Eagle Staff Report

Butler County saw just six confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, compared to Wednesday’s record high of 17 new confirmed cases in one day.

No new deaths were reported locally.

Statewide, the Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed an additional 719 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported overnight, bringing the statewide total to 92,867.

Also overnight, state health officials reported 36 new deaths attributed to the virus, bringing the statewide total to 6,848.

Of the 719, more than 44 percent of the new cases were in two counties on opposite ends of the state — with 158 new cases in Allegheny County and 161 cases in Philadelphia County.

The number of tests administered since July 2 is 121,032 with 5,625 positive test results, according to a news release issued by the state.

“As the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine.

While she called Pennsylvania “a model for the country on how to reopen effectively,” Levine also pointed to the rise in cases, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania, which includes Butler County, as well as neighboring counties to the south, east and west.

“The virus has not gone away and we are seeing cases rise,” Levine said.

State health officials stressed wearing masks as critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19, pointing out the measure is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home.

The following numbers on the coronavirus pandemic were compiled from regular news releases from the state Department of Health.

Thursday's COVID-19 statistics:

Confirmed cases: 357Probable cases: 39Negative tests: 8,108Deaths: 13

New cases: 719Total cases: 92,867New deaths: 36Total deaths: 6,848Recovered: 77 percent

Allegheny: 4,180 confirmed cases; 68,866 negative; and 193 deathsArmstrong: 80 confirmed; 2,556 negative; and 6 deathsBeaver: 773 confirmed; 7,441 negative; and 79 deathsClarion: 47 confirmed; 1,102 negative; and 2 deathsLawrence: 124 confirmed; 3,152 negative; and 9 deathsMercer: 140 confirmed; 4,949 negative; and 6 deathsVenango: 20 confirmed; 1,471 negative; and 0 deathsWestmoreland: 890 confirmed; 20,928 negative; and 39 deaths.