As of May 4th, New York has 316,415 positive COVID cases and an additional 226 deaths in the past 24 hours. Now that data is clearly reflecting the positive effects of social distancing protocols and the healthcare system is better managing the crisis, Governor Cuomo is beginning to outline the particulars of a phased in reopening. This phasing-in plan will be dependent on data and is contingent on the state, and each region, meeting CDC guidelines for reopening. The core regional factors that must be in place in order to initiate a regional re-opening are the ability to closely monitor, on a daily basis: new infections, healthcare capacity, diagnostic testing capacity and results, and contact tracing capacity and results.