Latest news with #StateDepartmentofHealth
New York Post
3 days ago
- General
- New York Post
250 million bees unleashed upon northern Washington after truck overturns
LYNDEN, Wash. — Emergency officials have been busy as … well, you know, cleaning up after a commercial truck full of bee hives crashed in northern Washington, unleashing 250 million bees on first responders. The truck overturned on Weidkamp Road around 4 a.m. Friday near Lynden, just south of the Canadian border, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. A massive response of deputies, public works officials and several bee experts were called to the scene. The 70,000 pounds of honey bee hives on board came off the truck around 9 a.m., unleashing all the bees, deputies said. '250 million bees are now loose,' Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies posted on Facebook. 'AVOID THE AREA due to the potential of bee escape and swarming.' A photo from the scene showed the surreal sight of millions of bees swarming around the wreckage. 'Master beekeepers are on scene, and others are on the way, to assist in re-setting the box hives,' deputies wrote. 'The plan is to allow the bees to re-hive and find their queen bee. That should occur within the next 24-48 hours. The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible.' 4 A truck crash carrying bee hives released 250 million bees in northern Washington state. Whatcom County Sheriff's Office 4 A swarm of bees seen near the crash truck in Lynden. Whatcom County Sheriff's Office The road was expected to remain closed for up to two days, and authorities urged people to stay at least 200 yards from the crash site. 'While there is no general health risk to the public, anyone who is allergic to bee stings or has concerns should check the State Department of Health webpage on bees and wasps,' deputies wrote. There is no word as to what led up to the crash. 4 The truck was carrying 70,000 pounds of honey bee hives. Whatcom County Sheriff's Office 4 Authorities have warned people to avoid the area. Whatcom County Sheriff's Office By late afternoon, crews had made progress cleaning up the mess. 'Thank you to the wonderful community of beekeepers: over two dozen showed up to help ensure the rescue of millions of pollinating honey bees would be as successful as possible,' deputies wrote. 'Hive boxes from the overturned truck were recovered, restored and returned to use. By morning, most bees should have returned to their hives.' This is not the first time Western Washington has dealt with such a bee calamity. In 2015, a truck carrying some 40 million bees was involved in a wreck on Interstate 5 in the northern Seattle suburbs, unleashing a chaotic cloud of angry bees upon commuters and first responders.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
250 million bees unleashed upon northern Washington after truck overturns
LYNDEN, Wash. -- Emergency officials have been busy you know, cleaning up after a commercial truck full of bee hives crashed in northern Washington, unleashing 250 million bees on first responders. The truck overturned on Weidkamp Road around 4 a.m. Friday near Lynden, just south of the Canadian border, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office. A massive response of deputies, public works officials and several bee experts were called to the scene. The 70,000 pounds of honey bee hives on board came off the truck around 9 a.m., unleashing all the bees, deputies said. "250 million bees are now loose," Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies posted on Facebook. "AVOID THE AREA due to the potential of bee escape and swarming." A photo from the scene showed the surreal sight of millions of bees swarming around the wreckage. "Master beekeepers are on scene, and others are on the way, to assist in re-setting the box hives," deputies wrote. "The plan is to allow the bees to re-hive and find their queen bee. That should occur within the next 24-48 hours. The goal is to save as many of the bees as possible." The road was expected to remain closed for up to two days, and authorities urged people to stay at least 200 yards from the crash site. "While there is no general health risk to the public, anyone who is allergic to bee stings or has concerns should check the State Department of Health webpage on bees and wasps," deputies wrote. There is no word as to what led up to the crash. By late afternoon, crews had made progress cleaning up the mess. "Thank you to the wonderful community of beekeepers: over two dozen showed up to help ensure the rescue of millions of pollinating honey bees would be as successful as possible," deputies wrote. "Hive boxes from the overturned truck were recovered, restored and returned to use. By morning, most bees should have returned to their hives." This is not the first time Western Washington has dealt with such a bee calamity. In 2015, a truck carrying some 40 million bees was involved in a wreck on Interstate 5 in the northern Seattle suburbs, unleashing a chaotic cloud of angry bees upon commuters and first article source: 250 million bees unleashed upon northern Washington after truck overturns
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
COVID on the Climb: Health Officials Urge Caution, Not Panic
It's something many of us had hoped we'd left behind. But COVID-19 is making a quiet comeback across the islands. The state is reporting a noticeable increase in new cases this week, along with the flu. But as health officials tells us, this isn't cause for panic, but it is reason to stay informed. It may not be making the headlines like it used to but COVID-19 is still with us – and this week, it's making a bit more noise. According to the State Department of Health, 210 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Hawaii this week. 'I would say compared to past years, it's still a very modest increase that we're seeing this time of year, but we have seen summer surges in Hawaii. So I think it's something to pay attention to,' said Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist. Our senior population is seeing the greatest increase in COVID cases – an average of 23 new cases reported this week. The variant circulating is the LP variant. 'It's something that's been seeing emerging globally. It does seem to have an advantage over other variants, but it's not associated with more severe disease or greater resistance to vaccine,' said Dr. Kemble. Other respiratory illnesses. like the flu, are also seeing a slight rise, accounting for 11% of positive tests and 2% of emergency room visits. Not as high as the peak of flu season when it's closer to a 305 positive rate, but there has been increased activity, particularly in children. 'Technically we're out of the flu season, but we're still seeing cases every day. I'm still seeing a fairly good number of COVID cases as well. I would say the RSV cases are probably the least of those three, but I'm seeing a case here and there,' said Dr. Paul Eakin, JABSOM Pediatric Emergency Medicine Division Chief. The health department's overall disease activity indicator is currently at a medium level. Dr. Eakin says the latest wave isn't unexpected considering that respiratory illnesses occur year round in Hawaii. 'Because we get tourists from the mainland. We also get tourists from the southern hemisphere. So I don't know if flu ever truly goes away. And then I think COVID is also kind of here to stay,' said Dr. Eakin. So what should you do if you're feeling sick right now? The advice is simple – but important. 'I think the biggest take home point is if you're feeling sick, if you're having sore throat, runny nose, cough, and especially if you're having fever, safest thing is to stay home and not spread your germs until you're feeling better,' said Dr. Kemble. Doctors also recommend staying up to date on vaccines. A link to the State Health Department's Respiratory Disease Dashboard is here: Respiratory Viruses Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Oklahoma law 'Food Truck Freedom' aims to cut red tape for the state's growing mobile food vendor industry
OKLAHOMA CITY—A new Oklahoma law will allow food truck vendors to avoid unnecessary regulatory barriers while continuing to uphold safety standards. Gov. Stitt signed the Food Truck Freedom Act into law on Tuesday. The new law allows any mobile food vendor with a valid state food establishment license to operate anywhere in the state, provided they follow local health and zoning regulations. Previously, food trucks were required to obtain separate permits for each city or county in which they operated, which resulted in duplicative fees and logistical hurdles. Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, and Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, author of House Bill 1076. Under the new law, mobile vendors must adhere to operational standards, including keeping their vehicles clean and in good repair, displaying their licenses, and notifying the State Department of Health and local officials before serving at mass gatherings. They're also responsible for providing trash receptacles and maintaining cleanliness within a 25-foot radius. 'Too many food truck operators were being forced to shut down simply because they couldn't keep up with the maze of local permits and fees,' Hildebrant said. The new law establishes a single statewide license, he said, making it possible for more vendors to stay in business, grow their customer base, and contribute to the local economy without getting buried in paperwork. 'With a single statewide license, food truck owners finally have a clear path to turn their business dreams into reality,' Hildebrant said. 'The signing of the Food Truck Freedom Act is a big win for small business owners and entrepreneurs across Oklahoma,' Gillespie said. 'Food trucks bring jobs, creativity, and economic growth to our communities. This law cuts unnecessary red tape and makes it easier for these businesses to operate, thrive, and serve Oklahomans wherever they go.' Similar laws have been enacted in states like Nevada, Arizona, and Georgia, where food truck industries have seen notable expansion. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Jones Road wildfire in New Jersey prompts air quality advisory for NYC, LI
Smoke from the Jones Road wildfire in New Jersey was slated to swath New York City skies on Thursday, prompting air quality advisories for the metropolitan area and Long Island, health and environment officials said Wednesday. The state health and environmental conservation departments issued an air quality health advisory for fine particulate matter 'due to the potential impact of smoke from wildfires in New Jersey,' Acting New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. Such advisories are triggered when the Air Quality Index is expected to exceed 100, state officials said. The advisory will last from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Thursday for the New York City metro area, which also includes Rockland and Westchester counties, and extends to Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. City officials amplified the advisory with a New York City air quality alert of its own. 'Young children, older adults and people with heart or breathing conditions should avoid strenuous and prolonged outdoor activities,' the New York City Department of Health said on X. An AQI above 100 is still okay for healthy people, the city said, though with a caveat. 'If your eyes are watering, your throat is sore, you have a headache, or you are out of breath or coughing during outdoor activities, take a break and go indoors,' the city health department added. The fires engulfing the Pine Barrons of New Jersey and closing down portions of the Garden State Parkway had hit 12,500 acres by Wednesday afternoon and was expected to grow, officials said. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and a state of emergency was in effect, with the fire 40% contained. With News Wire Services
