VACCINES have reduced the number of COVID-19 infections, but increases are reported in some measures (Shutterstock).

Confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Orange County are continuing to rise, although the raw numbers remain relatively small.

According to the county health care agency, new cases rose from 44 on Tuesday to 51 on Wednesday. Deaths declined from two to one and hospitalizations were stable at 56.

Patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units remained at 10.

To date, total Orange County cases are at 256,317 of which 250,018 are considered recovered. Deaths are at 5,121.

Across the nation, The New York Times is estimating that new cases – as computed over a 14-day period – are down 15 percent. Deaths have fallen by 23 percent.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting (based over a similar period) that new cases in California are up 3 percent and deaths by 40 percent.

To our readers: Today is the last day the OCHCA is posting coronavirus figures daily. From now on, statistics will be reported weekly on Tuesdays.