The number of positive cases of COVID-19 continues to grow by double digits in area counties.

Updates were given from three counties in the KMMO listening area on Thursday, November 12.

According to health department officials, in Saline County, 67 new positive cases were reported, increasing the overall total to 1,389 since the beginning of the pandemic. With 1,115 positive patients released from public health isolation as recovered- including 16 on Thursday- and 16 deaths, there are 258 active cases. Saline County Health Department Administrator Tara Brewer says there have been three outbreaks in longterm-care facilities over the last three days.

In Chariton County, 26 new positive cases were reported, increasing its total to 296. With 157 positive patients recovered- including 14 on Thursday- there are 139 active cases.

Twenty-one new positive cases were reported in Howard County, upping its total to 569. With 519 positive patients recovered- including 13 on Thursday- and one death, there are 49 active cases, including two positive patients hospitalized.

Updates were not available from Carroll, Cooper, Lafayette and Pettis Counties.