Rockland County, New York health authorities are taking new steps to combat the spread of measles in the county. As previously reported, on April 5 a New York state trial court judge held that the health department's declaration of a state of emergency was invalid. That decision is being appealed. Yesterday the County announced two new Orders by the Commissioner of Health, relying on different legal authority than the basis of the Order that was struck down.
The first new Order (full text) provides that anyone diagnosed with measles, or exposed to someone diagnosed with measles, must be excluded as a public health nuisance from places of public assembly for up to 21 days. Places of public assembly are defined broadly and include the homes of other persons.
The second new order requires schools in two zip code areas to file a notarized statement identifying unvaccinated students who, as required, have been excluded from school. Orangetown Daily Voice reports on these developments.
