The Belmont County Health Department is receiving more testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) and, although the number of positive cases is rising, so are the recoveries.

Rob Sproul, head of the health department, says that out of 199 positive COVID-19 cases, 55 have recovered, eight remain hospitalized and eight have passed away.

Sproul expects more residents to be released from quarantine in the next day.

As businesses re-open, like the Ohio Valley Mall next week, Sproul said employees have to wear masks and they could require patrons to do so to provide an extra layer of protection.

The health department is also receiving more test kits. The majority are supplied to nursing homes so they can test within the facility.

And there’s a higher number of PPE coming in which is distributed to first responders.