Two men in Washington DC were attacked in a potential hate crime by assailants who allegedly used an anti-gay slur and referenced “monkeypox,” authorities said.
Metropolitan Police Department said the pair of hateful suspects approached the victims and made derogatory comments “based on their sexual orientation” around 7 pm Sunday.
The suspects called the couple “monkeypox f—–s” and punched them several times, according to an ABC story, which cited an incident report.
The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, police said.
Police on Tuesday announced it was “investigating this offense as potentially being motivated by hate or bias.”
One of the victims told NBC Washington that he didn’t immediately realize the extent of what happened.
“One of them comes up to me and punches me in the jaw, giving me a gash right here that needed about three stitches,” Antonio, who requested anonymity, told the outlet.
“I started noticing that I’m covered in blood. I didn’t realize how bad my lip was until other people saw it. I thought it was just, you know, a cut on my face,” the victim added to the outlet.
Two suspects are accused of assaulting and hurling homophobic slurs at two men in Washington, DC.MPDWashington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced police is investigating the alleged hate crime.WUSAOne of the victim’s shirts was full of blood after being punched multiple times.WUSA
“The first moment, I was just angry and I was just like, ‘What kind of ignorance is this?’” Antonio recalled. But he told the outlet he was “not shocked” by the apparent motivation for the assault.
“I think it’s been a buildup over the last couple of months and years of conversations we’ve had about LGBTQ people,” I explained. “It can happen here.”
DC Major Muriel Bowser, in a statement posted on Twittersaid she was “extremely disturbed” by the possible hate crime.
Washington DC authorities have declared the assaults a hate crime.WUSAA victim named Antonio was punched in the jaw.WUSA
“I want to send my support to the victims,” Bowser said Tuesday. “Whenever a hate crime happens in our city, it is our collective responsibility to understand the role we each play in building a safer community for every person who lives in and visits DC”
The city’s police department’s LGBT Liaison Unit is “part of” the probe, according to the mayor.
From 10am to 4pm today there will be no trains running on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra and South Coast rail lines due to ongoing industrial action.
Although the protected action does not officially start until 10am, the head of Sydney Trains predicts impacts from about 6am.
“We urge all our customers to plan ahead by catching alternative public transport or working from home on Wednesday if possible,” Matt Longland said.
He said the line, which runs from Bondi Junction to Bomaderry, would not be fully operational until about 8pm.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) secretary Alex Claassens said union members were fighting for a greater commitment from the government to fix the new intercity fleet.
The RTBU says the fleet, built in South Korea, has a safety flaw which means guards cannot monitor passengers getting on and off the train.
The government has agreed to the safety changes in an enterprise agreement but the union wants a deed of agreement.
Mr Claassens said the NSW government chose to inconvenience customers on the T4 line today by not bringing in trains from other areas.
“90 per cent of our train crews and trains are still available to go form the other regions into that region to provide a level of service,” he said.
“Unfortunately… [Sydney Trains] management made a decision that they weren’t going to run any additional trains on that Illawarra line.”
Monkeypox vaccine rollout goal
There are currently 33 cases of the virus in NSW, two of which were locally acquired.(Reuters: Given Ruvic/Illustration)
The government wants everyone in NSW who takes HIV-prevention medication to be vaccinated against monkeypox before WorldPride 2023.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government was aiming to have the 22,000 people who currently took pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) inoculated before Sydney hosted the pride event next March.
“NSW Health has been working with community partners … including doctors who have a special interest in HIV and sexual health … to support the vaccine rollout,” Mr Hazzard said during Question Time in parliament yesterday.
“With monkeypox cases increasing internationally, it’s expected there will be further cases in NSW and local transmission may increase rapidly.”
Men who have sex with men are considered most at risk of contracting monkeypox, which spreads through skin to skin contact.
There are currently 33 cases of the virus in NSW, two of which were locally acquired.
Vaccines are already being distributed in Sydney and on the Far North Coast, with 5,500 doses being provided by the federal government.
NSW Health expects to receive between 24,500 and 30,000 doses in September and another 70,000 in early 2023.
The symptoms of monkeypox include headache, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, rash, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. The rash may initially look like pimples.
Resignation letter sought from building commissioner
The NSW Building Commissioner’s private resignation could be made public amid scrutiny over the conduct of sacked Fair Trading minister Eleni Petinos.
Commissioner David Chandler quit in late July.
The state opposition wants to see Mr Chandler’s resignation letter, amid reports the relationship between Mr Chandler and Ms Petinos had soured.
