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
July 20, 2011

Contact Jonathan Perez at (718) 260-9191

ATLANTIC YARDS RODENT CONTROL MEETING REPORT

This past week, Council Member Letitia James, representatives from City Council Member Steve Levin’s Office, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery’s Office, other community leaders and stakeholders met with ESDC, City agencies and Forest City Ratner Companies (FCR) at an Atlantic Yards Cabinet Meeting in Brooklyn. The meeting’s focus was on rodent infestation, which has become a serious concern in the Atlantic Yards footprint and surrounding community.

Recently, neighbors of Dean Street near the Atlantic Yards project have reported cat-size rats and an uptick in the rat population. Many have expressed concerns about the rodent population’s increase in the neighboring homes and streets surrounding the construction site. A common notion has been that rats have not been a problem until the arena’s construction, while others have referred to it as a “rat tsunami.”

During the meeting, a New York City Department of Health rodent-specialist identified a number of hotspots near the immediate area of the Atlantic Yards property. In response, Forest City Ratner stated they would provide vouchers for the community to purchase special trash cans that could contain and deter rodents. Forest City Ratner agreed to work with Colony, a pest management company, which provides integrated pest management to alleviate the situation through education, outreach, and bait control. The MTA representative in attendance also shared that employees would continue to check rat bait traps every thirty to forty days in subway stations located near Atlantic Yards.

The Department of Sanitation reported that certain recommendations would be made for homeowners in this Prospect Heights area. These include that all garbage in cans be placed on the street at or around 9 p.m. Another recommendation is garbage be put in secured cans (which would be enforced by the Sanitation Department). Forest City Ratner also stated it would lead a new initiative that separates the food waste from the construction garbage on the Atlantic Yards site.

“I appreciate Forest City Ratner’s cooperation, as well as FCR taking action on the rodent control problem. Also, I look forward to starting the process of providing vouchers to residents for steel or rubber trash cans within the next two weeks, as well as educating the public at large about this ongoing problem,” said Council Member James.

Other Prospect Heights’ issues discussed at the meeting include Council Member James’ goal to secure a new dumpster for Engine 219 and Ladder 105 on Dean Street. She also seeks funding for improvement of conditions at the Dean Street playground. Lastly, the abandoned properties near the Atlantic Yards Arena need to be addressed as possible breeding grounds of the rat population.

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ATTENTION: OEM Opens Citywide "Cooling Centers"

NEW YORK CITY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE COOLING CENTERS WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
New Yorkers Urged to Take Precautions During Heat Event

The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today announced that cooling centers will be open in all five boroughs on Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9. According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is expected to exceed 95 degrees on Wednesday and may exceed 100 degrees on Thursday.

Cooling centers are public places, such as Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior centers, libraries and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Salvation Army community centers where air conditioning is available.

To find the cooling center nearest to you, call 311, or use OEM’s Cooling Center Finder at http://www.nyc.gov/oem.

ATTENTION: NYC Green Cart Program Seeks New Vendors

The NYC Green Cart Program Seeks New Vendors

NYC Green Carts are mobile food stands that exclusively sell fresh fruits and vegetables in the areas that need them most. In March 2011, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be accepting new applications to be on the waiting list for a Green Cart permit! For dates and times for workshops in Queens, the Bronx and Harlem, call 212-943-1433, and for Brooklyn call 212-676-2022. Workshops begin as early as January 11, 2011.

ATTENTION: NYers- Residents Over 50- Take Precaution Against West Nile Virus

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene strongly suggests all New Yorkers- especially those aged 50 and older– take extra precautions against the West Nile Virus.

Mosquito-born infection is at unusually high levels throughout the five boroughs; this year, DOHMH has recorded more human cases at this point in the season than it has in any other year since 2000. More cases are expected through October.

New Yorkers can take simple steps to minimize contact with mosquitoes and prevent infection with West Nile Virus:

* Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under three), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.

* Make sure windows have screens, and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

* Eliminate any standing water from your property, and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.

* Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.

* Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty and covered if not in use; drain water that collects in pool covers.

* Report standing water by calling 311 or visiting http://www.nyc.gov/health/wnv.

To date, 211 New Yorkers have been diagnosed with West Nile viral disease since it was first found in the United States in 1999, including 3 in 2009 and 15 in 2008.

The Health Department uses an “integrated pest management” approach to monitor the city for West Nile Virus and control its spread by mosquitoes. The agency inspects and treats standing water sites with non-chemical larvicides to kill larval mosquitoes before they emerge as flying adults. When necessary, the agency also applies small amounts of chemical pesticides (adulticides) to kill adult mosquitoes. A schedule of mosquito control activities is available online at nyc.gov/health or by phone from the 311 call center.

