Yellow Zone In New Rochelle Lifted By Cuomo

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — With coronavirus positivity rates continuing to decline, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that restrictions would be lifted in all orange zones and most yellow zones across New York State, including in New Rochelle.

Restrictions in Port Chester, Tarrytown, Yonkers, Peekskill and Ossining were all lifted by the governor Wednesday.

The other areas where yellow zones still exist include Newburgh, the Bronx, Washington Heights and Queens, Cuomo said.

In a yellow zone, houses of worship could only operate at 50 percent capacity; mass gatherings could include only 25 people or more indoors and outdoors; indoor and outdoor dining allowed only four people per table; and schools remained open, with weekly testing of 20 percent of students and teachers/staff for in-person settings.

Orange zone restrictions limited gatherings to 10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors. Houses of worship could have 33 percent of maximum capacity or 25 people. Gyms and fitness centers were limited to 25 percent capacity. Barbershop and hair salon employees could provide services if they were tested for the coronavirus on a weekly basis. Outdoor dining with a four-person maximum at each table, takeout and delivery were allowed. Schools could have in-person classes with 20 percent monthly testing of students and faculty.

Cuomo said with the predicted holiday surge over, facts and science indicated that it was safe to begin lifting restrictions and loosening the valves to allow for increased economic activity. When asked about the unknowns posed by new variants, Cuomo said the vaccine was the only answer and that data could change in the future. He also added that hospital capacity remains the most critical issue, as does vaccination of hospital staff.

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