Debate on a motion to compel the state government to hand over a copy of the letter is expected today.
Ms Petinos was sacked from cabinet last month over bullying allegations.
Bill to ban Nazi symbols passes
A state government bill to ban displays of Nazi symbols in public has passed the lower house with unanimous support.
The bill criminalises knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol in public without a “reasonable excuse”, which includes artistic, academic or educational purposes.
Offenders can face 12 months’ imprisonment or fines of up to $11,000 for individuals and $55,000 for corporations.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the bill would provide additional safeguards against hate speech.
“The display of a Nazi symbol undermines our shared values and causes harm and distress to others in the community, including those from the Jewish faith,” he said.
“This bill recognizes that the public display of Nazi symbols is abhorrent, except in very limited circumstances such as for educational purposes.”
The bill will ensure that use of a swastika by religious groups including Buddhists, Hindus and Jains will not be a criminal offence.
Mr Speakman said he expected the bill to pass the upper house and be enacted by next week.
Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro will appear today before the inquiry created to investigate his appointment as NSW’s trade commissioner to the Americas.
Mr Barilaro has withdrawn from the $500.00-a-year job based in New York after a public outcry but he will be expected to answer “many questions” in his first appearance at the inquiry.
“You want to understand his role in the creation of these positions, his role in the changing nature of the way in which these positions were appointed,” leader of the opposition in the upper house, Penny Sharpe, said yesterday.
“And any of the discussions that he had with either Minister [Stuart] Ayres or… [NSW Premier Dominic] Perrottet, or indeed anyone else in the government, as he applied for and was eventually offered that job.”
Ms Sharpe also said Labor would seek to expand the inquiry’s terms of reference to include all international senior trade appointments after alleged reports the Premier had offered to create a parliamentary trade role for Transport Minister David Elliott, and had also spoken to him about the agent- general position in London.
In the afternoon, the inquiry will again hear from Investment NSW chief executive Amy Brown in her third appearance before the committee.
Plan to tackle high suicide rate
The NSW opposition has announced a plan to help reduce high rates of suicide.
The proposed legislation includes a specialized suicide-prevention council and mandatory suicide-prevention plans in state government departments.
Opposition Mental Health Spokesman Ryan Park said the legislation would be based on successful government programs in other countries.
“This is above politics,” Mr Park said.
“This is an issue that all of us as legislators have got to work with health experts, education experts, and community experts, as well as those with lived experience, from those with loved ones who have taken their own life, about what we can do in this area.”
NRL great weighs into oval upgrade debate after railing collapses
Spectators fell after a railing gave way at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.(Twitter: Ryan Fitzgerald)
Tigers legend Benny Elias says the collapse of a railing at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval on Saturday shows why the ground needs an urgent upgrade.
Dozens of spectators fell several meters onto concrete at a schoolboys’ rugby match when a railing at the aging ground gave way.
Leichhardt is one of several suburban ovals the NRL wants the state government to pay to upgrade, threatening to take the grand finale elsewhere if it does not happen.
Mr Elias, who has watched and played many NRL games at the Tigers’ spiritual home, said it was for more than just rugby league.
In a statement, Sport Minister Alister Henskens said the government was committed to upgrading suburban stadiums.
“However, following recent natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is appropriate that further investment … is staged,” he said.
The council is investigating the accident.
Foster children feel excluded, report finds
A report has found children and young people in out-of-home care in NSW feel excluded from critical decisions affecting their lives.
The NSW Advocate for Children and Young People report surveyed about 100 people aged from six to 24 years.
Spokesperson Zoe Robinson said the organization had made 19 recommendations to the government to ensure young people felt heard in the foster care system.
Monkeypox vaccine rollout
More than 5,000 doses of the Jynneos smallpox vaccine will be administered to targeted groups.(abcnews)
NSW’s monkeypox vaccine program starts today, with authorities targeting those deemed to be at the highest risk of contracting the virus.
NSW Health will supply 5,500 doses of the Jynneos smallpox vaccine to targeted groups.
There have been 33 confirmed cases in NSW, with the majority of those picked up overseas.
Men who have sex with men are considered most at risk of contracting monkeypox, which spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
Gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men who are homeless, sex workers or have significant drug issues which impair their judgment are among the specific groups to receive the first doses.
Crown Sydney casino opens today
Crown was granted a conditional license in June.(Facebook: Crown Sydney)
Crown Sydney casino will open its doors today, less than two years after it was deemed unfit to hold a gaming license.
