Despite statewide spikes in coronavirus cases, Butler Health System reported a reduction in inpatients Tuesday.

The Department of Health reported 1,579 additional positive cases statewide of the coronavirus since its last update Monday, bringing the statewide total to 14,559.

It also reported 78 new deaths among positive cases, bringing the statewide total to 240.

The report stated 76,719 patients statewide tested negative for the virus to date.

Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine acknowledged that results Tuesdays have seen regular spikes.

“I wouldn't use the term inflated, but yes there is sometimes a lag time in reporting cases and particularly deaths into our data system,” Levine said.

Levine said the surge in cases reported typically comes from the weekend. The deadline for counties to submit this daily data to the department is midnight.

Although the spike came again Tuesday, Levine referred to the situation in southwestern Pennsylvania as more favorable, when answering another question.

“The local data is absolutely critically important,” she said. “So far in the last number of days, we have seen a flattening of the curve in southwestern Pennsylvania, which is very positive, but you have to remember that one or two or three days' data is not conclusive.”

Levine said the department will continue to monitor all of its counties, including looking at three and seven-day averages that likely will play a large part in the decision to lift the lockdown. A timetable for lifting the lockdown was not discussed.

As of noon Tuesday, the Department of Health reported 16 new cases in Butler County, bringing its total confirmed cases to 107. Despite the jump in cases, the county's death toll remained at two, according to the state update.

As of Tuesday morning, Butler Memorial Hospital reported 11 inpatients being treated for coronavirus-like symptoms, which is five fewer patients than Monday.

Of these 11 inpatients, two have suspected cases of COVID-19 and nine tested positive. Three of those 11 patients are being treated in the BMH intensive care unit.

BHS also provided statistics for Clarion Hospital, which has two inpatients, one with a suspected case of COVID-19 and one with a confirmed case. One of the patients is being treated in Clarion's ICU.

BHS continues to test people for the virus daily. Through Monday, the hospital has conducted 1,591 tests, with 1,222 of those being done at its outdoor facility on Brady Street in Butler. Testing has yielded 101 positive results.

Also through Monday, Clarion Hospital has tested 322 patients to date, with 264 tests taken at its outdoor facility. Through its tests, Clarion Hospital identified seven confirmed results.

BHS spokeswoman Jana Panther said medical supply availability is adequate at this time, but BHS continues to encourage donations of personal protective equipment. People wishing to donate supplies, especially personal protective equipment, may arrange it through covid19donations@butlerhealthsystem.org.

Panther said BHS will continue delaying elective procedures and visitation through April 30.

Based on the state report, Butler County's largest neighbor to the south, Allegheny County, reported 689 confirmed cases, a rise of 47 cases. Six Allegheny County residents also died due to the virus.

Data for the surrounding counties is as follows: Westmoreland, 177 confirmed cases; Beaver, 116 confirmed cases and nine deaths; Lawrence, 29 confirmed cases and two deaths; Mercer, 26 confirmed cases; Armstrong, 18 confirmed cases; Clarion, nine confirmed cases; and Venango, five confirmed cases.