Shipments of antidotes that would counter chemical attacks have been expedited to Boston and New York to make sure both cities have the drugs before the start of national political conventions, federal and local health authorities confirmed last night. Known as ’’chempacks," the medical supplies have been regarded as a cornerstone of the nation’s campaign to prepare for terrorism attacks involving chemical or biological agents. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began disbursing the antidotes to states in recent months, but with the Democratic National Convention scheduled for July 26 through 29, Boston was moved up the roster of recipients. ’’It’s something that’s here now, and it’s because of the DNC that it was expedited along, and we’re glad it’s here," said Rich Serino, chief of Boston’s Emergency Medical Services.
CDC spokeswoman Karen Hunter acknowledged that Boston and New York ’’moved up a few notches" to assure the stockpiles would be in place before the Democratic and Republican meetings. The GOP meets in New York from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Brian Roehrkasse, a spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security, said the shipments are part of ’’routine activities" being carried out by the federal Department of Health and Human Services to ’’raise the level of preparedness throughout the country. We have no credible, specific intelligence about a chemical attack in Boston, New York, or any other large city. We continue to take prudent preparedness measures to ensure security at large events through the US during this period of increased risk." |