Hospitalizations saw a slight increase Wednesday, despite two new deaths reported by Butler Memorial Hospital.

According to Wednesday's report by Butler Health System, one inpatient died Tuesday and another died Wednesday.

Butler Memorial Hospital also reported treating 35 hospitalized patients for COVID-19 symptoms, an increase of three from its report Monday. Of the total inpatients, 33 have confirmed cases of the virus and four are being treated in the intensive care unit.

BHS also reported an uptick at Clarion Hospital, which now has seven inpatients with six of them having tested positive for COVID-19. Clarion Hospital has one patient in intensive care.

The state Department of Health also attributed two new deaths to Butler County in its report Wednesday; however, these may not align with the timing of the hospital's report due to a lag of reporting.

It may be possible that the patient who died Wednesday appears in Thursday's Department of Health report. It is also possible the person who died is a resident of a different county and would then count toward its total instead of Butler County.

Health care professionals at every level continue to advise for the public to take action in combatting the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing more than 6 feet from another person are commonly advised mitigation tactics.

Re-enforcing these sentiments, Allegheny County Department of Health Director Debra Bogen issued a stay-at-home and stop social gatherings public health advisory to all Allegheny County residents.

“For the past few weeks, I've asked people to follow the rules, curtail gatherings and parties, stay home except for essentials and wear masks,” Bogen said in a news conference Monday. “I'm done asking and today, I'm telling you that these are things we must all do to bring down the level of spread and keep our community safe.”

This is a breaking news report — pick up Thursday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online to read more.