New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Collects Mosquitoes Infected with West Nile Virus. March 2021

 

 

View it in your browser.   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 5, 2021 Contact: LaTonya Norton For Media Inquiries Only communications@nola.gov (504) 658-4962 New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Collects Mosquitoes Infected with West Nile Virus NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (LADDL) at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has reported a West Nile virus (WNV) infected pool of mosquitoes that was collected in Orleans Parish. The infected mosquitoes were collected this week from traps on the East Bank of New Orleans, indicating an elevated risk to people in our area. Residents can expect to see increased mosquito abatement efforts, including daytime larval inspections and treatments, as well as nighttime mosquito spraying with trucks. Beginning March 8, truck applications targeting adult and immature stages of the WNV vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, will begin, weather permitting.       No human WNV cases have been reported in Orleans Parish this year. West Nile virus cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes and can be transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the majority of WNV infections are asymptomatic, the virus can cause serious symptoms, especially for individuals that are older than 65 or immunocompromised.   The NOMTRCB collects mosquitoes year-round from forty-six locations across Orleans Parish. The collected mosquitoes are identified to species, counted, and submitted in groups, or mosquito pools, to the LADDL for arboviral screening. Over 200 pools of mosquitoes have been tested to date in 2021.   We are urging people to protect themselves from biting mosquitoes by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, using EPA- and CDC-approved repellents, and mosquito-proofing their residence by maintaining screens on windows and doors. We also ask that residents inspect outdoor areas and empty water-filled containers around their homes and yards to reduce the potential for mosquito breeding.   As the temperature increases, it is imperative for residents to remain vigilant in removing standing water by emptying containers and changing water at least once per week in containers that cannot be removed such as bird baths, sugar kettles, children’s pools and ponds. Remove trash and clutter, including discarded tires, buckets, tarps and any other items that can collect water. Swimming pools and fountains should be operational and circulating.   For additional information regarding West Nile virus, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/prevention.htm.   SAFETY TIPS Protecting Yourself Reduce mosquito exposure by limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Use air-conditioning and make sure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.   Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside. The CDC recommends using repellents containing EPA-registered active ingredients including DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. When using repellent, always follow the recommendations on the product label. Protecting Your Home Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Remove trash and clutter and dispose of discarded tires and containers. Turn over wading pools, buckets, trash cans, children's toys, and anything that can collect water. Change water weekly in containers that cannot be removed, such as pet dishes or bird baths. Scrub the side of the containers each week to remove any eggs that have been deposited. Rain barrels and other water collection devices must be screened, and collected water should be used within one week. Aerate ornamental pools, fountains and sugar kettles, or stock them with fish. Report illegal dumping, water leaks and unattended swimming pools by calling 311. Tires collect leaf litter and are easily filled with water by rain, providing an ideal breeding site for mosquito larvae. Eliminating scrap tires will eliminate a prolific mosquito habitat. Residents can place up to four tires weekly stacked curbside next to their household trash cart on the second collection day. Call 311 to arrange for a pick up. Tires in front of abandoned lots will not be collected; they must be moved in front of a residence with curbside collection. Residents can also bring up to five tires to the City Recycling Drop-off Center, located at 2829 Elysian Fields Avenue, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. A free Integrated Mosquito Management webinar will be offered March 6 at 11 a.m. CST. Please visit www.nola.gov/mosquito to register.   Report any mosquito issues to 311.   # # #

Free webinars focusing on the latest information on climate change impacts, decision-making, and resilience

 

