The number of people hospitalized across the state due to COVID-19 has declined and the recovery rate continues a slow climb as the state steps up efforts to distribute the vaccines.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that 1,963 people, mostly age 65 and older, are hospitalized and 418 of them are in intensive care.

The 14-day average number of hospitalized patients per day is about 3,700 lower than it was at the peak on Dec. 25, 2020, but is just below what it was at the height of the spring peak on May 3, 2020.

The recovery rate reached 89% from 85% three weeks ago.

This week, a total of 3,172,900 doses will be allocated through Feb. 27, including 225,890 first doses and 180,610 second doses.

As of Feb. 22, 2,034,123 doses have been administered, including 1,474,479 first doses and 559,644 second doses.

The department also reported 2,830 new confirmed cases and 97 new deaths across. In Butler County, two new deaths and 11 new cases were reported.

The following numbers on the coronavirus pandemic were compiled from regular news releases from the state Department of Health and the Butler Health System.COVID-19 statistics from Tuesday are:<b>Butler County</b>Confirmed cases: 8,824Probable cases: 4,917Negative tests: 45,645Deaths: 365<b>Pennsylvania</b>New cases: 2,830Total cases: 917,848New deaths: 97Total deaths: 23,711Recovered: 89%<b>Surrounding Counties</b>Allegheny: 58,991 confirmed cases; 354,505 negative; and 1,697 deathsArmstrong: 3,837 confirmed; 14,567 negative; and 116 deathsBeaver: 10,178 confirmed; 44,651 negative; and 343 deathsClarion: 1,711 confirmed; 7,824 negative; and 81 deathsLawrence: 4,515 confirmed; 17,778 negative; and 181 deathsMercer: 6,368 confirmed; 26,555 negative; and 237 deathsVenango: 2,674 confirmed; 10,285 negative; and 82 deathsWestmoreland: 18,730 confirmed; 85,650 negative; and 666 deaths