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As national and state officials look for ways to safely reopen parts of an economy that continues to be crippled by the coronavirus pandemic, local health care officials are also exploring ways to restart services that have been on hold for nearly a month.Jana Panther, spokeswoman for Butler Health System, reported today that the regional health care system is closing examining its options and consulting with other area health care leaders about when and how to safely resume health care services - including elective visits, procedures and surgeries."Much discussion is taking place among politicians and in the media about 'reopening' the economy, including healthcare," Panther said in her daily update to the media. "It is a relief to begin thinking about resuming elective visits, procedures and surgeries. But this is an exceptionally complex issue, and we are considering it very carefully."Panther went on to say that no official date has been selected for resuming services, however planning is expected to begin tomorrow with BHS leadership and its medical staff coming together for initial discussions.The hospital system remains in daily contact with other regional health care providers - including UPMC, AHN, Heritage Valley Health System, Excela and Washington Health System. Together, the health care systems look to develop a regional approach as to how - and when - to safely resume services.Additionally, Panther said BHS is closely studying recommendations from the Pa. Dept. of Health and the Northeast US coalition of governors, as well as studying recommendations from U.S. Government health agencies.The data listed below does not include the statewide updated COVID-19 numbers as those will be released at noon. Make sure to check back in with the Butler Eagle later for the update data.

Confirmed cases: 154Deaths: 5

New cases: 1,245Total cases: 27,735New deaths: 60Total deaths: 707Negative tests: 113,2735

Allegheny: 925 confirmed cases and 38 deathsWestmoreland: 240 confirmed cases and 13 deathsBeaver: 168 confirmed cases and 14 deathsLawrence: 55 confirmed cases and 5 deathsMercer: 50 confirmed casesArmstrong: 32 confirmed cases and 1 deathClarion: 17 confirmed casesVenango: 6 confirmed cases

Inpatients: 8Suspected: 2Confirmed: 6ICU: 2Total tests: 2,075Outdoor tests: 1,550Positive tests: 175

Inpatients: 2Confirmed: 2ICU: 1Total tests: 450Outdoor tests: 374Positive tests: 15