NEW CASES of coronavirus in Orange County increased for the second day (Shutterstock),

The coronavirus epidemic appears to be receding through most of the U.S.,, but a knockout punch for Orange County is proving to be more elusive.

According to Thursday’s report from the county health care agency, confirmed new cases rose from 214 on Wednesday to 292. Deaths declined from seven to three, but hospitalizations increased from 198 to 215 and the use of intensive care units for treatment of COVID-19 rose from 46 to 51.

To date, Orange County has had 306,274 cases, of which 294,674 are considered recovered. The death total is now 5,612.

Nationally, The New York Times reports that – over a 14-day period – new cases are down 6 percent and deaths down by 18 percent. In California, cases are up 4 percent and deaths down 52 percent, according to Los Angeles Times.