New York State has developed a new mechanism in dealing with Covid-19 hotspots known as the Cluster Action Initiative. This is a set of new rules and restrictions directly targeted to areas with the highest concentration of Covid-19 cases and the surrounding communities. The new rules will be in effect for a minimum of 14 days. The state consulted with Dr. Noam Ross of EcoHealth Alliance, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota, and former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden in devising this strategy.
The initiative is composed of three steps:
- Take dramatic action within the cluster
- Take action in the area surrounding the cluster to stop the spread
- Take precautionary action in the outlying communities
The initiative will divide clusters and the areas around them into three categories with successively higher restrictions within each one:
Red Zone — Cluster Itself
- Houses of Worship: 25 percent capacity, 10 people maximum
- Mass Gatherings: Prohibited
- Businesses: Only essential businesses open
- Dining: Takeout only
- Schools: Closed, remote only
Orange Zone — Warning Zone
- Houses of Worship: 33 percent capacity, 25 people maximum
- Mass Gatherings: 10 people maximum, indoor and outdoor
- Businesses: Closing high-risk non-essential businesses, such as gyms and personal care
- Dining: Outdoor dining only, 4 person maximum per table
- Schools: Closed, remote only
Yellow Zone — Precautionary Zone
- Houses of Worship: 50 percent capacity
- Mass Gatherings: 25 people maximum, indoor and outdoor
- Businesses: Open
- Dining: Indoor and outdoor dining, 4 person maximum per table
- Schools: Open with mandatory weekly testing of students and teachers/staff for in-person settings. The New York State Department of Health will establish a percentage of teachers and students/staff who need to be tested by Friday.
Fines for the sponsors of mass gatherings in violation of state public health rules will be increased to $15,000.
This controversial strategy is a serious blow to small businesses that are scratching and clawing to get back on their feet after the prolonged shutdown and tiered reopening measures that were meant to strike the right balance between fighting the pandemic and securing economic activity. Fortunately, the state continues to tweak the plan to find that balance. After monitoring the original clusters, the state released the following adjustments:
- Exit a red zone: under 3% after 10 days (4% in less populated areas)
- Exit an orange zone: under 2% after 10 days (3% in less populated areas)
- Exit a yellow zone: under 1.5% after 10 days (2% in less populated areas)
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