COVID-19 continues to spread in New York City (NYC) with concerning increases in community
transmission in certain neighborhoods. NYC is taking action by implementing restrictions in three zones
identified by the State— red, orange, yellow. To find your zone visit: nyc.gov/COVIDZone.
Red Zone
Schools
All New York City public schools and nonpublic schools must close and return to full remote learning.
Businesses
All nonessential businesses are required to close. Only essential businesses as designated by New York
State Empire State Development Corporation can remain open.
Food Service Establishments
Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide takeout and delivery service
only. No indoor or outdoor dining is allowed.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship may remain open at 25% capacity, up to a maximum of 10 people, whichever is
fewer.
Gatherings
Non-essential gatherings of any size are prohibited and must be postponed or cancelled. Any individual
who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000/day.
Orange Zone
Schools
All New York City public schools and nonpublic schools must close and return to full remote learning.
Businesses
Businesses including gyms and fitness centers, and personal care services, including barbers, hair salons,
spas, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail technicians and nail salons, cosmetologists, estheticians, the
provision of laser hair removal and electrolysis, etc. must close.
Food Service Establishments
Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide outdoor dining and takeout
and delivery service only. There is a four-person maximum per table. No indoor dining is allowed.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship may remain open at 33% capacity, up to a maximum of 25 people, whichever is
fewer.
Gatherings
Non-essential gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people for both indoor and outdoor
settings. Any individual who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to
$15,000/day.
Yellow Zone
Schools
All New York City public schools and nonpublic schools may remain open. Testing guidance will be issued
by New York State on Friday, 10/9/2020.
Businesses
All businesses may remain open but must follow COVID-19 requirements for their sector.
Food Service Establishments
Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed. There is a four-person maximum per table.
Houses of Worship
Houses of worship may remain open at 50% maximum capacity.
Gatherings
Non-essential gatherings must be limited to 25 people maximum for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Any individual who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000/day.
All Zones
All New Yorkers can take some simple steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Stay home: Stay home, especially if you are sick unless you are leaving for essential medical care
or other essential errands.
• Physical distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from other people. Do not attend large gatherings,
especially indoor gatherings. Remember to keep a safe distance between you and others even
when wearing a face covering.
• Wear a face covering: Protect those around you. You can be contagious without having
symptoms and spread the disease when you cough, sneeze or talk. When worn correctly
(covering both your nose and mouth), face coverings can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Practice healthy hand hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand
sanitizer if soap and water are not available; clean frequently touched surfaces regularly; avoid
touching your face with unwashed hands; and cover coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your
hands.
• Get tested. To find a COVID-19 testing site near you, visit nyc.gov/covidtest or call 212-COVID19
(212-268-4319). Testing is free at many sites, including all sites operated by Health + Hospitals
and the NYC Health Department.
For general information on COVID-19, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus or text “COVID” to 692-692.
Message and data rates may apply.
New York City may change recommendations as the situation evolves.
