The measure comes as the number of monkeypox infections in New York approached nearly 1,400 cases, with most infections in New York, which is the epicenter of the outbreak in the US. “More than one in four cases of monkeypox in this country are in New York State, and we must use every tool in our arsenal as we respond,” Hochul said in a statement, referring to the emergency declaration. The director of the World Health Organization declared the virus a global health emergency late last week. As of Wednesday, more than 20,000 cases of monkeypox had been identified worldwide in 77 countries. The US currently has about 4,600 reported cases, USA TODAY reported. The executive order specifically expands the pool of eligible people who can administer monkeypox vaccines, including EMS personnel, pharmacists and midwives. It also allows doctors and registered nurses to issue standing orders for vaccines for non-patients and requires providers to send vaccine data to the state Department of Health. VACCINE: More than 780,000 doses of monkeypox vaccine are available Friday. San Francisco declares a state of emergency Meanwhile, the mayor of San Francisco declared a state of emergency on Thursday due to the rising number of cases in the city, which has 261 of California’s 800 cases. “We desperately need vaccines to support the people of San Francisco,” said Mayor London Breed. Federal health officials said they are still considering whether to declare monkeypox a public health emergency, which would free up more resources. After the federal government struggled to obtain enough monkeypox vaccine earlier this month, supplies have steadily increased in recent weeks, culminating Friday in the distribution of 780,000 doses nationwide. The story continues About 110,000 doses went to New York, including about 30,000 outside New York. Vaccine clinics in the greater New York area as well as several upstate counties faced overwhelming demand for vaccines earlier this week amid limited vaccine supplies, as people booked available appointments within hours. Health care workers from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene help people sign up for the monkeypox vaccine at one of the city’s vaccination sites Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in New York. New York declared a state of emergency due to monkeypox on July 29. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Monkeypox is a rare, viral infection that usually does not cause serious illness. However, it can lead to hospitalization or death. Monkey pox is spread through close, physical contact between humans. That means anyone can get monkeypox, state health officials said. FILE – New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters in the Red Room at the state Capitol on July 1, 2022. However, based on the current outbreak, some populations are affected by monkeypox more than others, including men who have sex with men. Based on past outbreaks of monkeypox around the world, certain groups may also be at increased risk for severe outcomes if they contract monkeypox. This includes people with weakened immune systems, elderly New Yorkers, young children under 8 and pregnant women. Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on the New York State team: New York declares disaster emergency over monkeypox outbreak
