You are reading

Schools in COVID-19 Hotspots Will Close Beginning Tomorrow: Cuomo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)

Oct. 5, 2020 By Allie Griffin

New York City will close schools Tuesday that are located in nine ZIP codes across Brooklyn and Queens where the number of COVID-19 cases remain stubbornly high, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today.

The state will close both public and private schools in the ZIP codes that have become cluster areas– including Kew Gardens (11415), Kew Gardens Hills (11367) and Far Rockaway (11691).

The infection rate of residents in these ZIP codes is well above the statewide rate of 1.22 percent, Cuomo said, citing Oct. 4 data.

Kew Gardens has a 14-day infection rate of 3.81 percent; Kew Gardens Hills has a 14-day infection rate of 3.86 percent and Far Rockaway has a 14-day infection rate of 5.63 percent, as of Oct. 4, according to city data.

Nine Hotspots where schools will close starting Tuesday

The schools will close tomorrow for an undetermined amount of time Cuomo announced Monday after speaking with the mayor and other city leaders earlier in the day.

“My number one concern has always been schools,” Cuomo said. “I said to the parents of this state, ‘I will not allow your child to be sent to any school that I would not send my child — period.'”

The governor added that he wouldn’t send his child to a school in one of the hotspots and New York City parents shouldn’t either.

He said New York City must also increase its enforcement in the cluster areas, adding that the situation is past the point of public education and warnings.

“These clusters have to be attacked,” Cuomo said during a press briefing.

He also said he would require religious institutions to agree to enforce COVID-19 regulations or face closure.

Mass religious gatherings are one of the greatest causes of viral spread, Cuomo said.

But the governor held back on approving the closure of non-essential business in the nine ZIP codes, which Mayor Bill de Blasio called for on Sunday.

Cuomo said the state needs to drill down and find out exactly where the problem spots are first before taking such a bold move.

The governor said the ZIP code borders are imperfect — and that hotspots often do not fit squarely within a ZIP code boundary.

Cuomo will enlist epidemiologists and city leaders to draw new borders based on the viral spread. Non-essential businesses within the new borders may be shuttered.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Finding Room to Grow: NYC Apartment Buildings Designed with Families in Mind

Jul. 29, 2025 By Tara Lustberg

Finding family-friendly housing in NYC can be a challenge, especially with the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment in NYC averaging over $5,400 per month, according to apartments.com. According to reports, this is significantly higher (148%) than the national average and has increased by 7% since December 2023. But some properties offer thoughtful amenities for families, making city living seem more manageable.

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.