NEW CORONAVIRUS cases in Orange County are staying low (Shutterstock).

The number of confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Orange County continues to be historically low.

According to Thursday’s report from the county health care agency, there were 97 new cases. That’s up from 82 on Wednesday, but down sharply from 2,552 on Dec. 31, 2020 or 246 on Sept. 27, 2020.

Deaths were up to 19 from 11. Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 dropped from 172 to 167 and patients in intensive care units for treatment of the virus ticked down from 36 to 35.

The to-date total of cases in Orange County is at 249,939, of which 241,908 are considered recovered. Deaths are at 4,665.

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

• Santa Ana: 44,490 (817)
• Anaheim: 41,387 (819)
• Garden Grove: 16,395 (362)
• Orange: 11,713 (237)
• Fullerton: 11,190 (284)
• Huntington Beach: 10,481 (205)
• Irvine: 10,335 (80)

Westminster had had 7,061 cases and 188 deaths. Stanton has had 3,143 cases and 64 deaths.

More eligible for vaccine

Californians who are 50 years or older can get vaccinated against the coronavirus as of April 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday (today). Additionally, all residents of the state 16 years old and up will be eligible for their “jabs” on April 15.

“There’s not just light at the end of the tunnel; there’s bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

President Joe Biden has set a May 1 goal for universal adult vaccination across the U.S.