The Effects of Influenza on New York Businesses :: Journalism Media Studies Health Essays

The Effects of Influenza on New York Businesses NEW YORK. Oct. 5.--It has been almost one full month since the first cases of Spanish influenza--merchant mariners, shipped into New York Harbor--arrived in the city. After promptly isolating those infected at the Willard Parker Hospital on East Sixteenth Street, city health officials thought they had put an end to this dangerous disease. Despite precautionary measures taken by Dr. Royal S. Copeland, the Health Commissioner, 1,695 new cases have been reported as of late. The current bill of mortality, 42 deaths from influenza: Manhattan, 11; Bronx, 5; Brooklyn, 24; Richmond, 2. "We have not closed up New York City largely because this community is not stricken with this epidemic," said Dr. Copeland. In an effort to prevent total shutdown of the city, the Health Department has established a "relay system of travel" or "zone system" whereby persons will go to work and leave work at varying hours. Health officials believe that the crowded subway system and surface lines are "the greatest sources of spread of the disease." They hope that staggered work schedules will prevent congestion on the subway lines. According to a declaration by the Board of Health, "all stores, except retail food and drug stores, shall open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m." In addition, theaters and places of amusement will have scattered opening hours to prevent overcrowding which, it is thought, may lead to influenza's spread. This resolution comes after a statement made by Dr. Blue called for the closure of churches, schools, and public institutions in disease stricken cities. "I hope that those having the proper authority will close all public gathering places if their community is threatened with the epidemic. This will do much toward checking the spread of the disease," said Dr. Blue. While health officials agree that their plan will be an inconvenience for the public, they stress its importance in preventing further the spread of influenza. "The plan means general inconvenience. That is granted, but its purpose is to prevent the spread of disease, and we expect our big public to take to it as patriotically as they have obeyed the mandates of the Federal Government in measures affecting the war," Dr. Blue further commented. To further prevent the spread of the influenza disease, the Department of Health has taken measures to "eliminate the sneezers, coughers, and spitters" who pass on the disease to others through "mouth and nasal secretions.