STATEN ISLAND, NY – Staten Island is currently a COVID-19 yellow zone, but New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that could be changing. Richmond County could soon see itself as an orange zone, or even worse, a red zone.
“We are in no way immune to the problems we are seeing elsewhere and we are entering a very dangerous period with the cold weather and holidays approaching,” Governor Cuomo said. “I understand the desire to come together with those you love and celebrate the holidays, but truly loving someone in 2020 unfortunately means you might not get to be together physically. Time and again, New Yorkers have put their toughness on display in order to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe – and we must continue doing that, as difficult as it may be. By making these tough decisions and practicing the safe behaviors we know help stop the spread, we will get through this as one unified, loving state.”
If Staten Island goes into an orange zone, All public, nonpublic and charter schools must close and return to remote learning. Schools can reopen if they meet NYS testing requirements. Businesses including gyms, fitness centers and personal care services (such as barbers, hair salons, spas, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail technicians and nail salons, cosmetologists, estheticians, laser hair removal and electrolysis services) must close.Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide outdoor dining and takeout and delivery service only. There is a four-person maximum per table. No indoor dining is allowed.
If Cuomo puts Staten Island into a red zone, the ramifications would be devastating to small businesses and education.
All NYC public, nonpublic and charter schools must close and return to remote learning. All nonessential businesses are required to close. Only essential businesses as designated by New York State Empire State Development Corporation can remain open. Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide takeout and delivery serviceonly. No indoor or outdoor dining is allowed. Houses of worship may remain open at 25% capacity up to a maximum of 10 people, whichever is fewer. Nonessential gatherings of any size are prohibited and must be postponed or cancelled. Any individual who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000 per day.