Butler County saw three new deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 123 new cases on Friday, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Statewide, 216 new deaths and 9,320 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 13,608 deaths and 538,655 cases since the pandemic began in the spring.

In the county, the new totals are 5,043 cases and 142 deaths.

The Butler Health System reported small decreases in the number of cases at Butler Memorial Hospital and Clarion Hospital.

BMH said the number of inpatients and confirmed cases decreased from 52 on Wednesday to 48 on Friday, but the number of patients in intensive care increased from 13 to 15.

The number of inpatients at Clarion Hospital fell from 19 on Wednesday to 17 on Friday, but the number of confirmed cases increased from three to 16 and the number of patients in intensive care increased by one to four.

Across the state, 6,209 people, double the peak in the spring, are hospitalized with the coronavirus, Of that number, 1,246 patients are in intensive care. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older, according to the health department.

The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 5,300 since the end of September. The statewide percent positivity for the week of Dec. 4 to 10 was 16.2%.

There are 38,208 people who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 640 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

A little more than 3.1 million people have tested negative to date.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 46,545 cases among residents and 8,514 cases among employees, for a total of 55,059 at 1,421 facilities in all 67 counties. Out of total deaths in the state, 8,047 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities.

Mask wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistently wearing masks is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19, the health department said.