NYC Health Department issues coronavirus risk reduction order as Brooklyn neighborhoods see uptick in cases

Health officials are taking action in response to an uptick in coronavirus cases in several Brooklyn neighborhoods.

While most of New York City is near or below 1% rate of positive coronavirus test results, several neighborhoods in the borough are trending in the wrong direction.

Gravesend is now reporting a positivity rate of 6.42% and Midwood is reporting a 5.05% rate of positive tests. Other communities are also above 3%.

The New York City Health Department has now issued a coronavirus risk reduction order that must be followed for non-public schools in high-risk communities.

The order includes having everyone on school premises wear face coverings and remain 6 feet apart.

Schools are required to coordinate with the health department and the Test and Trace Corps to both identify and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

They also have to follow protocols if a staff member of a student is confirmed to have the coronavirus.