With five regions of New York beginning Phase 1 of reopening Friday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo outlined guidelines for continued safety, and announced that New York beaches would reopen ahead of Memorial Day Weekend.

Returning to the Capitol after press conferences across the state this week, the governor said New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware will be opening their beaches and lakeshores the Friday before the holiday weekend, but at 50 percent capacity.

The governor stressed that a regional approach is critical.

"If New Jersey opens beaches and Connecticut opens beaches, you would see a flood of [New Yorkers] heading to Connecticut and New Jersey," he said.

Those going to beaches must wear masks, the governor said, and no concessions will be open. Social distancing is also still in effect.

The Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, North Country, Central and Mohawk Valley regions of the state began Phase 1 of reopening today, allowing a return for business structures like manufacturing, construction and some retail businesses for curbside pickup only. Cuomo stressed continued strict adherence to social distancing guidelines, though, as well as wearing a mask when social distancing isn't possible.

Across the state, hospitalizations have dropped, but 132 people died in the last 24 hours. That's down from Thursday's total of 157.

Cuomo said that as New York's curve is flattening, the nation's isn't.