The Peru Gazette

We’ve seen time and time again throughout this pandemic that mass gatherings can spread this virus and result in clusters that can in turn become community outbreaks. While New York’s numbers remain low across the most of the state, the positivity rate in “hot spot” ZIP codes was 5.1 percent yesterday — five times the rate in the rest of the state. We are moving quickly to stop further spread. Yesterday, we announced restrictions that will be enforced in these hot spot ZIP codes for a minimum of 14-days.

We know that some of these restrictions will be unpopular and difficult for many people. Still, these actions are far less restrictive than implementing a full shutdown, as some foreign countries and states have had to do following a resurgence of the virus. Remember too, that there are lives at stake. We went through hell in March and April — I remember the horrors of that period all too well — and we will not go back. We are prepared to take all necessary steps to stop the spread and save lives.

Photo of the Day: I Love NY’s Fall Foliage Report shows that leaves are starting to change in New York City and Long Island, while the most of the rest of the state is near, at, or past peak.

1. See the Cluster Action Initiative maps. Yesterday, we announced the implementation of Red, Orange and/or Yellow Zones in and around clusters in Broome County, Brooklyn, Orange County, Queens/Far Rockaway, Upper Queens and Rockland County. Click each county name to see the map for that cluster.

In Red Zones, mass gatherings are prohibited, only essential businesses are open, schools are remote-only and houses of worship are limited to 25 percent capacity (up to 10 people maximum). In Orange Zones, mass gatherings are limited to ten people (indoor and outdoor), high-risk non-essential businesses are closed, schools are remote-only and houses of worship are at 33 percent capacity (up to 25 people maximum). In Yellow Zones, mass gatherings are limited to 25 people (indoor and outdoor), schools are open with increased testing, businesses are open and houses of worship are limited to 50 percent capacity. Read more here.

2. We are carefully watching New York’s total COVID hospitalizations. Yesterday, there were 748 total hospitalizations. Of the 108,246 tests reported yesterday, 1,360, or 1.25 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost eight New Yorkers to the virus.

3. Congratulations to Dr. Charles Rice of New York-based Rockefeller University on winning the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Dr. Rice, who won the Nobel Prize along with two colleagues for their discovery of the hepatitis C virus, will serve as one of the co-chairs of NY’s independent Clinical Advisory Task Force advising the state on future COVID vaccines. We’re lucky to have his advice and expertise.

4. A reminder to New Yorkers to get a flu shot. While we continue battling COVID, flu season is fast-approaching. This year it is especially important that New Yorkers get their flu shot. Find a flu vaccination site near you.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Over the weekend, the Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, NY held the 25th annual World Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Sixteen gigantic pumpkins were brought to the farm to compete. The winning pumpkin, grown by Andy Wolf of Little Valley, weighed in at an impressive 1,982 pounds.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

Today, New York is taking further action to protect our state’s progress and aggressively respond to clusters emerging in specific areas of the state.

In consultation with national public health experts including former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden, Dr. Noam Ross of the EcoHealth Alliance and Dr. Michael Olsterhold of the University of Minnesota, today we announced the new Cluster Action Initiative to attack these clusters head-on with surgical precision to stop the spread. This action maps the clusters by density of cases.

The initiative consists of three steps: Take strong action within the cluster; take action in the area surrounding the cluster to stop the spread; and then take precautionary action in the outlying communities. The clusters and outlying areas are separated into red, orange and yellow colored zones with corresponding levels of restrictions as shown in the table below. (See the color-coded maps for the six clusters here: Broome County, Brooklyn, Orange County, Upper Queens, Queens/Far Rockaway and Rockland County)

The new restrictions will go into effect by Friday and will remain in place for a minimum of 14 days, after which we will reevaluate.

Chart of the Day: Areas in and surrouding clusters are separated into three categories with corresponding levels of restrictions.

1. We continue to closely monitor New York’s infection rate. Yesterday, there were 705 total hospitalizations. Of the 96,359 tests reported yesterday, 1,393, or 1.45 percent, were positive. Sadly, we lost nine New Yorkers to the virus.

2. New Mexico has been added to the State’s COVID-19 Travel Advisory. No states or territories have been removed. See the full list here.

3. Vehicle inspection and registration expiration dates have been extended until November 3rd. Yesterday, I signed an Executive Order that extends the expiration dates of annual vehicle checks, registrations and driver’s licenses that would have lapsed during the pandemic.

4. Fines for sponsors of illicit mass gatherings will be increased to $15,000. We know that large gatherings are one of the primary ways that the virus spreads. It is up to local governments to enforce compliance. Fines have been increased to reflect the danger these gatherings pose.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Niagara’s iconic Maid of the Mist, which has ferried tourists through the mighty falls for over 150 years, introduced its new fleet of all-electric, zero-emission vessels today. This agreement between the New York Power Authority, New York State Parks and the Maid of the Mist Corporation aligns with New York’s nation-leading goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent by 2050. Through innovation we are building back better for a greener tomorrow.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo