BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in his daily press conference Saturday morning that Western New York is on track to enter Phase 3 of reopening this week.
The Western New York region is set to begin Phase 3 on Tuesday.
Phase 3 includes the reopening of personal care services, such as massage therapy, spas, many cosmetology services, nail salons and tattoo parlors. Indoor dining is also included in Phase 3; however, restrictions will be in place.
At this time, New York State has reported the lowest number of coronavirus-related deaths since the pandemic began. Cuomo reports 32 New Yorkers died from COVID-19 on June 12.
The governor also reports the lowest number of coronavirus hospitalizations since March 20. As of June 12, New York State reports 1,734 hospitalizations.
Cuomo says New York State went from having the worst infection rate in the country to the best. He added that New Yorkers must stay smart and continue to look around the nation to see what is going on elsewhere.
"As we look ahead, Western New York is expected to move to Phase 3 this Tuesday and the Capital Region should move to Phase 3 on Wednesday. But as usual, we have to stay smart and continue proceeding with caution. Look around the nation and look at the spikes other states are experiencing - we're not in a vacuum," Governor Cuomo said. "In just about half the states, infection rates are climbing up. New York is the anomaly - we reopened and our rates continue to come down, but only because we continue to remain smart and vigilant in this fight against the COVID virus."