The number of positive COVID-19 cases continued to climb in several area counties on Monday, August 24.

According to health-department officials, 16 more cases were added in Pettis County over the weekend, increasing the total to 705 from 689 on Friday, August 21. With 575 positive patients released from observation as recovered and six deaths- up one from Friday- there are 124 active cases, including four hospitalized.

Seven new positive cases were added in Lafayette County, raising its total to 210. With 165 positive patients released from observation as recovered and three deaths, there are 42 active cases in the county.

Saline County’s overall positive case count grew by five to 521. With 432 positive patients released from observation as recovered- including two on Monday- and nine deaths, there are 80 active cases.

Five new positive cases were added in Howard County. Of the 88 total positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic, 67 positive cases have been released from observation as recovered, leaving 21 active cases, including two persons hospitalized.

In Cooper County, two positive cases were added, upping its total to 206. With 157 positive cases released from observation as recovered and two deaths, there are 47 active cases in the county, including two persons hospitalized. Eleven positive cases are travel related and 195 are through community transmission. Sixty-nine cases are congregate living (they are included in the total case numbers and community transmission); 65 are inmates and employees; and three are in nursing homes and assisted-living centers.

Updates were not available from Carroll and Chariton Counties.