Of the benchmarks needed to reopen some businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, the Western New York region is going in the wrong direction — even if just for the moment.

The region, comprised of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Erie and Niagara counties, has met four of the seven metrics outlined by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose NY on PAUSE restrictions begin to lift today while others have been extended to May 28. As recent as Thursday afternoon, the region had been meeting five of the seven metrics.

However, the number of new hospitalizations related to COVID-19 increased over a three-day average in Western New York. The other metrics not currently met include a 14-day decline in hospital deaths or fewer than five deaths per day on a three-day average; and rate of new hospitalizations under two per 1,000 residents on a three-day rolling average.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said previously he believes the region will be ready to begin reopening by June 1. “We are working very hard to reopen this community as quickly as possible,” he said this week.

Regions set to begin reopening today include Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, the Finger Lakes, the North Country, and the Southern Tier. Cuomo’s plan allows construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting, manufacturing and wholesale trade businesses to start reopening in the first phase. Retail stores can also provide curbside or in-store pickup or drop-off.

“Big question to me is how many businesses choose to reopen tomorrow,” Cuomo said.

The state is still advising residents to wear masks, practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals. And prohibitions on large gatherings of any size remain in effect.

Cuomo urged New Yorkers to proceed with caution.

“There is no law or regulation that tells you how to interact with your personal relationships,” he said. “That’s up to you. I hope you do it smartly.”

The state reported another 157 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in nursing homes and hospitals died Wednesday. The number of overall hospitalizations is continuing to gradually decline, but the average of new COVID-19 patients entering hospitals has ticked up for a third day to 420, up from 401.

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, while acknowledging that Western New York would not meet the metrics to reopen today, announced that he was extending the county’s state of emergency for up to an additional 30 days. In a news release, he said the extension will help the county qualify for state and federal assistance related to the pandemic.

The county executive recommended area resident continue to “Do the Five,” a set of guidelines to help stop the spread of the virus: washing hands often, coughing into an elbow, avoid touching the face, staying 6 feet apart and staying home when feeling sick.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.