NYS Micro Cluster and Covid Update
At a briefing for reporters yesterday Governor Cuomo provided an overview of New York’s COVID-19 tracking data from Tuesday, October 20th. The “micro-cluster” initiative seeks to detect small outbreaks and contain them within a geographic area, with buffer zones with fewer restrictions to monitor the spread from “micro-clusters”. The State has placed restrictions on social and economic activities within “micro-clusters” based on the extent of COVID-19 spread. A “red zone” is an area with the highest positivity rates, an “orange zone” is the area immediately surrounding the “red zone,” and a “yellow zone” is an area surrounding the “orange zone.” The initiative began fourteen days ago, during which time the NYSDOH has studied the data to determine whether “micro-cluster” areas have successfully reduced viral spread to a level where restrictions can be eased. New York will begin to adjust zones based on the following metrics:
- To exit a “red zone”: under 3% after 10 days (4% in less populated areas)
- To exit an “orange zone”: under 2% after 10 days (3% in less populated areas)
- To exit a “yellow zone”: under 1.5% after 10 days (2% in less populated areas)
- Additional considerations include hospitalization trends, source of new cases, local government enforcement efforts, and community cooperation.
Tracking data for the clusters and the rest of the State is below. Summary of positivity rates:
- 20 Cluster zip codes: 6.61%
- Orange Red Zone (10 Day Average): 4.20%
- Rockland Red Zone (10 Day Average): 4.80%
- Statewide: 1.62%
- Statewide excluding hotspots: 1.42%
Here are some useful links:
Some Further Details on the New York Paid Sick Leave Law Guidance from Harris Beach
On the Monday New York State released long-anticipated guidance on the state’s new Paid Sick Leave Law, or “PSL.” The new law is not limited to coronavirus-related situations. It is instead a new, permanent sick leave mandate for almost all businesses and non-profit employers in New York State. The guidance is available here.
The law functionally goes into effect on January 1, 2021. …
read more »
