We are here today to raise our concern for the health of the hundreds of thousands of New
Yorkers who live or are detained in congregate and institutional settings, including the city’s
jails, juvenile detention facilities, shelters, residential treatment programs, and foster homes. The city’s lack of messaging about MPV prevention, vaccination, and treatment for people in congregate settings stokes fear and misinformation in the midst of an emerging public health emergency. We urge the council to take action to ensure all New Yorkers have access to the information, prevention, and the medical care they need.