Cuomo Announces Orange County Red Zone Downgrade

GOSHEN, NY — The red zone micro-cluster in Orange County was downgraded to an orange warning zone.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement during a news conference Wednesday that the county has met the metrics required before the shift could be made.

Orange County's micro-cluster positivity rate has gone from 12 percent to 2 percent in three weeks, and the rate of new daily hospital admissions has flattened, he said.

"In terms of adjustments of the micro-clusters, Orange County has made very good progress," Cuomo said.

According to the governor, Orange County's seven-day rolling average of positive cases is 1.94 percent.

He said the red zone will go to orange, and the yellow zone will stay as is.

In red zones, houses of worship were limited to 25 percent capacity with a 10-person maximum. Mass gatherings are prohibited, nonessential businesses and schools are closed and only takeout dining is allowed.

In orange zone areas, houses of worship are limited to 33 percent capacity and a maximum of 25 people. Gatherings are limited to 10 people maximum whether indoor or outdoors. High risk nonessential businesses such as gyms and personal care are closed. Schools must do remote learning only and dining can happen outdoors only with no more than four people allowed per table.

The yellow zone allows 50 percent capacity for houses of worship and mass gatherings of 25 people max. Businesses are open and both indoor and outdoor dining is allowed. Schools have to do weekly testing of students, teachers and staff in order to have in-person classes.

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