Gov. Andrew Cuomo eased COVID-19 cluster restrictions Wednesday in Orange County after he says progress was made, but there is still a degree of tension in the community.

Three weeks ago, the cluster had a reported a 12% positivity rate. That has dropped to 2% along with the number of hospitalizations flattening out. The red zone became orange – meaning:

Houses of worship are now allowed at 33% capacity or up to 25 people.

Restaurants are now able to serve customers outdoors with a cap of four people per table.

High-risk businesses, like gyms and personal care services, are still shuttered.

Schools remain closed as students learn remotely.

However, County Executive Steve Neuhaus says predominantly Orthodox Jewish private schools in Palm Tree are open because the governor has agreed to deem them "child care services."

That has created tension with other schools nearby.

"I am seeing some improvement, but I would also like to see a universal policy that impacts everybody and not penalize one group over the other,” he says.

The red zone in Rockland County also showed improvement but is remaining red for now.