NYCDOH and CAMBA Launch HIV Respect Campaign Targetting Communities of Color

The social services organization CAMBA has launched an HIV Anti-Stigma Program consisting of a theater trope and a social marketing campaign meant to promote respect and compassion for those afflicted by HIV.

The project was funded in part by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene through a contract with Public Health Solutions. The project grew out of the recognition that HIV-related stigma has serious negative effects on people living with HIV/AIDS and prevents people from discussing HIV and getting tested. The campaign promotes the message: “Take the blame out of HIV. All people deserve compassion and respect. HIV is a medical condition, not a moral issue.”

The Theater Troupe performs skits focused on topics related to HIV to educate and foster discussion about HIV/AIDS. The program focuses on African-American, Latino, African, and African-Caribbean communities.

ATTENTION: DOHMH and Equinox Fitness Clubs Challenge You To Shape Up Today!

Beginning on May 17th, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in partnership with Equinox Fitness Clubs, will be running free fitness classes across the five boroughs.

Shape Up NYC is a free fitness program dedicated to getting New Yorkers into a new habit of fitness. The classes are varied and are taught by expert fitness instructors who know how to make fitness fun.

Exciting new classes include yoga, pilates, zumba and intensati. All classes are open to the public, FREE of charge, and no pre-registration is required. More information available here.

Should you need any further information please call the Shape Up NYC coordinator at 212-360-1356.

Are YOU Prepared For A Hurricane?

Woodhull Medical Center in conjunction with New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be holding an informal meeting for the community.

Thursday, April 29th, 2010
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Woodhull Medical Center (Dolores E. Jackson Auditorium- 3rd Floor)

All are welcome to attend and participate in this community event.
Light refreshments will be served.

Please call 718-963-8701 to RSVP ( RSVP required)
Light refreshments will be served

Update: H1N1 Temporary Vaccination Clinics

The administration has implemented a comprehensive plan to address influenza (specifically H1N1) this flu season, including early vaccination for school-aged children, establishing influenza clinics, and drug store vaccinations.

To further the goal of preparing all City residents for the flu season, every weekend from November 14th through December 13th, the City’s Health Department will be offering free H1N1 vaccines at temporary clinics located in schools throughout the city. Although these clinics were originally designed for middle and high school students, vaccines will be now available for anyone in the following groups:

-Pregnant women.
-Anyone 4 to 24 years of age. (Note: Children younger than 4 are not eligible to be vaccinated
at these clinics.)
-Persons 25 to 64 years of age who have underlying health conditions that increases risk of severe illness or complications. Such conditions include asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung conditions, kidney failure, or a weakened immune system.
-Anyone who lives with or cares for children less than 6 months old.

The vaccination clinics will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are limits on the number of people that the clinics can accommodate, so there may be lines.

The temporary vaccination sites in Brooklyn are located at:

Sheepshead Bay H.S. (K495)
Location: 3000 Avenue X
Dates of Operation:
Saturday, November 14, 11234
9:00am-6:00pm-
Sunday, November 15,
9:00am-5:00pm

P.S. 196 (K196)
Location: 207 Bushwick Avenue
Dates of Operation: Saturday, November 14,
9:00am-6:00pm-
Sunday, November 15,
9:00am-5:00pm

J.H.S. 234 Arthur W. (K234)
Location: 1875 East 17th Cunningham Street
Dates of Operation: Saturday, November 21,
9:00am-6:00pm-
Sunday, November 22,
9:00am-5:00pm

George Wingate Educational Campus (K470)
Location: 600 Kingston Avenue
Dates of Operation: Saturday, December 5,
9:00am-6:00pm-
Sunday, December 6,
9:00am-5:00pm

P.S. 186 Dr. Irving Gladstone (K186)
Location: 7601 19th Avenue
Dates of Operation: Saturday, December 12,
9:00am-6:00pm-
Sunday, December 13,
9:00am-5:00pm

Please remember: Vaccination is the best way to protect children and adults from the flu and prevent community-wide transmission.

ATTENTION: FLU & H1N1 INFO- FLU/VACCINATION LOCATIONS, FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS

Following the announcement that the administration is offering free flu shots to students to help prevent the spread of H1N1 this fall, and Fort Greene's brush with the swine flu, we are happy to share the following with parents of the 35th District--

The City is emphasizing preventative measures in order to keep influenza out of schools. Firstly, all children are expected to be properly vaccinated by their medical provider, or at a flu vaccination clinic. Additionally, some drug stores are offering flu services (including influenza and H1N1 vaccinations) to individuals without regular doctors.

