NEW YORK (WKBW) — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Orange and Yellow Zone restrictions have been lifted in Western New York.
The governor said we have made it through the post-holiday spike the state expected and reopening can be guided by the data and science.
During his briefing Monday Cuomo said:
- Every region's 3-day average of hospitalizations was on the decline.
- The state's "rate of transmission" of COVID-19, meaning for every person that is infected how many people they infect, was under 1.0.
- The latest modeling projects new daily positive cases of COVID-19 will continue to decline in the state.
"I think we're at a new place now and we can start to adjust that valve and start to open up more economic activity, and reduce some of the restrictions, and reduce some of the what we call microcluster zones," Cuomo said Monday.
Although Cuomo is loosening restrictions, he also made sure to point out to New Yorkers "don't get cocky with COVID, this beast changes on us all the time." He said to continue to social distance, wash your hands and wear a mask.
"I know the numbers look good today but, we have been down this road before and the road has curves and the road has potholes, so please just be smart," Cuomo said Monday.
The governor said Wednesday the 10 p.m. closure for bars and restaurants remains in place and there will be no change to that time at this point.
Officials say all previous COVID-19 restrictions that were announced as part of the phased reopening of the state remain in place. The only restrictions that have been lifted are those that were further implemented when a zone was designated a microcluster.
You can find the information from the phased reopening here and here.
Orange and Yellow Zone restrictions have been lifted across the state with the exception of the New York City area. Yellow Zone restrictions remain in certain areas near New York City.
