Good Morning,

New York State is now tackling COVID-19 spikes with a micro-cluster strategy. This new approach allows them to target spikes down to zip codes rather than the global view from earlier this year. Hopefully this new strategy will cause less negative impact on our businesses and everyday lives.
We’ve included in this message the new Yellow, Orange and Red levels and what will happen should our community experience the spikes we’re seeing across the state and nation.
Yellow Zone:
  • Non-essential gatherings are limited to no more than 25 people
  • Houses of worship are subject to a capacity limit of 50% of its maximum occupancy and shall adhere to Department of Health guidance
  • Restaurants and taverns must limit any one seated group or party size to 4 people
  • Schools shall adhere to applicable guidance issued by the Department of Health regarding mandatory testing of students and school personnel

Orange zone:

  • Non-essential gatherings shall be limited to 10 people
  • Houses of worship are subject to a capacity limit of the lesser of 33% of maximum occupancy or 25 people, whichever is fewer
  • Restaurants and taverns must cease serving patrons food or beverage inside on-premises but may provide outdoor service, and may be open for takeout or delivery, provided that any one seated group or party must not exceed 4 people
  • Schools must close for in-person instruction, except as otherwise provided in Executive Order.
  • Certain non-essential businesses, for which there is a higher risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus, shall reduce in-person workforce by 100%; such businesses include:
  • Gyms, fitness centers or classes
  • Hair salons and barbershops
  • All other personal care services including but not limited to spas, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail technicians and nail salons, cosmetologists, estheticians, the provision of laser hair removal and electrolysis

Red Zone
  • No non-essential gatherings of any size
  • Houses of worship are subject to a capacity limit of 25% of maximum occupancy or 10 people, whichever is fewer
  • Restaurants and taverns must cease serving patrons food or beverage on-premises and may be open for takeout or delivery only
  • Schools must close for in-person instruction, except as otherwise provided in Executive Order.
  • All non-essential businesses in the red zone, which do not meet the criteria below, shall reduce in-person workforce by 100%.
If you are unaware of what zone you are in, you can check your business address as well as your home address by using the button below:
ABC will be send you resources to help you navigate the new changes. If you have any questions, please reach out.
Happy Thanksgiving,

Stephanie Hart
ABC Empire State