COVID deaths approach zero

THE VACCINES and health measures appear to have driven the coronavirus down dramatically (Shutterstock).

Deaths from coronavirus in Orange County are near the vanishing point.

According to Sunday’s report from the county health care agency, the number of fatalities tied to the virus was at two, an historically low number. That’s compared to five on Saturday.

However, confirmed new cases increased from 29 to 47 and hospitalizations rose slightly from 68 to 59. Patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units remained low at 10 (up one from nine on Saturday).

The to-date total of coronavirus cases in Orange County is at 255,022, of which 248,471 are considered recovered. Deaths are at 5,049.

Nationally, the decline in cases and deaths continue. The New York Times estimates that based on a 14-day average, new cases are down 39 percent and deaths by 14 percent. In California, the Los Angeles Times reports cases as down 34 percent and deaths by 32 percent.