ALBANY, N.Y. — Oct. 6, 2026 — New York has declared a statewide disaster emergency over measles, widening access to vaccination and testing as infections spread in rural communities.
Governor Kathy Hochul issued the order Monday. State officials reported 108 confirmed cases this year as of Oct. 3: seven in New York City and 101 elsewhere in the state.
Since July 15, 92 cases had been reported among under-immunized rural communities in 18 counties, according to the governor’s office.
What the emergency order changes
Executive Order 65, effective through Nov. 4, expands the professionals authorized to administer MMR vaccines, including paramedics, advanced EMS providers, midwives and pharmacists. It also allows registered nurses to order measles testing.
The order explicitly preserves the requirement for consent to vaccination. Reuters independently reported the declaration.
State health officials urge residents to check their vaccination status with a healthcare provider or local health department. People who are ill should call ahead before visiting a clinic so staff can take infection-control precautions.
Sources: Governor’s announcement and health guidance; Reuters.
Graphic: Zark News illustration. Case figures reflect the state’s Oct. 3 reporting cutoff.
