Coronavirus: Parts Of LI Could Be Declared Yellow Zones Soon

LONG ISLAND, NY — Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, parts of Long Island could soon be designated yellow zones, which would mean more restrictions on businesses and gatherings to stop the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus cases have surged in Suffolk and Nassau counties:

"Unless they drastically change the trajectory rate, they will go into those zones this week," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Sunday.

Micro-cluster designations are based on positive coronavirus test rates, cases per 100,000 residents, hospitalizations and other factors. For a yellow zone designation to be declared in Nassau and Suffolk counties, a geographic area must have a seven-day average test rate of 2.5 percent for 10 days and 10 or more daily cases per 100,000 residents over a seven-day average.

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

The governor has laid out the metrics for the different levels of micro-cluster zones and explained what thresholds need to be met before a region receives that designation.

On Sunday, Cuomo said New York's positive test rate was the fourth-lowest nationwide but stressed residents should be concerned about what that rate is in their communities, because that will determine the micro-cluster designation.

With Thanksgiving coming, Cuomo said he believes there will be an increase in positivity rates at the beginning of December and again at the beginning of January.

"I would not be shocked on Jan. 10 or Jan. 15 if we are up at 7,8 9 or 10 percent," Cuomo said. "People will die, and that's a fact."

For those who say the vaccine is coming, Cuomo said he believes it will take time to reach a majority of New Yorkers.

"I will wager it will be six months at a minimum before the critical mass is met," he said.

Cuomo said Sunday another 30 people died of the virus in the state and 2,562 were hospitalized, with 500 of those in intensive care and 234 of those intubated. The state's positive test rate was 2.7 percent.

Earlier this week, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the goal is to stop community spread to avoid the micro-cluster restrictions. There has been a surge of cases over the last 10 days, he added.

On Thursday, Bellone announced a new measure: targeted testing at the Hampton Bays Union Free School District and Riverhead Central School District. It is the first targeted school-based testing on Long Island, he said. The tests are paid for by the state and results are available onsite in 15 minutes and uploaded into the state's database in real time, he said. A total of 400 free tests will be administered in Hamptons Bays.

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital is also conducting community testing at Red Creek Park in Hamptons Bays for two weeks, with a second location to follow in Riverhead, Bellone said.

When asked if the higher numbers in Riverhead and Hampton Bays could trigger a micro-cluster designation, Bellone said, "We are not going to wait to find out. We are going to be proactive. That's what this testing is about. It's part of a larger effort to get our arms around numbers and stop the surge in the county."

Cuomo representative Jack Sterne said, "We are working with Suffolk and Nassau County to monitor and address troubling spikes in some communities on Long Island and increase testing and enforcement. The New York State Department of Health will designate cluster zones if the metrics are reached. We need all NYers to shake off COVID fatigue and wear masks, socially distance, get tested, and wash their hands."

With Thanksgiving coming, the biggest concern is cases will surge higher, Bellone said. The goal is to protect public health, ensure that the region's economic recovery continues moving forward and keep children in school for in-person learning, Bellone said. To that end, he said contact tracing and case investigations have been ramped up. Contact tracers have increased from 30 to 150, he said.

In addition, he said enforcement efforts have escalated. Fire marshals and consumer affairs teams are going to be out on Thanksgiving Eve to ensure Cuomo's new restrictions are enforced. Bars and restaurants must close by 10 p.m. and house gatherings are limited to 10 people. The county also teamed up with Partners in Prevention for a social media campaign publicizing Suffolk County's social host law and Cuomo's restrictions.

With coronavirus cases spiking across Suffolk County, the town of Riverhead has been identified as a potential micro-cluster, Supervisor Yvette Aguiar said Wednesday.

Bellone said the cause of the coronavirus surge has not only been superspreader events such as a wedding at the North Fork Country Club, but small gatherings during Halloween. So far, county officials are investigating at least one Halloween party and there may be others, he said.

Those small gatherings may not be in violation of the state limit of 50 people or fewer, Bellone said. A Bellport birthday party fell within the state guidelines of 50 individuals but 36 of those who attended tested positive for the coronavirus, the county executive said.

"This is an example of what can happen at these small gatherings," Bellone said. "It's critical that we get this under control."