New York City and the surrounding suburban counties have been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, leading in the death toll and hospitalization rate in the country. But for counties in upstate New York, the numbers of infections and deaths have told a different story.

This could be for a variety of reasons: Testing of the virus was not readily available in recent weeks outside of New York City, and largely restricted to those who meet specific criteria. Social distancing measures, too, could have proved effective over the last several weeks.

Either way, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday gave no indication the “pause” order for non-essential businesses and schools will let up earlier for upstate counties.

“Everyone is in that same position. At the same time, people will say I don’t want to get out and get sick and die, right? Death is bad,” Cuomo said at his daily briefing in Albany. “Even though [staying] at home and not getting a paycheck is bad, it’s not as bad as death.”

Cuomo also noted there are still dangers and clusters of the virus possible, especially in nursing homes.

Erie County, meanwhile, has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases outside of the metropolitan area.

“It’s not just about — yes, everyone wants the economy running — but everyone wants to be safe, also,” Cuomo said.

Still, Cuomo is facing calls for the process to move along.

The state Republican Committee on Twitter Friday called for a “tiered approach to re-opening our state.”

“One size does not fit all of our local or regional economies,” the state GOP posted to Twitter.

New York in March lost nearly 43,000 private-sector jobs as the pause went into effect, closing businesses and public gathering areas. More than one million people in recent weeks have applied for unemployment benefits.

Cuomo this week began to take the first steps toward a re-opening. He’s working with governors from neighboring northeast states to develop an approach that can be coordinated. And he wants to begin to expand the definition of what is considered an “essential” business, though no timetable has been announced.

“It’s important to get the economy open wherever you can, as soon as you can, whenever you can,” Cuomo said. “People had a nice break and were in their homes. I think everyone is well past 'I’ve had a nice break.' ”