3 of 4 metrics show increases

Metrics in three of four categories used to track the status of the coronavirus pandemic showed increases in new cases, deaths and ICU use in Orange County,

According to the county heath care agency, Monday’s count of 1,470 new cases – from Saturday to Monday – averages out to 490, a jump from Friday’s total of 356. Deaths rose from 13 to 21 and the treatment of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units increased from 76 to 80.

Only hospitalizations showed improvement, declining from 308 to 300.

To date, 296,697 people in Orange County have been confirmed cases, of which 281,997 are judged recovered. The death total is at 5,405.

At the national level, The New York Times is reporting that new cases are down by 18 percent and deaths up 23 percent. In California, cases are down 24 percent and deaths up by 3 percent.