This slide was displayed during the virtual panel and shows a graph displaying the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Butler County per day from the start of the pandemic to Thursday.

Butler Health System on Thursday conducted a live virtual panel and discussion regarding the recent resurgence of COVID-19 with community business owners and leaders.

“We are busier than we have ever been with COVID-19 patients,” said BHS President and CEO Ken DeFurio.

DeFurio guided the panel of multiple doctors leading the system's efforts in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As proof of the recent trend, Dr. John Love, BHS director of infectious disease, pointed to the most recent weekend, which saw the largest number of hospitalizations — 30 at Butler Memorial Hospital — and positive tests results — 120 reported by the Department of Health last Friday.

“I'm not expecting this trend to significantly change a lot,” Love said.

For about an hour, the panel spoke on issues related to their areas of expertise and answered questions from the invited business owners and public.

This is a breaking news report — read more about the panel in Friday's Butler Eagle.