State launches micro-cluster address tool

FINGER LAKES--With COVID-19 numbers skyrocketing across the nation, county health officials say it would only take a small shift in COVID numbers for a micro-cluster to be declared locally. Depending on the level of the micro-cluster, which is designated once a geographic area hits a specific rate of infection, it could result in the closure of schools and certain businesses. A new tool on the state cluster action initiative website allows any address to be checked for current restrictions.
"If an area meets these metrics, targeted restrictions related to houses of worship, mass gatherings, businesses, dining, and schools are implemented," said Deborah Dalmat, public health specialist for the Schuyler County Department of Health.
Micro-cluster designations are currently labeled as yellow, orange and red with red being the most serious.
Dalmat, speaking on behalf of Schuyler and Yates County Director of Public Health Deborah Minor, said for a micro-cluster to be declared five different determining factors must first be met.
"All of the following would need to occur: a seven-day rolling average positivity above 4 percent for 10 days, 15 or more new daily cases per 100,000 residents on a seven-day average (and geographic areas have) five new cases per day on a seven day average for geographic areas with 10,000 or more residents, minimum of three new cases on a seven day average per day for areas with less than 10,000 residents," Dalmat said.
Along with the statistical requirement, any increase in positive cases or positivity must reflect community spread, and cannot be explained by a cluster in a single institution. Then the state department of health (DOH), in consultation with the local health department of the affected area would determine if a micro-cluster designation would be appropriate.
"In terms of the average seven-day positivity rate, neither Schuyler nor Yates County have met this metric at this point," Dalmat said.
With a population of less than 50,000 people, Dalmat said both Yates and Schuyler have been designated at Tier 4 level counties. Dalmat added that while micro-cluster designations are designed to stymy the spread of the virus from hard-hit areas, she stated even without micro-cluster designations currently in effect locally it is still wise to be cautious.
"General guidelines of mask-wearing, social distancing, and contact tracing can help contain the spread of the virus," Dalmat said.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 1 there are currently no micro-cluster areas in Schuyler or Yates County. A new tool designed by the state allows a person to check any address for a micro-cluster designation. It is available at https://forward.ny.gov/.