ORANGE COUNTY is very close to advancing to the less restrictive “orange” tier from red (Shutterstock).

Almost there.

Today’s update from the California Department of Public Health on Orange County shows statistics good enough to be moved from the “red” (substantial) tier to the less restrictive “orange” (moderate) tier.

However, to make the change, a county must qualify for a new status for two consecutive weeks. That means that the OC won’t turn “orange” officially until March 30, assuming the requirements are met.

In today’s update from the CDPH, Orange County had an adjusted rate of COVID-19 cases per day per 100,000 population of 3.5. The requirement for orange is fewer than 3.9 daily new cases.

The positivity rate is 2.1 percent; 2.0 to 4.9 percent is required. As for the health equity positivity rate, the OC’s number of 3.2 percent also qualifies. The requirement is less than 5.3 percent.

Tuesday looked OK, too

Today’s summary of key statistics on the coronavirus pandemic in Orange County showed generally encouraging numbers.

According to the county health care agency, the number of confirmed new cases and deaths showed increases over Monday’s statistics, but declines were also recorded in hospitalizations from COVID-19 and patients in intensive care units due to the virus (see chart).

The cumulative total of cases in the county is at 249,760, with 241,504 considered recovered. Deaths are at 4,635.

Here is the list of OC cities with the most case. Deaths are in parentheses.

• Santa Ana: 44,466 (810)
• Anaheim: 41,364 (815)
• Garden Grove: 16,379 (358)
• Orange: 11,701 (237)
• Fullerton: 11,180 (283)
• Huntington Beach: 10,462 (205)
• Irvine: 10,319 (80).

Westminster has had 7,055 cases and 186 deaths. Stanton has had 3,145 cases and 64 deaths.