MASKS, sanitizers and social distancing are among the weapons in the battle against the coronavirus. But vaccination is best (Shutterstock).

Confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Orange County took a u-turn upwards in Friday’s report from the county health care agency, but three other metrics showed improvements.

According to the OCHCA, new cases rose from 296 on Thursday to 563 on Friday. However, deaths declined from nine to four and hospitalizations dropped from 432 to 426.

The number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units went from 132 to 130.

To date, the number of cases in Orange County totals 289,798, of which 272,055 are considered recovered. Deaths now total 5,299.

Nationally, The New York Times is reporting a 5 percent decrease in new cases over a 14-day period, and a 28 percent increase in deaths.

In California, the Los Angeles Times estimates that – over a similar period – new cases are down 29 percent and deaths up 35 percent.