Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz spoke with the public on Monday afternoon and talked about the process of Western New York reopening.

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According to WIVB, Poloncarz said he's confident Erie County would be able to reopen by June 1st, but it's still possible the county could reopen by before June 1st, possibly by May 15th, although Poloncarz admits that would be a little tight with just a few days until Friday, May 15th.

If the region meets qualifications between May 15th and June 1st, Poloncarz said the area CAN open up and does not have to wait until June 1st.

The total number of deaths and hospitalizations are the last two benchmarks that Western New York needs to clear before being allowed to reopen.

Once Erie County and Western New York is allowed to reopen, that means Phase 1 would take place for at least two weeks.

Reopened businesses in Phase 1 would include all construction, manufacturing and some retail for delivery and curbside pickup. Poloncarz says it includes "a lot of retail," as long as the business has a plan in place to keep the public safe.

Read the full story and watch the press conference Mark Poloncarz gave at WIVB.

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