NEW CASES of coronavirus in Orange County dropped for the third day (Shutterstock),

For the third consecutive day, the count of new confirmed coronavirus cases in Orange County showed a decline.

According to the county health care agency, today’s (Wednesday) report reported 218 cases, down from 239 on Tuesday. However, deaths more than doubled from five to 11.

Hospitalizations declined from 225 to 218 and the number of people being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units went from 53 to 50.

To date, Orange County has had 307,988 cases, of which 296,078 are considered recovered. The death toll is at 5,634.

Nationally, The New York Times is reporting that – over a 14-day period – new cases are up 6 percent and deaths down 11 percent. In California, cases are down 6 percent and deaths by 43 percent, according to Los Angeles Times.

Note to readers: Because of the Veteran’s Day holiday, there will be no report from the OCHCA on Thursday.