OC Reports Case Rates Lower than State, National Averages

Several states, including California, are seeing significant declines in cases and hospitalizations, prompting public health and government officials to lift mask mandates across the country.

Orange County schoolchildren, regardless of vaccination status, will be permitted to take off their masks indoors by Mar. 12.

Following the coronavirus peak in mid-January, the average number of new cases in the county has fallen over 95% to 8 cases per 100,000 people on Wednesday, compared to the statewide average of 20 cases and the national average of 16 cases, according to New York Times data.

Hospitalizations are also falling fast; the Times reported Wednesday 217 new hospitalizations, representing a decline over 80%.