More COVID-19-related deaths were reported in a couple of area counties on Wednesday, December 23.

According to health-department officials, in Cooper County, seven deaths were added since the last update on December 17, raising the county’s total to 15 since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, The county’s total of positive cases increased by 107 from 1,479 to 1,586. With 1,305 recoveries and 15 deaths, there are 266 active cases in the county, including two hospitalizations. Of the total number of positive cases, 1,437 are Cooper County residents; 149 corrections inmates; and 77 at nursing and/or assisted-living homes.

Saline County reported the death toll is up to 43- an increase of one from Tuesday, December 22. Thirty-two more positive cases were confirmed, raising the county’s total to 2,151. With 1,961 previously positive cases now inactive and 43 deaths, there are 147 active cases in the county.

In Pettis County, 25 positive cases increased the total to 4,007. Due to 3,445 previously positive patients recovered and 51 deaths, there are 511 active cases in the county, including 10 positive patients hospitalized.

Fourteen new positive cases were confirmed in Chariton County, making a total of 607. With 535 recoveries and 15 deaths, there are 57 active cases in the county.

In Howard County, six recoveries and five new positive cases were reported. In all, there have been 907 positive cases. Due to 835 recoveries and four deaths, there are 68 active cases, including five positive patients hospitalized.

Updates were not available from Carroll and Lafayette Counties.