CORONAVIRUS deaths in Orange County reached 18 in Monday’s three-day tally.
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Deaths from coronavirus in Orange County hit 18 in Monday’s report from the county health care agency. That report covers three days: Saturday through Monday.

Friday’s total was five, down from seven on Thursday.

Confirmed new cases are at 1,525 – also a three-day tally ­­ – with an average of 508.33 cases. Friday’s total was 930.

Hospitalizations declined to 546 on Monday from 592 on Friday, and the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units rose from 132 to 139.

To date, Orange County has had 285,098 cases, of which 263,557 are judged to be recovered. The death total is at 5,220.

Nationally, The New York Times is reporting that – over a 14-day span – new cases have risen by 20 percent and deaths by 96 percent. In California, new cases are up 8 percent and deaths by 99 percent.