You are reading

Queens COVID-19 Yellow Zone to Remain, Cuomo Says

Governor Andrew Cuomo (Mike Groll/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)

Jan. 27, 2021 By Allie Griffin

The northern Queens COVID-19 zone will remain in place despite Governor Andrew Cuomo lifting similar restrictions on other zones across the state Wednesday.

The yellow zone that covers portions of northern and central Queens is among five zones across the state that will remain. The five zones — which also include two in the Bronx, one in Manhattan and one in Newburgh — have the highest hospital admissions per capita statewide.

All other yellow and slightly stricter orange zones were removed across the state. The COVID-19 positivity rates of those 23 zones decreased, Cuomo said.

Businesses, schools and houses of worship that operate in the yellow zones, including in Queens,  continue to face elevated restrictions. There are additional restrictions on restaurant dining; strict limits on the number of attendees at houses of worship; and students are required to undergo stringent COVID-19 testing at schools in the zone.

Cuomo also said during a press conference Wednesday that he is developing a plan for indoor dining for restaurants in New York City — which has been banned since mid-December.

He is discussing whether to open it back up at 25 percent capacity with health officials, and plans to make an announcement by the end of the week, he said.

“By the end of the week, we’ll have a plan on New York City restaurants,” Cuomo said. “I fully understand how difficult it is that they’re closed.”

Indoor dining is currently allowed at 25 percent capacity in every region of New York other than the city.

Several NYC restaurant owners have filed lawsuits against the governor, arguing that they have lost revenue due to the restrictions placed on indoor dining.

Northeast Queens micro-cluster yellow zone (NY State)

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.

Mayor Adams marks one year of ‘Padlock to Protect’ with pizza and progress in Queens

Mayor Eric Adams marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the city’s “Operation Padlock to Protect” initiative at a pizzeria on the Rego Park and Middle Village border on Wednesday and touted the significant progress in shutting down more than 1,400 illegal smoke shops across the five boroughs and seizing more than $95 million in illegal product since last May.

“The city was fed up. We heard it at every town hall. This time last year, there were thousands of illegal smoke shops plaguing our city with unlicensed cannabis endangering our children,” Adams said. “One year later, we are proud to announce that we have turned the tide. Thanks to the tireless efforts by our city’s law enforcement officers, we’ve padlocked thousands of illegal shops and created safer streets for children and families. But we’re not stopping there.”