The casino will be officially opened at an invitation-only event at Barangaroo tonight, with members and guests able to use the facilities on Tuesday.
A public inquiry into Crown revealed allegations of criminal activity and money laundering, and the company was deemed unfit to hold a gaming license.
However, in June the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority granted Crown a conditional licence, saying it would closely monitor initial operations.
Newmarch inquest entering third week
An inquest into 19 COVID-19 deaths in a Sydney aged care facility is entering its third week.
Deputy state coroner Derek Lee is investigating a two-month outbreak that resulted in 19 deaths at Newmarch House, Kingswood, in 2020.
The inquest has heard some workers refused to look after residents who had tested positive, and at one point there were no staff to serve meals.
It has heard there was intense pressure on staff, and some external staff replacements were so unskilled they were of no benefit.
Families and friends have raised concerns about why residents with COVID-19 were not transferred to hospital.
As throngs of people flock to the Ekka showgrounds, authorities are concerned about a potential spike in COVID-19 and influenza cases in the Queensland community.
A string of illnesses remain in the community with COVID cases still high, the flu season not yet over and cases of monkeypox being reported interstate.
With some 1,300 head of cattle at the showgrounds, health authorities have also added a potentially devastating foot-and-mouth-disease outbreak to their list of concerns, though the risk remains low.
Back after a two-year COVID-induced hiatus, Ekka crowds have exceeded expectations with people steadily streaming through the gates.
Virologist Lara Herrero said the Ekka event would inevitably lead to a spike in transmission of both COVID and the flu.
“I have absolutely no doubt there will be an increase in transmission for an event like that — it’s simple mathematics,” she said.
Lara Herrero says the Ekka is likely to cause a jump in cases. (Supplied: Griffith University)
So how can you safely hit the Ekka to devour a dagwood dog without getting sick?
Here are Dr Herrero’s five key pieces of advice:
1. Don’t get slack
Dr Herrero reminded those hitting the show to stay vigilant by employing all the usual tactics.
“Monitor for any symptoms at all,” she said.
“Try your best to keep that 1.5 meters of social distancing where you can.
“Bring your own alcohol wipes and hand sanitiser.
“Avoid shaking hands and hugging — I would still opt to first bump or wave.”
2. Wear a mask
Queenslanders at Brisbane’s Ekka Show — some masked up and others not.(ABC News: Marton Dobras)
You know the drill.
Free masks will be available upon entry to the showgrounds. If in doubt, mask up.
Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said he was impressed with the “reasonable amount of people wearing a mask”.
“Bring your mask along or get one on entry, make sure your protected and you’ll have no issues,” he said.
Queensland Health has encouraged everyone at the Ekka to wear a face mask, “not only for themselves but for every other person who is there to celebrate safely”.
Dr Herrero said she had no doubt people who live in the regions that come to the Ekka and return home to regional and rural areas will bring infection back with them.
“We have more cases in the city because we have more people, we’re living in a high-density community with more cases.
“So by sheer numbers, I have no doubt transmission on the regions will go up.
“It’s a good idea for those people returning to regional and remote areas to wear a mask for 24-48 hours to stop transmission to vulnerable people”
3. Stay away if unwell
“The Ekka is all about community spirit so if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, have a bit of community spirit and stay at home,” Dr Herrero said.
Mr Furner advised anyone feeling under the weather to stay well away from the showgrounds, get tested and isolate.
“We don’t want people coming here spreading illness, whether it be the flu or COVID,” he said.
“Keep away if you’re feeling unwell and get tested.”
4. Wash your shoes and clothes of foreign dirt
Ekka show visitors should maintain good hand hygiene when playing with the agricultural animals amid fears of a foot-and-mouth-disease outbreak.(ABC News: Marton Dobras)
The Ekka show is the largest showing of stud beef in the southern hemisphere with some 1,300 head of cattle at the showgrounds.
This has sparked fears of a foot-and-mouth-disease outbreak that could cost the industry an estimated $80 billion.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Wyatt estimated there was an 11.6 per cent risk of a potentially devastating outbreak occurring which would trigger a 72-hour national livestock standstill and longer-term movement controls on animals.
A preventive task force has been established with border security on-site.
Dr Herrero strongly advised people who live in agricultural areas to wash their shoes and clothes of dirt or mud from any other agricultural region to avoid an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
With one case of monkeypox recorded in Queensland, authorities are also asking patrons to stay vigilant and monitor for symptoms.
