THE OMICRON variant is pushing the number of new coronavirus cases worldwide and in Orange County, but deaths have declined (Shutterstock).

After a one-day decline, confirmed new cases of coronavirus in Orange County returned to increases at a record-setting pace on Thursday.

According to the county health care agency, the tally rose from 4,646 on Wednesday to 6,266, the highest since February 2021.

Deaths declined from four to two and hospitalizations increased from 673 to 724. The use of intensive care units to treat COVID-19 patients fell from 116 to 109.

To date, Orange County has had 368,432 cases, of which 311,519 are considered recovered. The death total is 5,903.

The coronavirus surge – believed to be caused by the highly contagious Omicron variant – has also resulted in the postponement of tonight’s scheduled NHL game between the Anaheim Ducks and the Detroit Red Wings at Honda Center.

Four Ducks players have been placed in the league’s COVID-19 protocol. The game has been rescheduled for Sunday. The next regularly-scheduled game is Saturday hosting the New York Rangers.

Nationally, new cases have risen by 247 percent over a 14-day period according to The New York Times. Deaths are down 3 percent. In California, cases are up by 430 percent over a similar period, while deaths are down 38 percent, reports Los Angeles Times.