UPDATE: Butler County officials responded Saturday afternoon to the BHS announcement of the first case of the coronavirus confirmed in Butler County.

In a statement released by Steven Bicehouse, director of emergency services for Butler County, leaders were made aware of the results shortly before noon and have been in continued contact and communication with local health care providers and municipalities in an effort to determine needs countywide.

" We encourage everyone to continue to use the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines for social distancing, hand-washing and testing as well as heed the President's and Governor's guidelines for self-quarantine," officials said in the release. "We will continue to evaluate the situation within the County and region and provide support for our partners and the public."

Officials at Butler Health System confirmed the county's first case of the coronavirus shortly before noon Saturday.

The patient, who had been sick, was directed by his physician to be tested at BHS's outdoor site earlier in the week. The patient, a Butler County resident, is recovering at home.

BHS notified the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Butler County of the confirmed case.

BHS is working collaboratively with the PA Department of Health in the ongoing care and monitoring of this patient.

“Butler Health System has been prepared for COVID-19, and has implemented the proper protocols and infection control best practices," John Love, medical director of infectious diseases for BHS said in a statement released by the regional health care system. "

In addition to its internal processes and controls, BHS said in its statement that the health care system adheres to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

"The top priority at BHS is the safety of patients, staff and the community," Love said. "BHS continues to care for all patients throughout its network."

The health care system further emphasized that individuals who are not feeling well should first contact their primary care doctor or the BHS Care Center at 833-602-CARE for guidance before visiting a doctor's office, urgent care or emergency department.

BHS also emphasized the use its website, butlerhealthsystem.org, for information, guidance, and links to the CDC and PA Department of Health.

No other information about the patient or their circumstances was released by BHS.

The Eagle will update this story as more information becomes available. For more information and other updates related to COVID-19, please make sure to check our Butler Eagle website and follow us on Facebook.