Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that parts of Monroe County have been elevated to “orange” level COVID-19 status. That means parts of the City of Rochester, Irondequoit, Brighton and Gates face new regulations beginning Wednesday.
Monroe County recorded 366 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday.
Services at houses of worship are reduced to 33 percent capacity, or no more than 25 people. Gatherings of people are limited to just ten. High risk businesses including hair and nail salons and gyms an spas must close. Restaurants are limited to outdoor dining or takeout, with a max of four people per table. School buildings in the designated areas have to switch to online learning, even if they’ve tested at low or no infection rates. The schools will be closed for four straight days.
The state has launched an online tool to advise you if your address is in an orange or yellow zone: https://covidhotspotlookup.health.ny.gov
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza said in a joint statement that they believe schools should remain open as long as testing results indicate there is no evidence of spread in the schools. They said school is the safest place for children right now.
They called for a community-wide effort to move the community out of the orange designation, including wearing masks and limiting interpersonal contact.