Shoppers have returned to the Millcreek Mall in Erie, PA where some crossed the border from Chautauqua County and other parts of New York state, as some stores have reopened after being closed for several weeks because of COVID-19.

"Well we're here for an eye appointment, in Erie, and we're a little bit early. So we thought we'd just drive around and see what was open," said Vincent Alessi, Bemus Point.

Alessi first went to spend a gift card he had for Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of a handful of retailers that opened Friday.

He and his wife then drove around the Milcreek Mall, where several stores were still closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Well after sitting around the house for a long time, it's a little bit different," said Alessi.

"It's exciting but it's also a little nerve-wracking. Unfortunately, until we have a vaccine, we don't have anything else," said James Grunke, Erie Regional Chamber CEO.

Pennsylvania business leaders say the Keystone state has now unlocked the yellow-phase of reopening, as retail stores with exterior entrances are now eligible to open, while those landlocked inside the Millcreek Mall cannot.

The opening is expected to draw thousands of shoppers across state lines.

"It's a double-edged sword right. Yes, of course we want the shoppers. That's always been an important segment for our economy. At the same time it makes us a little concerned of having out of state business. People coming to our community," said Grunke.

The opening comes on the heels of Erie County, PA, posting its largest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases. 

Leaders say they're not surprised, and remind shoppers to practice proper safety guidelines.

"The last thing we want to do is go from yellow to red. We want to go from yellow to green. We expect to see perhaps somewhat of a spike in the next 14 days as the reopening. So I know that we'll be watching that very, very closely," said Grunke.

"I think it's time we have to start looking at phased-in reopenings. I am concerned that there could be an increase in COVID-19 transmission,"  said Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County Health and Human Services director.

Chautauqua County health leaders say they're OK with the opening, and ask shoppers who cross the border to limit travel, use common sense and not bring the virus back with them.

Leaders say they can't stop people from traveling into PA, and will continue to test, trace, isolate and quarantine should the number of cases go up. 

"COVID-19 isn't going away. It's still out there. We know that. Our job is to continue to slow the spread. We can't keep the world locked down though," said Schuyler.

Like the Alessis, who also own a barbershop and beauty salon in Bemus Point, and anxiously await a reopening of their own, after cutting hair for almost 60 years. 

"You kind of miss your customers, every day that you see. It's kind of a personal service so you talk about family friends," said Alessi.

While many retail stores start to reopen, there are a still a number of businesses that remain closed, just like those across the border including hair salons, gyms and casinos.

Schools are still closed and restaurants are still limited to take out and delivery only.

A full list of what's open and what's not can be found here.