On Nov. 9, Governor Cuomo announced new cluster zones in parts of Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga Counties. These cluster zones are part of the cluster action initiative to address COVID-19 hot spots in certain areas of the state. In each cluster action initiative/hot spot, the state imposes additional restrictions on non-essential businesses, dining, schools, religious institutions, and non-essential gatherings. Effective Nov. 11th, parts of Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga Counties are designated “yellow zones.” The new rules and restrictions are in effect for a minimum of 14 days and can be extended based on COVID-19 positivity rates.
The following restrictions are in effect in yellow zones:
■ Houses of Worship: 50% capacity
■ Non-Essential Gatherings: 25 people maximum, indoor and outdoor
■ Businesses: Open
■ Dining: Indoor and outdoor dining, 4 person maximum per table. Bars and restaurants located in Yellow Precautionary Zones must close at midnight.
■ Schools: Open with mandatory weekly testing of students and teachers/staff for in-person settings.
For a complete list of restrictions and to determine whether a business is essential, click here. Also, for a chart of restrictions in red, orange, and yellow zones, click here.
The following areas of Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga Counties are designated as yellow zones:
Businesses can look up whether or not they are in a COVID-19 cluster/hot spot zone with this tool.
New York State originally announced the cluster action initiative in October when COVID-19 infections were rising in parts of New York City and Broome, Rockland, and Westchester Counties. Some of those areas were designated as “red zones,” requiring the closing of non-essential businesses. Many of the zones have been down-graded to orange or yellow zones, which have less severe restrictions. Currently, only one “red zone” remains in place in Brooklyn; however, the area will be transitioned to an orange zone in the coming days.
