Due to a recent spike in coronavirus cases, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that nine ZIP codes in Queens and Brooklyn might shut down on Wednesday if approved by New York. According to a news report, the shutdown implies that non-essential businesses, just as private and public schools in those ZIP codes, would close because COVID cases accounted for over a 3 percent positivity rate in seven days.
To reduce the city’s positivity rate, De Blasio asked New York state’s assistance in closing the specific nine ZIP codes. The city mayor seems very well aware of the consequences of such decisions.
“I’m very aware of the people in the nine ZIP codes, there’s a tough period ahead, but I know we will overcome.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
The ZIP codes included for the closure are the following: 11691 (Edgemere/Far Rockaway), 11219 (Borough Park), 11223 (Gravesend/Homecrest), 11230 (Midwood), 11204 (Bensonhurst/Mapleton), 11210 (Flatlands/Midwood), 11229 (Gerritsen Beach/Homecrest/Sheepshead Bay), 11415 (Kew Gardens), 11367 (Kew Gardens Hills/Pomonok). The areas affected consist of half a million people and approximately 300 schools.
Beginning Wednesday, about 100 public schools and 200 private schools located in the areas for closure are mandated to pivot to remote learning. This “strategic action” of the city mayor includes the closure of daycare centers. Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said students and staff should utilize Monday and Tuesday to get ready for online remote learning and guarantee every individual who needs a digital gadget has one.
“The good news is, we’ve done this before.”
Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza
Indoor and outside dining would likewise be closed down. However, restaurants would be permitted to offer pick-up and delivery services. Religious, social occasions would not be restricted, according to de Blasio, yet religious organizations are required to follow the state’s COVID capacity limits.
The city says another 11 postal districts are the reason for alarm but don’t arrive, yet the 3 percent positivity limit could likewise confront their mishaps. De Blasio says some portion of the city’s proposition to the state incorporates shutting indoor dining, gyms, and pools in these 11 postal districts, yet avoided stretching out shutdown to schools and different businesses regarded as non-essential.
“We are waiting for the state’s approval and support before we move forward… This is an action being taken out of an abundance of caution.”
Mayor Bill de Blasio
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