BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — As part of New York State's "Cluster Action Initiative" announced in October, the state can designate geographic areas across the state as Yellow, Orange or Red micro-cluster zones in response to a rising number of COVID-19 cases.
The designation as a micro-cluster places temporary restrictions on businesses and social activities in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19. The level of restriction is dependent upon the color zone to which the micro-cluster is assigned.
The governor's office says the initiative is a three-step process:
- Take dramatic action within the cluster.
- Take action in the areas surrounding the cluster to stop the spread.
- Take precautionary action in the outlying communities.
Below are the restrictions for each zone, according to the governor's office.
Yellow Zone:
- Houses of worship operate at 50% capacity.
- Mass gatherings limited to 25 people indoors and outdoors.
- Businesses remain open.
- Restaurants can offer indoor and outdoor dining but must only have four people per table.
- Schools remain open but must have weekly COVID-19 testing for students/teachers/staff for in-person settings.
Orange Zone:
- Houses of worship operate at 33% capacity or 25 people maximum.
- Mass gatherings limited to 10 people indoors and outdoors.
- High-risk nonessential businesses close (gyms, personal care, etc.)
- Restaurants can only offer outdoor dining and takeout, four person maximum per table for outdoor dining.
- Schools are closed and shift to remote learning.
Red Zone:
- Houses of worship operate at 25% capacity or 10 people maximum.
- Mass gatherings are prohibited.
- Only essential business can be open.
- Restaurants can only offer takeout.
- Schools are closed and shift to remote learning.
