Senator Mayer & Assemblyman Otis Respond to "Yellow Zone" Designation for the Village of Port Chester and Environs

On Friday, November 6th, Governor Andrew Cuomo designated an area including the Village of Port Chester and neighboring communities as a "Yellow Zone" imposing new restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19. As of Monday, November 9th, there are 130 active cases in the Village of Port Chester.

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, "I am working with Governor Andrew Cuomo's office, County Executive George Latimer, and other colleagues to monitor and contain the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Village of Port Chester and neighboring communities. We suspect a number of unique factors in the Village are contributing to the rising number of cases, including the Village bordering the State of Connecticut, which is having a resurgence of the virus. Many residents in Port Chester work in jobs without the protections of paid sick leave and employment benefits leaving them to make incredibly difficult choices between working and putting food on the table for their families, or staying home when they don't feel well. I am grateful that the NYSDOH offered free testing in the Village at the Open Door Community Health Center in Port Chester, and I hope we can extend that operations until the community is out of the ‘Yellow Zone.’”

Assemblyman Steve Otis said, "The threat of COVID-19 has not gone away. Cases are on the increase in Westchester and in the Port Chester area. It is vitally important that everyone follow the public health guidelines that have proven to be effective so that we can stop the spread of the virus in our communities. Masks, social distancing and no large gatherings are more important than ever. Each of us has a responsibility to protect our family, friends, neighbors and everyone with whom we come into contact. Additional guidance on how to prevent COVID spread is available through our offices and on the County and State health department websites."

Both Senator Mayer and Assemblyman Otis hope the parameters of the "Yellow Zone" could be revised as they believe the parameters are currently too broad.

A "Yellow Zone" designation limits non-essential gatherings to 25 people maximum for indoor and outdoor gatherings, and four (4) people maximum per table for indoor and outdoor dining. School buildings will continue to remain open, and there will be mandatory weekly testing of students and school personnel in accordance with NYSDOH guidance. Click here for more information on the Cluster Action Initiative and what a “Yellow Zone” designation means for the area.