A State of Emergency is in effect in Rockland County over a measles outbreak.
Beginning on Wednesday, unvaccinated minors are banned from public spaces like schools, stores, restaurants, recreation centers and public transportation.
“Anyone who is under 18 years of age and is unvaccinated against the measles will be barred from public places until the declaration expires in 30 days or until they receive at least their first shot of MMR,” Rockland County Executive Ed Day said.
There have been 153 cases of the measles and this is the longest outbreak in the U.S. since the disease was eradicated in 2000. Day said the ban is about ensuring the safety of people and claimed previous action has been met with resistance.
“Our health inspectors have been hung up upon or been told not to come back again. They've been told ‘we're not discussing this, do not come back’ when visiting the homes of individuals as part of their investigations,” Day said.
There won’t be any religious exemptions and parents will be held accountable if their children violate the ban. They could spent six months in jail and be subject to a $500 fine.
Day said they don’t want to arrest people, just educate the public.
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