WHILE THE NUMBER of coronavirus cases increases, there are some optimistic signs (Pexels/Anna Shvets).

Sixty-two more cases of the coronavirus were reported Friday for Orange County, bringing the total to 1,138 since the count began.

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, there were no new deaths, with the county total stable at 17.

One hundred twenty-four people are hospitalized, with 57 cases currently in intensive care units.

Worldwide, the number of deaths passed 100,000 with the count by Johns Hopkins University at 102a,525.  Italy leads with 18,849, followed by the United States with 18,631 and Spain next with 13,197.

Within the U.S., New York state has the most confirmed cases with 159,937, the most deaths (7,067) and the most recovered (13,000).  California is fifth among the 50 states with 19,742 cases and 541 deaths, despite having the nation’s biggest population. Considered to be recovered are 307 cases.

A list of total worldwide confirmed cases shows the U.S. with nearly a half-million at 496,535. Following are Spain (159,273) and Italy (147,577).  Across the planet, 1,694,954 cases have been reported and confirmed.

Some hopeful signs reported in U.S.

President Donald Trump announced Friday he was creating a task force to determine when many of the restrictions associated with the coronavirus task force could be lifted.

The “Opening Our Country” group would make recommendations on issues like the re-opening of businesses and the lifting of “stay-at-home” policies.

“I want to get it open as soon as possible,” said the President. ‘The facts are going to determine what I do.”

Some signs of optimism are emerging. According to the Associated Press, hard-hit New York state is reporting 777 new deaths on Friday, but also improvements in the number of people in ICUs and overall hospitalizations for the virus.

XFL closing shop for good, again?

The XFL spring professional football league on Friday become the latest failed attempt to establish a big-league gridiron operation.

According to multiple sources, the organization – which was about halfway through its 2020 season when the coronavirus forced its suspension – cancelled the rest of the schedule and has laid off nearly all of its employees, with no specific plans to return.

This marks the second time the XFL has gone number. An earlier incarnation played one season in 2001 before folding. The 2020 XFL joins the World Football League, the USFL and the Alliance of American football in its demise.