Second Shutdown Set For COVID-19 Clusters And Surrounding Areas
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A second shutdown is set for certain parts of New York City.
Community outreach is underway Wednesday. The state plan - called the "Cluster Action Initiative" - has set up COVID-19 hotspot zones where new rules are now being put in place.
"We are in a very real pandemic," said Sherman James, owner of the Qathra Cafe.
As CBS2's John Dias reports, James is one of the lucky ones. His business is surviving the coronavirus pandemic. Wednesday, he is still counting his blessings, since the his cafe in Flatbush is in one of the city's new orange zones, just blocks away from a red zone.
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"It's been tough, and I know it's going to be tough for the people in the red zone," James said.
Orange means he can't start back indoor dining or have more than four people to a party, but says he's willing to do whatever it takes.
"If that's what helps pull us out of this," he said.
Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled the three zone lockdown plan to limit mass gatherings.
Those in the red zone are the cluster and can only have a maximum of 10 people or 25% for worship. No mass gatherings, only essential businesses open, and takeout only for restaurants. Schools are remote.
Rules gradually ease for those in the orange warning zone and yellow precautionary zone.
"We have this opportunity to keep it small and turn it around. It's up to us," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
"A little inconvenient of course, but safety comes first," said Maksim Hasan.
"It's sort of like a swimming pool. When something happens in one corner it spreads," said Kensington resident Richard Miller.
One mother transferred her son to a different school temporarily, since they live in a red zone.
"As long as he's in school. I think the whole remote for kindergarten isn't good," said Christian Kennedy.
Some teachers are growing confused.
"I think we are in the orange. So everyday, we just need to see what's going on," said Joe Catapal, teacher at Ditmas Junior High School.
Last night, protests formed in Borough Park against any form of shutdown in the area. The crowd set a fire and chanted "Jewish lives matter" while blocking buses and chasing away media.
"We are doing a civil disobedience protest and we're going to start doing this
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