Western New York is entering phase two of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's reopening plan on Tuesday.

As part of his Tuesday morning press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced good news, in terms of COVID-19 stats in New York.

Empire State Development (ESD) and Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) on Friday detailed the $100 million "New York Forward" loan fund announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, aimed at providing working capital loans to small businesses focusing on MWBEs, small landlords and nonprofit organizations that did not receive funding from the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program and economic injury disaster loans. The fund will target those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 20 or fewer employees, and small landlords who own small multifamily rental portfolios.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday said Western New York will enter into phase one of his "New York Forward" reopening on Tuesday. Nonessential services have been closed since March 20, when Cuomo put "New York State on PAUSE" to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On Sunday, the governor's office posted a site where people can find coronavirus test sites by ZIP code.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday took five New York state regions off his "PAUSE" list, allowing them to reopen.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday outlined additional safety measures businesses should employ once they are allowed to enter phase one of his reopening procedure:

Destination Niagara USA is launching "The Heart of Niagara" campaign to help support two Niagara County charities.

In a YouTube update Monday, Poloncarz said, "Western New York has met five of the seven metrics, pursuant to the date that was received from Western New York. ... The two things that we have not yet met, which is our hospitalization declines, over a 14-day period or a three-day average, as well as hospitalization deaths over a 14-day period or an average."

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced an agreement with Zoom Video Communications that will provide security protections for more than 200 million users on the platform. New security measures are being put in place to support and protect consumers, students, schools, governments, religious institutions and private companies using the application for work, education, prayer and socializing.

Coronavirus testing is ramping up in Western New York.

County leaders are not counting on Erie County or Niagara County coming off Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "New York State on PAUSE" program when the executive order expires May 15.

On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Andrew Cuomo cautioned New Yorkers about abandoning safety practices put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday outlined additional guidelines for when regions can reopen. The state will monitor four core factors:

As part of her weekday afternoon community update Thursday on LCTV, Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh said, "That site is being run by the state Department of Health, and they are requiring that you preregister to be tested at that site. Again, you can call 1-888-364-3065, or head to the website (covid19screening.health.ny.gov).

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday outlined a phased plan to re-open New York and re-imagine a "new normal" for the state starting with construction and manufacturing. The plan will be implemented in phases and will be based on regional analysis and determinations.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul has been tasked with spearheading when and how Western New York will come out of its "New York on PAUSE" restrictions.

In a press conference Tuesday morning at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute in Buffalo, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced elective outpatient treatments can resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term.

Personnel from Upper Mountain Fire Co., Lewiston Fire Co. No. 1, Youngstown Fire Co., Tri Community Ambulance, Ransomville Fire Co., Cambria Fire Co., Lewiston Police Department and the Niagara County Sheriff's Department held an "Appreciation Parade" Saturday evening for Mount St. Mary's health care workers. Lights were flashing with cheers and sirens sounding for hospital staff as the procession moved through the main parking lot as a sign of gratitude for those keeping the community safe and healthy.

Can't find masks online? Need to make a cloth covering? Not sure how? Niagara County has some suggestions.

Stepping into action when needed is part of the Colvin Cleaners mission to help the Western New York community. Now, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Billoni family, owners of Colvin Cleaners, has created an innovative program to provide free, reusable, washable face masks for customers and local nonprofit agencies - including nursing and group homes, which need them most.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced he is extending the "New York State on PAUSE" mandate until May 15, as he wants to see the COVID-19 infection rate lower before he reopens schools and businesses.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday presented what he called "a smart way" and "an informed way, guided by experts and data, and science, and not in a political way," to reopen business across New York and its neighbor states.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Executive Order 202.8 of March 20, 2020 required non-essential businesses in New York State to reduce their onsite workforce by 100%. Only organizations and entities that were deemed essential by the Executive Order are exempt from these restrictions. Empire State Development (ESD) has updated its formal guidelines regarding essential businesses as of April 9, 2020. Please note that ESD's guidance is subject to change as the State adapts its response to combating COVID-19.

Congressman Brian Higgins detailed the U.S. Treasury's plan for distribution of direct payments to Americans provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act approved by Congress on March 27.

Facing an unprecedented spike in unemployment insurance applications related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Department of Labor and the New York State Office of Information Technology Services today announced a "tech surge" in partnership with Google Cloud, Deloitte and Verizon to improve the reliability of the state's online and telephone-based unemployment insurance application systems. The "tech surge" will include critical upgrades to the Department of Labor's technology systems that will increase its capacity to accept and process applications, making it easier for New Yorkers to apply for benefits.

The New York State Education Department on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the June 2020 administration of Regents exams, and released guidance on modifications to requirements for students to graduate and earn their high school diplomas, credentials and endorsements.

In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, Congress has taken swift action, through three funding packages, to provide emergency relief hospitals, communities and workers.

Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, and his colleagues on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security requested and won agreement by the U.S. Department of Treasury to automatically provide stimulus checks to senior citizens who are Social Security recipients - reversing course on previous directives that would have required seniors to complete forms to receive the COVID-19 relief payment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a complete halt of community and business activity for many in Western New York. Until the pandemic risk subsides, many businesses will continue to be interrupted.

Empire State Development sent the following information to Niagara County elected leaders, who are sharing it with NFP.

Destination Niagara USA sent the following information to Niagara County elected leaders, who are sharing it with NFP.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Sunday announced all "New York State on PAUSE" functions will be extended for the next two weeks. He also directed the state nonessential workforce to continue to work from home for an additional two weeks, through April 15. The state will re-evaluate after this additional two-week period.

Though elected leaders and nonprofit agencies are working around the clock to provide resources and educate the public on all of the above, many people still want to seek out their regular places of comfort, guidance and support for further reassurance: Churches, temples and mosques.

Local leaders are working to establish a community watch program within the River Region as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and businesses are working with reduced staff.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced he is signing the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to "assure uniform safety for everyone."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted the following: "I will sign an Executive Order mandating that 100% of workforce must stay home, excluding essential services. This order excludes pharmacies, grocery stores, and others."

Our community's new normal is drastically different than what it was one week ago. Businesses, organizations and residents have had to adapt to changes that seem to be happening by the hour. New ways of doing business has evolved with owners becoming innovative with what they have to offer. Some businesses have had to adjust their hours or close - hopefully temporarily. The workplace has changed, the community has changed, the home has changed. It is a change for everyone.