The total number of positive COVID-19 cases continued to increase in several area counties on Tuesday, September 1.

According to health-department officials, nine new positive cases were confirmed in Cooper County, increasing its overall positive case count to 242 since the beginning of the pandemic. With 206 positive patients recovered and three deaths, there are 33 active cases. Eleven cases are travel related and 231 are through community transmission. Congregate-living cases number 105- 74 inmates and 31 employees. Thirteen positive cases are in nursing homes and assisted-living centers.

Seven new positive cases were reported in Pettis County, increasing the total to 770. With 654 positive patients released from observation as recovered and nine deaths, there are 107 active cases, including three persons hospitalized.

With seven new positive cases confirmed in Howard County, its overall total is 161. Since 96 positive patients have recovered, there are 65 active cases, including three persons hospitalized.

Lafayette County health officials report five new positive cases, upping the county’s total to 245. With three deaths and 200 recoveries, there are 42 active cases.

The number of new positive cases equaled the number of recoveries- four- in Saline County. The total number of positive cases increased to 553. With nine deaths and 468 recoveries, the active case count remains at 76, including one person hospitalized.

Three new positive cases were confirmed in Chariton County, raising its overall total to 47. Since 26 positive patients released from public health isolation as recovered, there are 21 active cases.

An update was not available from Carroll County.