BUFFALO, N.Y. — The number of COVID-19 related deaths continues to rise in Erie County.
According to the county's COVID-19 map, there are now 400 COVID-19 related deaths in Erie County.
Erie County has 4,579 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday. That's up from 4,484 on May 11. At this time, Erie County has conducted 27,864 coronavirus tests.
In order for Western New York to begin phase one of reopening, they must meet the seven guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Western New York region, which includes Erie County and Niagara County, still has to meet the 14-day decline in hospitalizations and a 14-day decline in hospitalized deaths.
Over the past few days, Erie County has had a slight increase in hospitalizations. As of Monday, 203 individuals were admitted to Erie County hospitals for COVID-19. This is an increase of 15 cases since the the county's most recent low on May 8.
Of those hospitalized, 72 were in the ICU and 49 had an airway assist.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says the county is headed in the wrong direction.
Erie County officials are encouraging any resident who believes they may have come in contact with COVID-19 to be tested.