Eight confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Butler County

    The Butler County Public Health Department confirmed that, over the weekend, six new cases of COVID-19 were identified among Butler County residents.

    According to the coronavirus.iowa.gov database, the total now includes two adults, four middle-age adults and two older adults. None of these cases are flagged as recovered.

    "Our numbers have increased dramatically since Friday due to increased testing occurring around the state and at manufacturing plants in our area," Public Health Director Jennifer Becker said. "We anticipate as the number of people being tested increases, so will the number of positive cases in Butler County."

    Becker noted that HIPAA and Iowa privacy laws prevent the Public Health Department from disclosing any additional information about the cases, including the location or occupation of the positive cases.

    "We know there are more cases in Butler County than our current numbers reflect simply because the testing criteria had been more restrictive until very recently," Becker said. "It is prudent to assume that anyone you come in contact with could be positive and follow all the guidelines to keep yourself safe; such as keep a six-foot distance from other people, wear a mask, and wash your hands."

    Becker encouraged those interested in keeping track of Butler County's numbers to monitor the Iowa Department of Public Health's coronavirus.iowa.gov database for further updates.

    A total of 106 tests have been administered to Butler County residents, with 98 coming back negative.