Cuomo Says WNY Is Heading For Micro-Cluster Restrictions Due To COVID-19

Big news on Friday as Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he would be working with local officials in Western New York over the weekend to develop a "micro-cluster" plan aimed at handling the WNY's rising COVID-19 positivity rates, according to WKBW.

"Western New York is a problem," Cuomo said. "Downstate New York is doing better than Upstate New York, which is a total reversal than the first phase of COVID.”

Cuomo said he will make a formal announcement on Monday about the micro-cluster strategy that is aimed at helping reduce the rising COVID-19 numbers in parts of the region.

Western New York as a region has a 2.8 percent positivity rate, while Erie County's is at 3.1 percent (which is the highest in the region).

Cuomo stated that the highest density of cases are Buffalo, Hamburg, Tonawanda, and Orchard Park.

Cluster zone designations, according to New York State, are based on geographical case prevalence, and based on the particular spread, restrictions are implemented.

There are three designations for micro-clusters: yellow, orange, and red (the most severe).

It's not clear what color category these micro-clusters in Western New York would fall under.

According to WKBW:

Red Zone restrictions would mean no mass gatherings, only essential businesses would be allowed to open, schools are closed with remote learning only, and no dine-in at restaurants.

Orange Zone restrictions would mean no mass gatherings over 10 people indoor or outdoor, closing high-risk, non-essential businesses such as gyms and personal care, schools close with remote learning only, and outdoor dining only at restaurants, with four people max per table.

Yellow Zone restrictions would mean no mass gatherings over 25 people indoor or outdoor, all businesses would remain open, four people max for indoor and outdoor dining, and schools open with mandatory testing on a weekly basis for students, teachers, and staff.

To add more bad news, Cuomo said at this time, with Western New York's COVID-19 numbers, it would be irresponsiblele to allow fans back into Bills Stadium, so it doesn't look like we will get fans back in for Bills games this season.

Read more at WKBW.