New York City has declared a public health emergency over the growing measles outbreak. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said people in affected areas will face fines of up to $1,000 if they fail to get vaccinated or vaccinate their children. He also said schools in certain areas that permitted attendance by unvaccinated students could be fined or temporarily closed. The “epicenter” of the outbreak is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where vaccination rates among Orthodox Jews are particularly low. Two hundred eighty-five cases have been confirmed in New York City since the fall. This is New York City Mayor de Blasio announcing the new measures Tuesday.

Mayor Bill de Blasio: The only way to stop this outbreak is to ensure that those who have not been vaccinated get the vaccine. It’s crucial for people to understand: The measles vaccine works. It is safe. It is effective. It is time-tested.”

The Centers for Disease Control reported 465 cases of measles so far this year—the second-highest number since it was declared eliminated in 2000.