LIVINGSTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — New Jersey families who have relatives in long-term care facilities have a chilling plea. With vaccinations underway, they’re asking the governor to loosen visitation restrictions for fear isolation will kill their loved ones before COVID does. Hundreds of signs that read “Isolation kills, too” fill Jill Cohen’s Livingston lawn. She says in the last year since lockdown began, she’s watched her 82-year-old mom, Norma, who has Alzheimer’s, suffer cognitively and physically. Once a week, Cohen is allowed to visit her mother for two hours, most of the time consoling her. “And you know I’ll always be with you, right? Every step of the way,” she tells her mom in a video. “We’ve been vaccinated. They’ve been vaccinated. It’s been one year, two shots. And now what? What are we gonna do now? We don’t have time on our side anymore,” Cohen told CBS2’s Lisa Rozner. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Ask CBS2’s Dr. Max Your Vaccine Questions COVID Vaccine FAQ From CDC Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code Find A New York City Testing Site Near You Check NYC Testing Wait Times Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home Complete Coronavirus Coverage It’s a message from a group called FACE for Seniors, standing for Family Advocate Care Experience. Randolph resident Ginger Vukas last saw her 84-year-old mom, Virginia, through a window in December. “I want to get back into the facility while my mom still knows who I am, and I wake up every day afraid that she won’t,” Vukas said. The New Jersey Department of Health is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which don’t take vaccinations into account. For visits to occur, there has to be a low number of cases in the county and the facility has to show it has not had a COVID case in two weeks. Bill Borrelle is the founder of FACE for Seniors. He says window visits and Facetime calls aren’t helping his 94-year-old mother, Rose, who is hard of heaering and legally blind. “We had many, many layers of protection to keep them safe, but the most important thing that we don’t have is the ability to be with them in their room and take care of them,” he said. “My mother’s vaccinated. She’ll wear PPE. I wear PPE.” COVID VACCINE New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code Nassau County more info here Suffolk County more info here Westchester County more info here New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545 Connecticut book online here The “Isolation kills, too” signs will be moved throughout the state over the next week to send a message, asking the governor and the Department of Health for a post-vaccine visitation directive. “She basically just lays in her bed all day,” Vukas said. “Most of all I want to hug her and kiss her and tell her how much I love her.” The Department of Health says indoor visitation is open in 10 of its 21 counties. In response to the group’s request, a spokesperson acknowledges the emotional distress, but says, “There are currently 309 active COVID-19 outbreaks among our long term care facilities and virus variants circulating.” The department urges all to remain patient, but these families say their patience has already run thin. The New Jersey Department of Health sent CBS2 the following information — The NJ Department of Health’s Executive Directive 20-026 for the Resumption of Services in Long Term Care Facilities provides for outdoor, compassionate care, essential caregiver, and end-of-life visitation that is permitted in any reopening phase. The Department has not changed its visitation guidance at this time. Indoor visitation is now open in facilities in 10 counties that have met the Department’s requirements. Those counties are Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem and Somerset counties. The chart in this press release that sets up the color-coded system used to determine level of COVID-19 activity in a region — low, moderate or high. It looks at several factors including the level of COVID circulating in the county and the positivity level of county residents testing positive for the virus. A facility can resume indoor visitation if the CALI score for that region has been in the moderate/lower level of activity for at least two weeks, and if it can attest that it has met the following Department requirements: after no new cases have been detected in the last two weeks in accordance with CDC guidance the facility is not conducting outbreak testing facility has sufficient PPE and cleaning and disinfection supplies to permit visitation has a mechanism to collect informed consent from residents and visitors. Regarding the request from FACE For Seniors, a DOH spokesperson says — “We must continue to be cautious – there are currently 309 active COVID-19 outbreaks among our long term care facilities and virus variants circulating in the community that threaten the health of vulnerable residents and staff. However, the Department of Health acknowledges the emotional distress caused by isolation-which also causes us concern for the health and quality of life of residents in our long-term care facilities. For this reason, we have directed all facilities to permit compassionate care, essential caregiver, outdoor, and end-of-life visitation in every phase of our directive. The COVID-19 vaccine gives us hope for the future where we can reunite with our loved ones, but until then our facilities should be doing all they can to balance the risk of infection with the threat of isolation-and follow our directives to permit visitation in all applicable circumstances. We all must remain both patient and vigilant.” CBS2 reached out to the CDC for comment. A spokesperson said they would get back to us Friday.