5. Get vaccinated
Monkeypox vaccine is not yet available to the Australian public.(Reuters: Given Ruvic)
With a little more than three weeks of winter remaining, most of you would have had your COVID and flu vaccines by now.
thefourth COVID vaccineor “winter shot” is available for all Australians over the age of 30, as well as:
People aged 16 years and above who are severely immunocompromised
People aged 16 years and above who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
People aged 16 years and above who have disabilities with significant, complex, or multiple health issues, which increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 infection.
Second booster shots are available through GPs and participating pharmacies throughout Queensland.
You can book online or call your GP to check if they accept walk-ins.
You can also find your nearest participating GP or pharmacy using the vaccine clinic finder.
Find out where you can get a flu vaccine here.
As for monkeypox, Health Minister Mark Butler said Australia had secured 450,000 doses of vaccine, which is set to arrive early this week at the latest.
The Australian government has secured 450,000 third-generation vaccines for monkeypox in what it described as a “highly contested” global market for the jabs.
Key points:
The first 22,000 doses of the vaccine will arrive in Australia this week and next week
There are 58 cases in Australia, but health authorities say they are confident it will be controlled with the help of the vaccine
There are more than 25,000 cases of the disease around the world, with the WHO last month declaring it a global health emergency
Speaking after today’s national cabinet meeting, Health Minister Mark Butler announced it had locked in the jabs after “27 meetings” with the vaccine company Bavarian Nordic.
The vaccine can prevent the transmission of monkeypox virus and also be used as a post-exposure treatment.
Of the 450,000 doses secured, the government says 22,000 will arrive this month, 100,000 “over the course of the year” and 350,000 doses in 2023.
“The first element of the government’s actions against monkeypox is to procure the world’s best vaccines for Australians,” Mr Butler said.
“We are one of only a very limited number of countries that have been able to secure supplies of this in a highly contested market,” Mr Butler said.
More than 25,000 cases of the highly transmissible disease have been reported in 76 countries outside of the endemic areas of Africa.
Chief Health Officer Paul Kelly said it was a “very painful condition” that often affected the genital region. It also caused a rash and “flu-like symptoms”.
He said it was spread by “very intimate contact”, and all 58 cases in Australia had been detected in gay and bisexual men.
“But this can affect anyone,” he said.
“It generally does not cause severe disease but there’s some deaths in Spain recently. And it can affect other people who are immunocompromised, children, pregnant women, if it gets into those populations, it can be quite severe.
“That’s why we’ve got the guidance nationally to prepare and respond to this outbreak. The vaccine announcement today is absolutely important but it’s only one part of the many things we’ve been working on.”
Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly spoke about the impact of Monkeypox. (ABC News: Adam Kennedy)
Dr Kelly said the vaccines would be targeted at those at high risk from monkeypox exposure, such as gay or bisexual men who have had sex with men in the “high-risk category”.
Australia had never seen monkeypox before the current outbreak.
Mr Butler said case numbers had spread quite quickly across the world since the first case was reported in the UK 13 weeks ago.
However, both he and Dr Kelly said they were confident the outbreak would remain under control in Australia, with the vaccines a new added layer of protection.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, the first openly gay leader of an Australian state or territory, stressed that any public messaging must not stigmatize the gay community.
“Anyone, regardless of their sexuality, who has multiple sexual partners is at risk,” he said.
“Doesn’t matter whether you’re gay or straight, or something in between – that’s an important message.”
Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
(You can get “5 Things You Need to Know Today” delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.)
1. Primary
Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Washington held primary elections yesterday, with several key votes on their ballots. Kansas voters rejected an amendment that would have removed the right to an abortion from the state’s constitution. This is the first time citizens have been able to weigh in on the issue at the polls since Roe v. Wade was overturned, and the high turnout in Kansas could be a sign that voters will continue to show up to make their disagreement known. In Missouri, disgraced former Gov. Eric Greitens lost his Republican primary after a controversial attempt to reenter politics. Several election deniers backed by former President Donald Trump were on the ballot in Arizona, Michigan and Washington. Some of these races are still too close to call, but Trump-backed Tudor Dixon is projected to become Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s challenger in November.
2.Taiwan
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she wants to make it “unequivocally clear” that the US will not abandon Taiwan after meeting Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen today. Pelosi’s trip to the self-governing island during a congressional tour of Asia has stirred up controversy at home and abroad. Biden administration officials warned the trip would potentially damage relations between the US and China, and indeed, Beijing has already voiced displeasure. The country has planned provocative military drills close to Taiwan later this week in response to Pelosi’s visit from her. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi also called the visit a “complete farce” and warned that “those who play with fire will perish.” China has now suspended some trade with Taiwan in apparent retribution.
