Local authorities are keeping close watch on high-risk areas, including parts of Nassau that are in what the state is calling orange and yellow zones for the spread of COVID-19.

These spots are areas where coronavirus cases are on the rise, which means new restrictions must be put in place, such as limiting how many people can get together in houses of worship.

COVID-19 restrictions are in effect for parts of the Five Towns area of Nassau County as a way to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Houses of worship are doing what they can – a synagogue in Lawrence prepared for Saturday night's religious celebration with outdoor seating.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder says his department will be enforcing COVID-19 restrictions at local houses of worship in the areas where there has been a spike in coronavirus cases.

"Work with us and stay compliant, we're not looking to drop the hammer and send home fines unless you're blatant,” Ryder says.

Police say it's challenging work, especially because there's a religious celebration this weekend. They say they're not looking to disturb the celebration or hurt business, they just want to keep people safe.

"Big part of the Jewish faith, we understand that, we will work with them. Everyone have a mask on and remain socially distant," Ryder says.

Parts of Lawrence and Inwood are in the orange zone of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's three-colored chart, which means capacity at houses of worship is capped at 25 people, gatherings are limited to 10 people, and schools are remote-learning only.

Cuomo urged faith leaders to keep strict guidelines in place over the coming holiday weekend - a holiday where typically large groups of people get together and there's dancing.

People who live in the surrounding area say they are glad to see the enforcement.

"The enforcement should go across the board, it shouldn't be just about you, it doesn't stay in one pot, it spills to others," says Bryant Murphy, of Springfield Gardens.

Police say if you're in violation of the new restrictions in a hotspot, they may give you a warning first. After that, fines are in upwards of $15,000.