prevention
LONDON, United Kingdom (AP) — The number of children sickened by measles in 2019 was the highest in 23 years, according to new data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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870K measles cases in 2019, highest number in 23 years — UN
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Mayor Bill de Blasio is sounding the alarm about soaring infection rates. He says city residents can make a last-ditch effort to prevent a second wave of COVID-19 . Construction workers were putting the finishing touches on a new rapid testing site at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal on Monday as infection rates continued to rise throughout the city, especially on Staten Island and in the Bronx . The mayor warned that the city is on the precipice of a second wave of infection, CBS2’s Marcia Kramer reported. “We can stop a second wave if we act immediately, but we have one last chance,” de Blasio said. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Tri-State Coronavirus Travel Advisory Quarantine List Resources, Hotlines, Unemployment & Covering Bills Remote Learning Tools For Parents Teaching At Home CBS2’s Dr. Max Answers Your Health Questions What To Do If Someone Isn’t Social Distancing Or Wearing A Mask? Expert: Parents Be Mindful Of Children’s Stress After Months Of Isolation Chopper 2 Over Empty NYC Streets, Landmarks Complete Coronavirus Coverage The mayor said Tuesday will be a day of action citywide, but especially on Staten Island, where the 10307 zip code in Tottenville now has a 6.47% positivity rate, and 11418 in Richmond Hill, where it has hit 4.43%. MORE : Cuomo Says Managing Infection Rate Will Be Critical As New York’s Coronavirus Numbers Climb There are also several zip codes in the Bronx with positivity rates ranging from 3.56% to 4.08%. They include 10451 in Melrose, 10457 Belmont/Tremont, 10454 Mott Haven, and 10452 Concourse/Highbridge. De Blasio said that indoor dining might have to be reevaluated and that there was the possibility of the reimposition of restrictions. “It means, unfortunately, could mean even having to shut down parts of our economy again, which would be horrible for the city, horrible for the livelihoods of people. It could mean having to shut down schools,” the mayor said. MORE : Cuomo: Thanksgiving Travelers To New York Will Have To Have Proof Of Negative COVID Test And with Thanksgiving just weeks away, officials are asking residents not to travel and to avoid large gatherings. “I want to be clear: the holidays this year cannot look like years’ past. Many of the things that make the holidays so special also carry the most risk,” Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said. CORONAVIRUS: NY Health Dept. | NY Call 1-(888)-364-3065 | NYC Health Dept. | NYC Call 311, Text COVID to 692692 | NJ COVID-19 Info Hub | NJ Call 1-(800)-222-1222 or 211, Text NJCOVID to 898211 | CT Health Dept. | CT Call 211 | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention New Yorkers told Kramer they are worried about a second wave. “I would hate to have things turned back to shutting down. It’s depressing when you have to stay in,” Bronx resident Fannie Olivera said. “I think it’s important for people to be able to realize coronavirus still is a very big problem,” Juan Snipes added. “We have to be very careful in New York,” said Neubrey Bannister of Staten Island. Citywide celebrations are already being cut back. The Thanksgiving Day Parade will be virtual . So will the New Year’s Eve ball drop . A City Hall spokesman said talks are ongoing about how to handle the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK Already Struggling Queens Business Owners Say Summonses, Fines Over COVID Guidelines Are ‘Unfair’ Cheering, Celebrations Erupt In Streets Of New York After Joe Biden Projected To Win Presidency 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Massachusetts, Felt In CT, Long Island, USGS Says You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here .
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Mayor De Blasio: There Is Still Time To Prevent Second Wave Of COVID-19
High-rise buildings being constructed in Jamaica must meet stringent international fire prevention codes, a senior firefighter has told the Jamaica Observer.According to Assistant Superintendent Howard Thomas, officer in charge of the Kingston and St Andrew Fire Prevention Division, construction of high-rise buildings are also guided by the National Building Code of Jamaica and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) of Jamaica handbook.
