Buffalo Officially in Orange Zone, Shutdowns on the Way

Buffalo has been officially deemed an 'orange zone.' More shutdowns and restrictions are on the way.

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Credit: WKBW

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, announced that Buffalo, along with other parts of Erie and Niagara Counties are now in the 'orange zone.' The zoning designations are a part of New York State's "Cluster Action Initiative." Some parts of Erie County moved from being yellow zones into being orange zone, while other parts, which were not previously classified as micro-clusters, were designated as yellow zones. According to WKBW, North Tonawanda has now moved to a yellow zone in Niagara County.

The upgraded restrictions for orange zones go into effect on Friday, November 20, according to WKBW,

-Houses of worship operate at 33% capacity or 25 people maximum.
-Mass gatherings limited to 10 people indoors and outdoors.
-High-risk nonessential businesses close (gyms, personal care, etc.)
-Restaurants can only offer outdoor dining and takeout, four person maximum per table for outdoor dining.
-Schools are closed and shift to remote learning.

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Orange zone cities and towns in Erie County:

Buffalo
Lackawanna
Tonawanda
Amherst
Aurora
Cheektowaga
Clarence
Eden
Elma
Grand Island
Hamburg
Lancaster
Orchard Park
West Seneca

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