NEW CASES of coronavirus in Orange County finally decline (Shutterstock).

After four consecutive reports of increases in new coronavirus cases in Orange County – covering a six-day stretch – the numbers finally turned downward in Tuesday’s report.

According to the county health care agency, new cases dropped to 306 from Monday’s three-day average of 481. Deaths declined from 15 to 12.

Additionally, hospitalizations slid from 169 to 163 and the use of intensive care units to treat COVID-19 patients went from 57 to 53.

So far, Orange County has had 315,492 cases, of which 303,186 are considered recovered. The death toll is at 5,783.

Nationally, The New York Times is reporting that – over a 14-day period– new cases are up 28 percent, and deaths by 13 percent. In California, new cases have risen 21 percent and deaths dropped by 12 percent over a similar period, reports Los Angeles Times.