The spread of COVID-19 has gotten steadily worse in recent weeks here in Western New York and across the state, and today, Governor Andrew Cuomo made a major announcement to help slow the spread of the virus.

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According to his Twitter, New York State will limit indoor gatherings at private residences to 10 people. This takes effect on Friday at 10 pm.

This announcement comes after 4,820 positive tests were reported in New York State and over 1,600 hospitalizations. 21 people died from COVID-19 on Tuesday.

Also part of the announcement was new restrictions on restaurants and gyms.

According to WIVB, as of Friday at 10 pm, establishments that are regulated by the State Liquor Authority, and have a liquor license, will close at 10 pm. Restaurants that serve alcohol will only be able to have curbside pickup after 10 pm. Gyms will also have to close at 10 pm on Friday.

The timing is obviously big news, coming just two weeks before Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. It remains to be seen how long these new restrictions will last and if they will be in place for the duration of the holiday season, with Christmas roughly six weeks away.

This is certainly disappointing to many people across Western New York.

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