New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to inch downward across California, according to the latest state data.
Slightly more ICU beds have also become available, as hospitalizations dipped below 20,000 for the first time since Dec. 27.
The 11.3% average rate for people testing positive for the virus is the lowest the state’s seen in over a month.
The recent improvements may show that the state’s wave of winter coronavirus cases and deaths have crested, California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said on Tuesday.
Even with the declines, the numbers are still extremely high. California on Wednesday reported its second-highest number of COVID-19 deaths, 694. The 14-day average for daily coronavirus-related deaths in the state is 492.
California this week surpassed 3 million COVID-19 cases since the outbreak began early last year. Nearly 35,000 people have died.