NEW CORONAVIRUS cases are up this week in Orange County for the second week (Shutterstock).

The number of new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Orange County has risen for the second week in a row.

According to the county health care agency, the total for the week ending Wednesday, Aug. 2 is 708, up from 613 the week before and 522 the week before that.

Deaths related to Covid-19, however, declined for the second consecutive week, falling to three this week, which is down from five on July 26 and 10 and on July 19.

To date, Orange County has had 728,538 confirmed cases of corona virus and 8,251 deaths.

“To reduce the potential to increase hospitalizations, the community is encouraged to take precautions to protect those at higher risk,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, the county health officer.

Among the recommendations are:

• If you’re sick, stay home and get tested
• Practice good cough and hand hygiene
• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations
• Wear a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces.

For more information, go to www.ochealthinfo.com/covid .