Butler Health System just confirmed that an additional three cases of the coronavirus were identified through its outdoor drive-up testing facility in Butler.

In a release issued shortly before noon, the regional health system reports that all three patients are Butler County residents. Each have been instructed by their individual physicians to quarantine at home, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

No other information about the patients was released by the health care system

John Love, medical director of infectious disease for BHS, stressed in the release that hospitals and facilities throughout BHS are as prepared as possible and have taken appropriate infection control and prevention measures.

"Everybody needs to know the signs and symptoms. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus," Love said. "Stay at home when you are sick. Call your doctor in advance of any visit. Limit your movement in the community, and limit visitors to your home."

He added that one of the most important ways people can stem the spread of the virus is to wash hands often with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and not to touch their face.

“People need to follow the guidance that is being provided by our experts and the experts at the state and federal level," urged Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of BHS. "Everybody in the community needs to limit exposure and help to prevent transmission of the virus."

DeFurio said the BHS specimen collection site has allowed health officials to identify patients quickly and avoid visits to doctors' offices and the emergency department. He said the health care system is working hard to keep patients, staff, and the community safe and healthy, adding how the health care system is working around the clock to improve turnaround time for test results.

As with Saturday's initially confirmed case, BHS again notified Pennsylvania Department of Health and Butler County officials of the newly-confirmed cases, and is working collaboratively with Pennsylvania Department of Health in the ongoing care and monitoring of all patients.

The release further notes that BHS officials expect more confirmed cases in the coming days, and that the Pennsylvania Department of Health knows of every confirmed case statewide and updates its website daily.

BHS also directs community members to its own website - butlerhealthsystem.org - for links to information and guidance from the CDC and PA Department of Health.

The Eagle will update this story as more information becomes available. For more information and other updates related to COVID-19, please make sure to check our Butler Eagle website and follow us on Facebook.