NYC Closes Satmar Yeshiva in Williamsburg Overt Measles Outbreak; Violations Issued As Well for Failure to Comply
The NYC Health Department announced Tuesday that it has closed another school in Williamsburg for failing to comply with an Order of the Health Commissioner in response to the current measles outbreak. Central UTA Boys Division (762 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, NY 11249) was closed for failing to exclude staff and students who did not have documentation of immunity.
The school also received violations for not having an adequate staff to student ratio and for not providing Health Department inspectors with vaccination and attendance records in the time allotted. The school will not be allowed to reopen until the Health Department reviews and approves a submitted corrective action plan that addresses the lapses in complying with the Commissioner’s Order. The Health Department had previously closed nine schools—not including the program shut today—for failing to comply with the Commissioner’s Order. After submitting a corrective action plan, all nine have been authorized to reopen under Health Department monitoring.
“School staff, parents, and health care providers need to continue playing their role in bringing this outbreak to an end” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We’ve seen our weekly case counts decline, but the reality is, this outbreak is not over, and the Health Department will continue to use all the resources and strategies available to us. We urge anyone who can get vaccinated to do so.”
