Site last updated: Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

County COVID cases spike, BHS inpatient cases shrink

The state reported a spike in COVID-19 cases, but Butler Health System reported a reduction in inpatients Tuesday.

As of noon Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 16 new cases in Butler County, bringing its total confirmed cases to 107. Despite the jump, the county's death toll remained at two, according to the state update.

As of Tuesday morning, Butler Memorial Hospital reported 11 inpatients being treated for coronavirus-like symptoms, which is five fewer patients than Monday.

Of these 11 inpatients, two have suspected cases of COVID-19 and nine tested positive. Three of those 11 patients are being treated in the BMH intensive care unit.

BHS also provided statistics for Clarion Hospital, which has two inpatients, one with a suspected case of COVID-19 and one with a confirmed case. One of the five patients is being treated in Clarion's ICU.

In addition to treating patients with the virus, BHS continues to test people for the virus daily. Through Monday, the hospital has run 1,591 tests, with 1,222 of those being done at its outdoor facility on Brady Street in Butler. Testing has yielded 101 positive results.

Also through Monday, Clarion Hospital has tested 322 patients to date, with 264 tests done through its outdoor facility. Through its tests, Clarion Hospital identified seven confirmed results.

BHS spokeswoman Jana Panther said supply availability is adequate at this time, but BHS continues to encourage donations of personal protective equipment. People wishing to donate supplies, especially personal protective equipment, may arrange it through covid19donations@butlerhealthsystem.org.

Panther said BHS will continue delaying elective procedures and visitation through April 30.

The Department of Health reports data for the entire state and all of its counties. The state reported 1,579 additional positive cases of the coronavirus since its last update Monday, bringing the statewide total to 14,559. It also reported 78 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 240.

The report said 76,719 patients statewide tested negative for the virus to date.

Butler County's largest neighbor to the south, Allegheny County, reported 689 confirmed cases, a rise of 47 cases. Six Allegheny County residents have died due to the virus.

Based on the report, data for the surrounding counties are as follows: Westmoreland, 177 confirmed cases; Beaver, 116 confirmed cases and nine deaths; Lawrence, 29 confirmed cases and two deaths; Mercer, 26 confirmed cases; Armstrong, 18 confirmed cases; Clarion, nine confirmed cases; and Venango, five confirmed cases.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS