NEW CORONAVIRUS cases in Orange County declined in Wednesday’s report (Shutterstock).

New coronavirus cases declined for the second consecutive day in Orange County, while numbers were up in three other categories.

According to the county health care agency, there were 283 new cases in Wednesday’s report, down from Tuesday’s tally of 306 and Monday’s three-day average of 481.

Deaths rose from 12 to 13 and hospitalizations increased from 163 to 183. Additionally, the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units was at 57, up from 53.

To date, Orange County has had 315,775 cases, of which 303,487 are considered recovered. The total of deaths is at 5,796.

Nationally, The New York Times is reporting that new cases – over a 14-day-period – are up 27 percent – and deaths by 13 percent.  In California, new cases have risen 21 percent, but deaths are down 12 percent, also over 14 days.