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Stringent fire prevention code for high-rise buildings, says official
Stony Brook, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — The family of a Long Island newborn with a fighting spirit to survive learned Friday their baby boy may be released from hospital next month. Christian Rojas is 83 days old and has spent every moment of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit of Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “I was 12 weeks pregnant, and we went in to find out the gender, and they told us that he was a boy,” said Christian’s mother, Nykki Hunter. “We were just overcome with emotion. Then, they said, ‘We need to speak with you in the other room.’” “My body just went numb, because I was trying to process what was going on,” said Christian’s father, Christopher Rojas. An ultrasound revealed Christian would be born with a congenital disorder called gastroschisis. His intestines had emerged through a hole in the abdominal wall on the outside of his body, and his life was at risk. “Christian suffered, unfortunately, the consequences of the intestine twisting when it’s outside the body,” said Dr. Christopher Muratore. “That’s the most feared complication.” The newborn was rushed into surgery, saving his life. In the meantime, specialists across the country are stymied why this condition has increased 30 percent in five years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say 4.9 births out of every 10,000 are linked to gastroschisis. Age of the mother, environmental factors and recessive genetic traits are being studied. “The prayers haven’t stopped,” said Rojas. “We get so much support from the community, all around social media.” Families whose babies have gastroschisis are linked via a vast social media outreach. “It just gives us that much more hope and faith to get through this and know we’re not alone,” said Rojas. Christian’s empty nursery awaits him. Doctors hope he can go home in another month. “We never want to leave him behind,” said Hunter. “It’s the hardest thing to put him down and walk away and leave him in the hands of somebody else who’s not us.” Both mom and dad work, but once Christian comes home, one parent will have to be with him at all times. The local community is holding a fundraiser on Saturday at the hospital to help with Christian’s medical costs and to raise awareness of the gastroschisis disorder.
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Long Island Infant Who Survived Devastating Disorder May Go Home Soon
ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS Local/CNN) – An outbreak of salmonella linked to raw turkey products has affected at least 90 people across 26 states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday. Among them, 40 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Illnesses have been reported in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, according to the CDC . In interviews with health officials, people who have gotten sick reported eating different types and brands of turkey products purchased from several locations, the CDC noted in its announcement. Of 61 people interviewed, 37 reported preparing or eating turkey products that were purchased raw, including ground turkey, turkey pieces and whole turkey before they began experiencing symptoms, according to the CDC. Two of the 61 people interviewed became sick after pets in their home ate raw ground turkey pet food. Three of the people interviewed reported working in a facility that raises or processes turkeys or living with someone who worked in such facilities. Samples of raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products and live turkeys have tested positive for the outbreak strain of salmonella, which could mean the outbreak is “widespread in the turkey industry,” the CDC said. The first cases of illness in the outbreak began in November and they continued to this month. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps about 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The symptoms usually last four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In rare cases, salmonella infection can cause death if the patient isn’t treated promptly with antibiotics. An estimated 1.2 million salmonella cases occur annually in the United States and various foods are the source for about 1 million of those illnesses, according to the CDC. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is monitoring the outbreak. On Thursday, the agency said in a statement that it has not identified a single source for the outbreak at this time. The USDA and the CDC said they “have shared this information with representatives from the turkey industry and asked about steps that they may be taking to reduce Salmonella contamination.” The food safety service “reminds consumers to wash their hands thoroughly after handling any raw meat and poultry products, cook these products to the safe recommended temperature, and use a food thermometer,” the statement said. The CDC noted that the outbreak is a reminder that raw turkey products can have germs that easily spread around the kitchen and make people sick. To help prevent salmonella infection from raw turkey, the CDC advises to: Wash your hands before and after preparing or eating food. Cook raw turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and heat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after touching raw turkey and use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible. Avoid washing raw poultry before cooking, as germs in raw poultry juices can spread to other areas and food. Avoid feeding raw diets to pets, as germs like salmonella in raw pet food can make your pets sick. The-CNN-Wire & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
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Salmonella Outbreak In 26 States Tied To Raw Turkey
ATLANTA (AP) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a popular Kellogg’s cereal has been linked to a salmonella outbreak that has infected 100 people in 33 states. The CDC announced Thursday that customers should avoid Honey Smacks, tweeting, “Do not eat this cereal.” The agency says it found salmonella in samples of Honey Smacks, which has been subject to a voluntary recall by Kellogg since mid-June. More: Honey Smacks Cereal Recalled Over Salmonella Concerns It says that regardless of expiration date, the cereal should be thrown away or returned to a retailer for a refund. The CDC says at least 30 of the people infected in the outbreak have been hospitalized. It says most people infected with salmonella develop a fever, cramps or diarrhea within 12 to 72 hours of being exposed to the bacteria. Click here for more information. (© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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CDC: ‘Do Not Eat This Cereal’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police say a man was taken into custody for breaches of the Firearm and Prevention Act at a party on Molynes Road, Kingston 10, on Saturday.
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Man arrested after found partying with gun