New York begins probe against provider who may have fraudulently obtained COVID-19 vaccine

New York law enforcement ncies have launched an investigation over reports of a health care provider in state fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 vaccines and diverting m to  public in violation of guidelines. New York Department of Health on Saturday informed that it is assisting police in a criminal investigation into matter. 

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'We take this very seriously'

Earlier, reports emerged that Parcare Community Health Network, an Orange County provider, may have illegally obtained COVID-19 vaccines and transferred m to facilities in or parts of state in violation of priority guidelines set by authorities. New York, like rest of United States, has streamlined health care professionals for first phase of vaccination programme in state.  

"We take this very seriously and DOH will be assisting State Police in a criminal investigation into this matter. Anyone found to have kwingly participated in this scheme will be held accountable to fullest extent of law," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a statement on Saturday. 

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United States rolled out COVID-19 vaccine on December 14 after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) to Pfizer-BioNTech. US FDA approved second vaccine on December 18, granting approval to Moderna. Health care professionals across country have been prioritised to receive vaccine in first phase of campaign under Operation Warp Speed. 

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According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.9 million people in United States have already been iculated. US government has said that it has delivered more than 9.5 million doses of vaccines to state, and territories. New York has been allocated over 9 lakh doses so far, of which 6.3 lakh doses have already been received by state. New York, as of Saturday, had administered 89,000 shots. 

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