More COVID-19-related deaths were reported in an area county over the past few days, and total positive cases continue to climb in the area.

According to health-department officials, seven deaths occurred- two over this past weekend and five on Monday and Tuesday in Saline County. They were all at longterm-care facilities- four women and three men.

Saline County Health Department Administrator Tara Brewer says, “We appreciate the staff of LTC facilities. We know it’s been (a) tough and emotional couple of weeks.”

In Saline County, 19 new positive cases were added on Tuesday, raising its total to 1,662 since the beginning of the pandemic. With 1,470 positive patients released from public health isolation as recovered and 24 total deaths, there are 168 active cases, including eight positive patients hospitalized.

In Pettis County, 99 more positive cases were reported on Tuesday, upping its total to 3,188. With 2,347 recoveries and 30 deaths, there are 811 active cases, including 26 positive patients hospitalized.

Nine new positive cases were reported in Chariton County, increasing its total to 416. With 318 recoveries, there are 98 active cases.

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