Children should be kept home if ill. The City is monitoring public schools for sudden increases in influenza-like illness (ILI). If a school nurse sees 5 or more cases of students exhibiting ILI in one day, the school will send a letter to parents and guardians stressing the need to keep sick children home. If a school nurse reports ILI in 4% (a minimum of 15 students) of the school’s students on a given day, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will conduct an on-site assessment of the school and work with the school to strengthen its flu prevention efforts.

As stated, the City is providing the H1N1 vaccine at no cost to public and non-public school students. Elementary school students have received H1N1 information packets with vaccination consent forms that parents and guardians must return to have their children vaccinated. No child will be vaccinated without parental consent.

The vaccination program in elementary schools will take place over three phases: phase one will begin on October 28th in school buildings with enrollments of less than 400 students; phase two starts on November 4th in school buildings with enrollments of more than 600 students; and phase three begins on November 9th in the remaining elementary schools. Non-public schools that choose to participate will also be scheduled to receive the vaccine during this period.

Below are the elementary schools participating in the vaccination program:

Phase I-
P.S. 046 Edward C. Blum
P.S. 020 Clinton Hill
P.S. 287 Bailey K. Ashford
P.S. 316 Elijah Stroud
P.S. 157 Benjamin Franklin

Phase II
P.S. 221 Toussaint L'Ouverture

Phase III
P.S. 167 The Parkway
P.S. 161 The Crown
P.S. 011 Purvis J. Behan
P.S. 022
P.S. 375 Jackie Robinson School
P.S. 067 Charles A. Dorsey
COMMUNITY ROOTS CHARTER SCHOOL
P.S. 009 Teunis G. Bergen
P.S. 241 Emma L. Johnston

ATTENTION: Greater Brooklyn Coalition Sponsors Info Session on H1N1 Flu.

The Greater Brooklyn Health Coalition is sponsoring an informational event on seasonal and H1N1 influenza on behalf of the Brooklyn District Public Health Office of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC-DOHMH).--

Influenza Education & Training Event for Community Residents

WHEN: October 6th
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

WHAT: Learn the latest about seasonal influenza and H1N1 ‘Swine Flu’.

*Learn what the City is doing and what you can do to prevent the spread of influenza.
*Learn how you can spread the word about influenza.

The NYC-DOH District Public Health Office, The U.S. Department of Health & Human Service's Office of Minority Health, and The Borough of Brooklyn Ecumenical Advisory Group [(BBEAG) a consortium of faith-based institutions convened by the NYC-DOHMH] invites community leaders and residents to attend an Influenza Education & Training Event:

WHERE: Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza
Community Room—Lower Level
1368 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Our previous posts on H1N1 can be found here.
~

To Reserve your seat, contact:
Evelyn Ortiz— eortiz@health.nyc.gov

MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES FREE FLU SHOTS AND H1N1 VACCINE TO STUDENTS

As the school year sets in motion, a major concern of many students and parents is the infectious H1N1 influenza better known as, “swine flu”.

H1N1 influenza is a respiratory (lung) infection. It causes a fever, cough, and/or a sore throat that can last a week or more. Those at higher risk are people aged six months to eighteen, seniors, pregnant women, and people with asthma, diabetes or other conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys.

As a way to keep schools open and prevent the contraction or spread of the seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza, Mayor Bloomberg, City Officials, and the NYC Department of Health will be offering free vaccinations to all elementary school students. The vaccine for seasonal influenza is now being distributed and federal health officials predict that the separate vaccine to protect against the novel H1N1 virus will be available by mid-to-late October at NYC Department of Health Immunization clinics, some community health centers, and at designated Health and Hospitals Corporation flu centers. The NYC Department of Health is also developing alternate and convenient vaccination sites around the city. Those not at risk is discouraged to get vaccination.

Some ways to protect yourself and others against the H1N1 influenza is to make sure to cover your cough with the inside of your elbow, wash your hands often, don’t get too close to people who are sick, and if you feel sick (fever of 100 degrees or higher plus a cough or sore throat) stay home or seek medical treatment.

For up-to-date information about seasonal flu, H1N1, and where to get a free or low-cost flu vaccine, you can visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm, or the NYC Department of Health's website here.

You can read more about what the NYC Department of Education is doing to keep H1N1 out of schools here.

CM James Supports Oral Health Program for Children In NYC Public Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2009

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191


Council Member Letitia James Supports Oral Health Program for Children located in New York City Public Schools

The window of opportunity to save the Children’s Oral Health Program will soon be closed, as the June 12th layoff date for dentists is fast approaching

(Brooklyn, NY) - For over 100 years, the New York City Oral Health Program (OHP) has served children in public schools without charge, whether the children are insured or not.

Claims by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) that children in New York City Public Schools can receive dental service elsewhere, such as through Medicaid are misleading, as not all children have coverage and most children are never seen by a dentist unless the care comes to them.

