Parts of Central New York Community Now in ‘Orange Zone’

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

A short time ago, New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that due to rising COVID-19 infection rates, a number of communities across the Central New York region have been elevated to “orange zones.” Impacted regions include some neighborhoods within the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Further, we have confirmed that Syracuse University is within the newly designated “orange zone” region of Onondaga County.

Per New York State’s “orange zone” designation, the following restrictions will go into effect over the next 48 hours:

• Size of Gatherings: No gathering should exceed 10 people, indoors or outdoors.
• Temporary Closures: Non-essential, high-risk businesses, including gyms and personal care facilities, such as salons, must temporarily close. The Barnes Center at The Arch, which is currently closed, will remain so until further notice.
• Worship: Places of worship are limited to 33 percent capacity, or a maximum of 25 people.
• Public Schools: Public schools are remote, online learning only.
• Dining: Indoor dining is prohibited; outdoor dining may continue with a maximum four people per table.

We are working now to understand what, if any, further implications this change in status will have on our campus. We continue to be in close contact with the New York State Department of Health and Onondaga County Health Department, and will update you as additional guidance is provided to the University.

Please stay safe.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Haynie
Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation