Neighborhood clusters could force new shutdowns in NYC
According to the Department of Health, six neighborhoods, including Williamsburg, Midwood, Bensonhurst, Borough Park and two neighborhoods in Queens, are experiencing a troubling uptick in COVID cases.
[Ads /]
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced earlier in the week that the city would target these neighborhoods, with an emphasis on expanded testing and contact tracing.
RELATED | Cases on the rise in 6 NYC neighborhoods, city to ramp up testing
NYC to ramp up testing in 6 neighborhoods seeing rise in Covid cases
The DOH says starting Friday, there will be regular inspections of non-public schools within these clusters and their adjacent zip codes.
They say a number of enforcement staff will continue to increase in order to provide mask and social distancing cooperation in these areas.
RELATED: Stay informed with ABC7's NYC COVID-19 positivity rate tracker
The city says if progress isn't made by Monday, September 28, there may be immediate scaling back of activities in those areas, including prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people.
RELATED | Fauci: "Encouraged" NJ can avoid new surge in COVID cases by reopening carefully
In addition, non-essential businesses may be forced to shut down.
Fines could be issued to residents who don't wear masks.
Private schools and child care centers may also be closed.
WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic
[Ads /]
Eyewitness to a Pandemic: Episode 6 - To the Streets
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
How coronavirus changed the New York region
Do you have coronavirus symptoms?
What's Open, What's Closed in the Tri-State area
Back to school information
COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
[Ads /]
UPDATES
New York City
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut
abc7NY Phase Tracker: