NEW CORONAVIRUS cases in Orange County increased this week.

The number of confirmed new cases of coronavirus jumped sharply in this week’s report from the Orange County Health Care Agency. 

New cases for the week ending Wednesday, Sept. 6 are at 1,706, compared to 1,053 the week before. It’s the fourth consecutive week that new cases have topped 1,000.

As recently as Aug. 9, the total was 796.

Deaths attributed to COVID-19 also saw a major increase, going from three last week to 16 this week.

Orange County cases to date are 734,356; deaths are at 8,293.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the coronavirus “bump is worsening,” with increases at workplaces and in schools. Two Southern California high school football games were cancelled this week because of outbreaks among the athletes and cheerleaders.

With the development of effective vaccines and drugs, it’s considered unlikely that mask mandates are imminent, but people are advised to wash their hands frequently and wear masks at health care facilities and on public transit, according to health officials.