State targets coronavirus micro-clusters

FINGER LAKES--As COVID-19 cases continue to go up in the Finger Lakes region, New York state announced last week it would use a color-code system to help target outbreaks of the virus. The state specifically noted Steuben and Chemung Counties as focus areas.
"Cluster zone" focus areas are designated based on geographic case prevalence and restrictions are implemented accordingly based on the severity of spread. Buffer zones with fewer restrictions are implemented in the areas outside the most impacted areas to help prevent further spread.
Once an area meets certain metrics it may be designated a focus zone: a red "micro-cluster zone" (with accompanying orange and/or yellow buffer zones) or an orange warning zone (with potential for accompanying yellow buffer zone) or solely a yellow precautionary zone.
Steuben County was initially placed at the yellow level and Chemung as orange with a yellow buffer.
On Monday, Oct. 26, Yates County reported 12 new cases since their last update on Friday. One case was related to Keuka College, one was a Dundee Elementary School student, five are close contacts of previous positive cases, and the other five are community-acquired cases. There are 32 active cases.
In Schuyler County, there were 10 new cases since Oct. 23. The number of active cases is currently 26.
Steuben County reported 44 cases since Saturday in their Monday update. They also said "New York state guidelines now state that school students or staff are to be deemed positive if symptomatic and not tested or provided with an alternative diagnosis by their healthcare provider after 48 hours." Their daily update now has a new category for "deemed positive."
Chemung has 547 active cases of which 389 are at Elmira Correctional Facility and one is at the Southport Correctional Facility.