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Trump says he'll decide on easing stay-at-home guidelines, not governors

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Now entering its third week under Gov. Tom Wolf's stay-at-home order, the president said he will be the person to decide when things will reopen - not state governors or local leaders.Meanwhile, closer to home, Butler County saw 15 new cases of the coronavirus confirmed overnight, while Pennsylvania saw 1,366 new cases and 17 people died overnight.President Donald Trump asserted Monday that he will be the ultimate decision-maker for determining how and when to relax the nation's social distancing guidelines.Governors and local leaders, who have instituted mandatory restrictions that have the force of law, expressed concern that Trump's plan to restore normalcy will cost lives and extend the duration of the outbreak.Taking to Twitter on Monday, Trump said some are “saying that it is the Governors decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government. Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect...it is the decision of the President, and for many good reasons.”He added, “With that being said, the Administration and I are working closely with the Governors, and this will continue. A decision by me, in conjunction with the Governors and input from others, will be made shortly!”Trump last month put in place nationwide recommendations for most Americans to remain home and distant from one another in order to slow the spread of the virus.As social distancing becomes the new normal, at least in the short term, local health officials are asking people also to continue practicing good hygeine.“Wash your hands frequently, don't touch your face, and cover coughs and sneezes,” said Butler Health System Spokeswoman Jana Panther. “Maintain distance of 6 feet from others. If you feel sick, stay home.”According to Panther, BHS continues to have an adequate stock of medical supplies, but are continuing to encourage all donations of personal protective equipment. To submit a donation of these items, you can email covid19donations@butlerhealthsystem.org.BHS is also encouraging all patients to avoid the Emergency Department, if possible. Doctors, especially primary care providers, continue to be available through telehealth options.“Most patient needs can be handled remotely, keeping patients at home,” Panther said, urging people to contact the BHS Care Center at 833-602-2273 for appointments or assistance.

Confirmed cases: 143Deaths: 4

New cases: 1,366Total cases: 24,199New deaths: 17Total deaths: 524Negative tests: 105,593

• Allegheny: 876 confirmed cases and 21 deaths• Westmoreland: 228 confirmed cases and 6 deaths• Beaver: 153 confirmed cases and 13 deaths• Lawrence: 51 confirmed cases and 4 deaths• Mercer: 43 confirmed cases• Armstrong: 28 confirmed cases and 1 death• Clarion: 16 confirmed cases• Venango: 6 confirmed cases

Inpatients: 10Suspected: 1Confirmed: 9ICU: 2Total tests: 1,869Outdoor tests: 1,440Positive tests: 165

Inpatients: 3Suspected: 2Confirmed: 1ICU: 2Total tests: 397Outdoor tests: 325Positive tests: 13

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