Please join us

NJ Climate Change Resource Center Spring Climate Academy   The NJ Climate Change Resource Center (NJCCRC) is excited to offer 4 additional free webinars focusing on the latest information on climate change impacts, decision-making, and resilience within the Garden State. The NJCCRC is dedicated to supporting informed climate action in the public, private, non-governmental and community levels throughout New Jersey.   — Events are free, but registration is required —     Changing Landscape of New Jersey's Clean Energy Programs March 11, 12pm–1pm   REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT   Join Christine Sadovy, Chief of Staff of the NJ Board of Public Utilities, for a discussion on energy policy in NJ. Ms. Sadovy will discuss how this policy has evolved over time along with ongoing efforts to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emissions reductions goals. An overview of programs, including those to support even the most vulnerable and underserved communities in improving energy efficiency, will be highlighted. This event will be followed by two more detailed webinars for those interested in residential (March 19th) and commercial/industrial (March 26th) opportunities for energy conservation.   CEUs for APA have been requested.      Reducing the Climate Footprint of NJ Residences March 19, 12pm-1pm   REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT   The reduction of greenhouse gases begins at home. In this webinar, Kerri Ann Lombardi and Michele Calabrese, Outreach Account Managers for New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, will share more detailed information on how residents can save energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Along with the benefits of conserving energy, Ms. Lombardi and Mr. Calabrese will also discuss the financial benefits available through New Jersey's Clean Energy Program.     Reducing the Climate Footprint of New Jersey Commercial and Industrial Facilities March 26, 12pm-1pm   REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT   Along with transportation and residential, the commercial and industrial sector accounted for 93% of NJ's total net emissions in 2018. Join John Sousa and Ivelisse Perez, Outreach Account Managers for New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, for information on how those in the commercial and industrial sector can take advantage of the statewide program to save energy and the environment. Mr. Sousa and Ms. Perez will address strategies for increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions for multiple family dwellings, businesses, and local governments, with a focus on equity.     Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Forests April 9, 12pm-1pm   REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT   Climate change will have a significant impact on the coastal forests of the Northeastern United States. Join Dr. Richard Lathrop and Rachael Sacatelli (Rutgers University) along with Glen Carleton (USGS) as they present the latest on how coastal forests regionally and in NJ are responding to rising seas and storm intensity. They will then share how this information can be used in decision making and potential management approaches.   1 CEU for ASFPM is available and CEUs for APA have been requested.   Download Flyer       Special thanks to the Institute of Earth, Oceans, and Atmospheric Sciences for support of the Summer Climate Academy.

The Link Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military March 2021

The Link Between Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the U.S. Military U.S. service members in locations with high levels of sexual harassment are at greater risk of being sexually assaulted. That's according to a new RAND report. When sexual harassment goes unpunished or ignored, it may create an environment that promotes sexually inappropriate behavior, which can lead to an escalation from harassment to assault. The authors recommend addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military as a single problem. Read more »

Vaccine Hesitancy Is High Among Black Americans. March 2021

 

RAND research and commentary on the issues that matter most Mar 4, 2021

 

Photo by Brendan McDermid/Reuters
Vaccine Hesitancy Is High Among Black Americans Evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and effective. But Black Americans have high levels of hesitancy concerning immunization. For people who have long faced discrimination, medical mistrust is a rational “survival mechanism,” says RAND's Laura Bogart. But lower vaccination rates among Black Americans would only exacerbate the damaging racial inequities of the pandemic. To better understand how to address this challenge, Bogart and her colleagues surveyed a nationally representative sample of 207 Black Americans. Here's what they found: ·        More than one-third of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they would not get a COVID-19 vaccine. An additional 25 percent said they “don't know” if they would get vaccinated. ·        Health care workers showed higher vaccine hesitancy than those in other fields, with 48 percent indicating that they would not get vaccinated. ·        Key drivers of vaccine hesitancy appear to be mistrust of the government's motives and transparency around COVID-19, as well as beliefs about racism in health care. ·        Respondents reported higher trust in COVID-19 information that comes from health care providers and public health officials than from elected officials. The researchers stress that it's important to address people's specific concerns. For instance, messaging about COVID-19 vaccines should first acknowledge systemic racism as a justifiable reason for mistrust, and then provide accurate information about the vaccines, including details about efficacy and safety. Read more »

Kaepernick's ESG-Focused Blank-Check Biz Raises $300M

A blank-check company sponsored by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick started trading Wednesday after raising $300 million in an Ellenoff Grossman-led initial public offering.

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Focus on Climate Risk and Digital Assets.

 POLICY & REGULATION

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SEC To Step Up Climate, Crypto Focus In 2021 Examinations

The nation's top securities regulator will step up its focus on climate risks and digital assets as it probes regulated companies in the year ahead, according to the annual report released by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's examinations unit on Wednesday.

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2021 New Americans Fellowship: Fellow Application Deadline: Monday, March 8, 2021

 

The African Diaspora Network is committed to see that the voices of Africans are included in the Boardrooms of Corporations, NGOs, Educational, and Government Institutions. We are working hard to make this possible and we hope you participate for only when we are at the TABLE can we make a difference.  

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2021 New Americans Fellowship: Fellow Application

DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021 BY END OF DAY

Click here for the application and information about the Fellowship