NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. (WBEN) - Niagara County did not report any new coronavirus-related deaths over the weekend.
While the death toll remains at 42, there were 28 new positive cases of the virus. So far, 692 positive cases have been confirmed in Niagara County.
There are 353 people who have recovered from COVID-19 in Niagara County. However, 16 people are still hospitalized. There were 17 hospitalizations reported on Friday.
5,276 people have been tested for coronavirus in Niagara County.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said that regions will begin phased reopening starting on Friday. However, Western New York has been unable to meet the criteria to reopen yet, particularly due to the number of hospitalizations in Erie County.
Health Director Dan Stapleton said on Monday he is confident that some businesses can reopen and if staff and customers can be kept safe and also said that there is a mental health component that must be considered.
Niagara County Chairwoman Rebecca Wydysh said she has been in contact with leaders from other counties because the region must reopen as one under the directives by the governor.
"The governor has said it will not be done county-by-county but by region," she said. "...I was hoping to see some movement this week so we can get manufacturing and construction back online. There will be many changes in the coming week. We don't know when the reopening of phase one will begin in Niagara County just yet."
Wydysh stressed that businesses should work on their reopening plan and to consider how social distancing will continue in the workplace.