“Management seems to be doing everything in their power to eliminate this program without a viable backup plan in place. If this program is closed children will lose their access to dental care, either because they will have to pay, or because it won't be available in their schools, or both,” said Dr. Gary Peters, a long-time Oral Health Program dentist.

Claims that others dentists will take over the clinics are misleading, as those “others” do not take care of the uninsured, and interest doesn’t extend to taking over all the current clinics. And, to replace this program with a referral service at a cost of $ 1.75 million (as suggested is the Mayor’s 2010 budget), when the entire full service program costs only $ 2.5 million is simply illogical. Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum recently compiled an extensive report on the matter condemning the proposed closures as well.

Only the OHP has the flexibility to seek out children in need of dental care – and open clinics in public schools, as the need becomes known. Dr. Margaret Mahoney, a dentist working for the Oral Health Program for 23 years said: “One out of every two children that I examine has a dental issue to address. If this program closes, a great void will be left in the underserved communities. Already patients have been turned away from our clinics. They are no longer allowed to make appointments for checkups and are now dental homeless.”

“It is well known that good health starts with the teeth, and this begins during childhood. It is simply unconscionable for the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene to phase out this critical oral health program for our youth, and I will do whatever I can to save it. It is my hope that the City Council will prevail in its quest to maintain this important service for our children,” said Council Member James.

According to Dr. Peters, with limited staff more than 23,182 teeth were protected from getting cavities from September 2007 - April 2009, through the application of protective dental sealants, and this is only a small component of the program. How tragic it will be for New York City school children if the 17,000 children currently seen annually are cut off from access to dental care.

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Fort Greene's MS 113 Closes Following Student Sicknesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2009

Fort Greene's MS 113 Closes Following Student Sicknesses

Department of Education and Department of Health close Fort Greene’s MS 113 following student sicknesses

(Brooklyn, NY)—MS 113- The Ronald Edmonds Learning Center in Fort Greene, Brooklyn was closed today after 18 students were sent home with flu-like symptoms and temperatures of up to 100.4 degrees; an additional 145 students were absent. After communicating with Principal Khalek Kirkland, the Department of Education in conjunction with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has decided to close the middle school until Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Students will return following the Memorial Day holiday.

The measures are precautionary, and fall in line with the Department of Health’s recently-established criteria for suggesting the closure of schools—which include factors such as whether closing a school could reduce the spread of infection, spikes in absenteeism, and the existence of high temperatures and other flu-like symptoms among students and staff.

Council Member Letitia James states, “I am working with the Department of Health and the Department of Education to ensure that MS 113 is properly sanitized as soon as possible. I urge all in the district to take careful measures against sickness as outlined by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I am confident that all agencies will be able to coordinate with MS113, and that the school can soon resume their normal schedule.”

Currently, no one affiliated with MS 113 has been diagnosed with H1N1 flu. An updated list of school closings can be found at http://schools.nyc.gov/default.htm.

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081


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We weren't a minute too soon with this post, apparently. Again, if you have flu-like symptoms accompanied by an abnormally-high temperature, please seek medical assistance as soon as possible. We encourage all residents to adhere to personal sanitary measures.

teamtish

Briefing Update: What You Need To Know About H1N1 ("Swine" Flu)

We wanted to make you aware that the New York City Council recently held a briefing to discuss the H1N1 Flu Outbreak (also known as "Swine Flu")

As of earlier this week:
* 3 schools in Queens, New York had closed, in addition to the 10 closed previously.
* 1 school in Brooklyn, New York had closed last week.
- These schools are all being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and are expected to reopen. So far, there has only been one death in New York, that of a Queens assistant principal

On the closing of schools:
* When deciding whether to close a school, a number of factors are looked at-
-Absentee rates
-Amount of students going to see the nurse, showing flu-like symptoms
-Size of school
-Number of children presenting at local hospitals showing flu-like symptoms

FYI about the "swine flu" (and how to keep safe):
* The method of transmission is the same as seasonal flu, so similar precautions should be taken (i.e. cover mouth/nose when coughing and sneezing, practice good personal hygiene).
* The H1N1 strain of flu seems to be very new, meaning that the public has not had a chance to develop an immunity yet (as some have done to seasonal flu).
* As with seasonal flu, the young, sickly, and elderly are at most risk.
* Information for the public will be passed on through 311, City department/government statements and press releases, and letters to schools and school officials.
* There have been no recommendations as yet to close summer camps, as it is hoped that the H1N1 flu rates will drop over the summer months, as is normally the case with strains of flu.
* A child should only see the doctor if as well as flu symptoms they also have a fever (1040F or above) and/or breathing difficulties.

If you are a looking for more information and updates on H1N1 flu, please see the Department for Health and Mental Hygiene website here.