Coronavirus Positivity Rates Hold Steady In Central Queens: Data

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Positive COVID-19 testing rates are holding steady in the Central Queens "yellow zone," according to state data released Wednesday.

On average, 2.6 percent of coronavirus tests in the region have been coming back positive in the last week, the data from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office shows.

That rate has oscillated between 2 percent and 2.7 percent since early October, according to the data, which does not include raw numbers on cases in cluster regions.

Health officials have continued to closely monitor positivity rates in Kew Gardens Hills, Kew Gardens and Forest Hills since localized lockdowns there were loosened in mid-October.

Experts say that data point is an indication of how widespread transmission is in a given area.

"We're staying on top of this situation by continuing our aggressive micro-cluster strategy, expanding testing capacity and enforcing compliance of the public health law," Cuomo said in a statement. "But New Yorkers must continue to practice the basic daily behaviors that make such a difference in our ability to slow the spread."

Central Queens was deemed a "red zone" after the positivity rate surpassed 4 percent at the end of September, prompting Cuomo to enact localized restrictions on schools, businesses and social gatherings.

Under the "yellow zone" designation, schools can open with mandatory weekly testing of students and teachers, restaurants may offer indoor and outdoor dining with a maximum of four people per table, non-essential businesses can reopen and gatherings of up to 25 people can resume.

Also included in the "yellow zone" are parts of Corona, Elmhurst, Jamaica, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill and Woodhaven.