Cluster Action Initiative

Restrictions Within the Clusters

The initiative will divide clusters and the areas around them into three categories with successively higher restrictions within each one: Red Zones, Orange Zones and Yellow Zones.

New Metrics for Entering Cluster Zones

On December 10, Governor Cuomo announced new metrics by which micro-cluster focus zones will be determined to help control COVID-19 spread and protect hospital capacity.

Red Zone: A red zone will be implemented when a region, after the cancellation of elective procedures and a 50 percent increase in hospital capacity, is 21 days away from reaching 90 percent hospital capacity on the current 7-day growth rate.

Orange Zone: A geographic area will be eligible to an Orange Zone if it has a 4 percent positivity rate (7-day average) over the last 10 days and it is located in a region that has reached 85 percent hospital capacity. Alternatively, a geographic area may also become an Orange Zone if the State Department of Health determines the region’s rate of hospital admissions is unacceptably high and a zone designation is appropriate to control the rate of growth.

Yellow Zone: A geographic area will be eligible to enter a Yellow Zone if it has a 3 percent positivity rate (7-day average) over the past 10 days and is in the top 10 percent in the state for hospital admissions per capita over the past week and is experiencing week-over-week growth in daily admissions.

Indoor Dining in NYC Resumed February 12

Indoor dining was suspended in New York City as of December 14, 2020 due to an increase in hospitalization rates in the region.

Indoor dining in New York City reopened at 25% capacity on February 12, 2021. As of February 26, 2021, capacity can be expanded to 35%. The reopening is subject to strict state guidance. 

Cluster Zone Restrictions

The chart below is a summary and is not exhaustive. 

Where permitted to operate within the cluster action initiative, businesses and other entities must continue to follow the relevant industry-specific guidelines provided by Department of Health as available on the New York Forward website for their applicable operations and activities. 

Restrictions by Cluster Zone
Type of Activity Red Orange Yellow
Non-Residential Gatherings

Prohibited

10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors

 25 people maximum, indoors and outdoors
Residential Gatherings Prohibited 10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors 10 people maximum, indoors and outdoors
House of Worship

Lesser of:

25% of maximum capacity
10 people

Lesser of:

33% of maximum capacity
25 people

 50% of maximum capacity
Businesses  Non-essential businesses are closed Gyms, fitness centers and classes operate at 25% capacity; barber shops, hair salons, personal care services can provide services so long as employees performing services are tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Open
Dining* Takeout or delivery only Outdoor dining, takeout or delivery only, 4 person maximum per table, and bars and restaurants close at 11:00 PM for on-premises consumption Indoor and outdoor dining permitted, 4 person maximum per table, and bars and restaurants close at 11:00 PM for on-premises consumption
Schools

Open**
30% monthly testing of in-person students and faculty

Open**
20% monthly testing of in-person students and faculty

Open
20% weekly testing of in-person students and faculty

*Indoor dining in New York City may resume on February 12, 2021.

**Schools may remain open if they follow new guidelines that require testing in schools followed by vigilant symptom and exposure screening conducted daily.

Industry-Specific Guidance for Cluster Zones