Gov. Hochul declares state disaster emergency in response to monkeypox outbreak

NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul, noting that New York state is now home to more than 25% of U.S. monkeypox cases, declared a state disaster emergency to secure additional vaccines and slow the spread of the virus. “We need to utilize every tool in our arsenal as we respond,” said Hochul on Friday night as the number of statewide cases hit 1,345. “It’s especially important to recognize the ways in which this outbreak is currently having a disproportionate impact on certain at-risk groups.” According to the governor, her executive order will allow the state to amp up its response to the monkeypox c...