The New York City Council passed a bill on Thursday that aims to combat the future spread of the Legionnaires' disease outbreak, according to The New York Times.
The legislation was developed by New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
It requires building owners to conduct quarterly inspections of their cooling towers and provide annual certification that their towers have been inspected, tested, cleaned and disinfected. The penalties for failing to comply with the legislation range from fines to potential prison time.
"We're in the midst of a crisis in New York City, and this Council is taking swift action to address what is happening," Ms. Mark-Viverito told the NYT.
As of Aug. 15, 124 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported and 12 people have died, according to a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene report.
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