CONFIRMED new corona cases in Orange County increased in Monday’s report, representing four consecutive reports of rising numbers (Shutterstock).

Public health officials warned that Thanksgiving gatherings might result in a spike in new coronavirus cases a few weeks later. Could this be it?

Monday’s report from the Orange County Health Care Agency – covering Saturday to today – showed 1,443 new cases, which works out to average of 481 per day. That’s up from Friday and represents the fourth consecutive report of increases.

Deaths – also computed over three days – are at 15, compared to Friday’s seven. However, hospitalizations declined from 176 to 169 and the use of intensive care units to treat COVID-19 patients ticked up from 56 to 57.

To date, Orange County has had 315,186 cases, of which 302,903 are considered recovered. The death total is 5,771.

Across the U.S., new cases – over a 14-day period – are up 19 percent and deaths by 5 percent, according to The New York Times. In California, new cases – over a similar period  – have risen 3 percent, while deaths are down 4 percent, according to Los Angeles Times.