3. Monkeypox
Public health leaders want the Biden administration to declare a public health emergency to better tackle rising monkeypox cases. The limited supply of monkeypox vaccines in the US has led to hours-long waits and created dangerous situations where infected people don’t have access to tests or treatment. A drug is available for monkeypox patients who have or who are at risk of severe disease, but doctors say they continue to face challenges getting access to it. Organizations responding to the crisis say they are frustrated by the Biden administration’s lack of urgency. California, Illinois and New York state have declared public health emergencies, as has the World Health Organization.
4. January 6
The Defense Department wiped the phones of top departing DOD and Army officials at the end of the Trump administration, deleting any texts from key witnesses to events surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, according to court filings. The revelation further obscures attempts to bring more transparency to the context and events of the insurrection. The Department of Homeland Security is also under fire for the apparent loss of messages from the Secret Service that day. American Oversight, the watchdog agency that filed the lawsuit that unearthed the deletions, is now calling for a “cross-agency investigation” by the Justice Department to look into the destruction of the materials.
5.Kentucky
At least 37 people are dead following massive flooding in Kentucky last week, and storm damage is complicating efforts to locate those still missing. Heavily damaged infrastructure has made some communities nearly impossible to access, and Gov. Andy Beshear said the process of accounting for everyone could take weeks. The areas hit hardest by the floods are now facing scorching heat, and some communities are concerned about access to clean water. Among those who died in the floods is a father of five who disappeared after his truck was swept away by flood waters.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
The Mexican Pizza returns to Taco Bell after a three-month shortage
Come, let us prepare a feast. The lavish pizza is back!
Six tasks you’ve been putting off that you need to do now
This article immediately shamed me. Time to schedule an oil change and a closet clean-out.
Tito’s vodka is making fun of canned cocktails by selling an empty can for $20
Get it? It’s so you can make your own canned cocktail. (The proceeds go to charity, so it’s all good.)
Stretching and range of motion exercises can slow cognitive decline as much as aerobic exercises
They also keep your joints from sounding like a bowl of Rice Krispies in the morning.
Parts of the moon may provide stable temperatures for humans, researchers find
Say no more. I’m putting my moon boots on as we speak and blowing this popsicle stand once and for all.
IN MEMORY
legendary broadcaster vin scully, the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers for more than six decades, has died at the age of 94, the team announced Tuesday. Scully was known for his deft, engaging commentary, weaving stories between pitches with an artist’s skill. “Vin Scully was one of the greatest voices in all of sports. He was a giant of a man, not only as a broadcaster, but as a humanitarian,” said Stan Kasten, the President and CEO of the Dodgers.
TODAY’S NUMBER
$16 trillion
US household debt surpassed this massive number for the first time in history during the second quarter of 2022. The New York Federal Reserve says credit card debt is skyrocketing as people try to keep up with inflation and higher costs of living.
TODAY’S QUOTE
‘It seems so incredible to me that we have to do this. That we have to implore you — not just implore you, punish you — to get you to stop lying.
–Scarlett Lewis, to Alex Jones during the far-right personality’s defamation trial in Texas. Lewis’ son, Jesse Lewis, was murdered in the 2012 Sandy Hook Massacre. His parents of him are one of several Sandy Hook families who have taken legal action against Jones for his part of him in spreading false conspiracy theories about the tragedy.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY
‘Black & Blues’
If this jaw-dropping, goosebump-raising, completely masterful trombone solo doesn’t get you ready and rocking, nothing will. (Click here to view)
LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency declaration Tuesday in response to the monkeypox outbreak.
Board Chair Holly Mitchell issued a proclamation late Monday declaring the emergency in Los Angeles County, where more than 400 monkeypox cases have been identified so far — nearly the double the amount from a week ago.
“This proclamation is critical in helping us get ahead of this virus,” Mitchell said in a statement. “By declaring a local emergency, it allows us to cut through the red tape to better dedicate resources and educate residents on how to protect themselves and help stop the spread. It will also allow the county to quickly administer vaccines as more become available and to take the necessary efforts to obtain supplies and enhance outreach and awareness.”
The Board of Supervisors ratified the declaration Tuesday on an unanimous vote.
As part of the proclamation, the Board of Supervisors will request recovery assistance be made available under the California Disaster Assistance Act, and that the state expedite access to state and federal resources and any other appropriate federal disaster relief programs.
The Board of Supervisors will also direct county departments to implement all assessment, assistance and monitoring efforts as applicable.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a state of emergency for California on Monday in response to the increase of monkeypox cases in the state. New York also issued an emergency declaration, as has San Francisco.
Supervisor Janice Hahn wrote on Twitter Monday she supports the emergency declaration.
“I’m hopeful this will help vaccination efforts and ultimately help slow the spread of this virus,” Hahn said in a tweet.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger said in a statement the county “needs to draw down all the support available to accelerate the distribution of vaccines and resources to those at risk and suffering from this terrible disease. I will work to ensure we’re doing so quickly and efficiently We don’t have any time to waste.”
As of Monday, a total of 824 monkeypox cases were confirmed in California — the second-highest of any state, behind New York’s 1,390 — while nationwide, the aggregate count was at 5,811, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were more than 400 cases in Los Angeles County as of Tuesday, primarily in gay men.
Monkeypox is generally spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, resulting from infectious rashes and scabs, though respiratory secretions and bodily fluids exchanged during extended physical episodes, such as sexual intercourse, can also lead to transmission, according to the CDC. It can also be transmitted through the sharing of items such as bedding and towels.
Symptoms include fresh pimples, blisters, rashes, fever and fatigue. There is no specific treatment. People who have been infected with smallpox, or have been vaccinated for it, may have immunity to monkeypox.
According to health officials, the vaccine can prevent infection if given before or shortly after exposure to the virus.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men are at increased risk of contracting the virus, according to the CDC.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors voted to lobby federal health officials for more monkeypox vaccine supplies and boosted funding for testing and administration of the shots. The county has been slowly expanding eligibility for the JYNNEOS monkeypox vaccine, but supplies remain extremely limited.
In Los Angeles County, monkeypox vaccines are available to people confirmed by the Department of Public Health to have had high- or immediate-risk contact with a known monkeypox patient, and to people who attended an event or visited a venue where they were a high risk of exposure to a confirmed case. Those people are generally identified through county contact-tracing efforts, and they will be notified by the county.
Shots are also available for gay and bisexual men and transgender people with a diagnosis of rectal gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past year.
Also eligible for the shots are gay or bisexual men or transgender people who are on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxix, or PrEP, or who attended or worked at a commercial sex venue or other venue where they had anonymous sex or sex with multiple partners — such as at a sauna, bathhouse or sex club — in the past 21 days.
Eligibility was expanded Tuesday to include gay or bisexual men or transgender people aged 18 and older who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the past 14 days.
People who believe they fall into any of the criteria can contact their health care provider to see if that provider can administer the vaccine.
Qualified people who do not have a health care provider — or whose provider does not carry the vaccine — can either make an appointment at a designated vaccine clinic or visit a walk-in location. Information is available at ph.lacounty.gov/monkeypox. A list of monkeypox vaccine locations is available here.
The county has also activated a website where residents can fill out an online form to see if they may be eligible for a shot and pre-register to be added to a waiting list.
People who register at the site and are eligible for the vaccine will receive a text message when it is available, with information on where to get the shot.
The registration website is here.
The county on Wednesday will open a monkeypox vaccination site at the West Hollywood Library, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., for people who pre-registered for the vaccine. It will be open by appointment only from 9 am to 6 pm
The vaccine is a two-shot regimen, so additional supplies will be reserved to provide second doses to those who received the initial shot.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) on Monday declared a state of emergency over monkeypox in order to “expand the resources” needed to combat the current outbreak.
“The Monkeypox Virus is a rare, but potentially serious disease that requires the full mobilization of all available public health resources to prevent the spread,” Pritzker said in a statement.
“I am declaring a state of emergency to expand the resources and coordination efforts of state agencies in responding to, treating, and preventing the spread of MPV,” I added.
There are currently 5,000 monkeypox cases confirmed in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois currently ranks third in terms of cases — behind New York and California — with 520 confirmed cases.
Last week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) declared a disaster emergency in the state in order to “respond more swiftly to the outbreak” of monkeypox. Some cities, including San Francisco and New York City, have also declared emergencies in response to monkeypox outbreaks.
The World Health Organization has already declared the outbreak of monkeypox in non-endemic countries to be a global health emergency.
Calls have grown for President Biden to declare a nationwide health emergency in the US over monkeypox, with a group of high-ranking members of Congress urging him to do so. Administration officials say the decision is still under consideration.
Local health authorities and public health experts have said that declaring a public health emergency would help coordinate the national monkeypox strategy and allow for data to be more easily shared between states and the federal government.
