OCALA, Fla.—The Department of Health in Marion County is assuring that COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are available to Marion County residents.

Health department testing and vaccination opportunities are being offered at varied times and locations to help fight the rise of COVID-19 cases in the community.

“Vaccines are still the best tool for preventing serious illness from COVID-19,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander, “and testing will help residents know their status so they can avoid spreading the virus in the community. I encourage residents to get vaccinated, and I urge everyone to stay home when they are sick. It is critical that parents do not send children who are sick to school or day care.”

Vaccination opportunities

The department provides walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. at its main office (1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala). Appointments are also available at the main office Monday through Friday. To make an appointment for vaccination or obtain more information, call 352-644-2590.

Other vaccination opportunities include:

• Saturday, Sept. 11. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Avenue, Ocala)

Saturday, Sept. 11. from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Faith Episcopal Church (19924 W. Blue Cove Drive, Dunnellon)

• Saturday, Sept. 11. From 2 to 6 p.m. Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church (500 SW 17th Ave., Ocala)

Booster shots. The department is partnering with Marion County Public Schools to provide the shots to Marion County’s immunocompromised residents

Appointments will be scheduled for Saturdays, Sept. 4, 11 and 18, at Liberty Middle School, 4773 SW 95th St., Ocala. Appointments will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The department will give Pfizer and Moderna booster shots; there is currently no booster shot available for people who have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Immunocompromised individuals may discuss with their health care provider whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. Individuals can self-attest that they are immunocompromised and receive the additional dose wherever vaccines are offered. Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.

You can sign up for an appointment online at https://tinyurl.com/marioncovidvax.

Drive-through testing now available Monday through Thursday

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Free, county-sponsored drive-through COVID-19 testing is available at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala) on these dates:

• Aug. 25
• Aug. 30
• Sept. 1
• Sept. 6
• Sept. 8
• Sept. 13
• Sept. 15
• Sept. 22
• Sept. 27

Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park. Statlab Mobile, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, is offering free drive-through testing from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Thursday at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, 11008 South Hwy 475, Ocala. People who would like to be tested must enter through the County Road 475 public entrance.

For all drive-through testing sites, individuals should bring a valid photo ID. Minors under age 18 will only be tested if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing; restroom facilities will not be available. Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, with the exception of parents, guardians or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests. School students should refrain from eating or drinking anything 15 to 30 minutes prior to their tests.

For more information, call the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590.

Cases continue to increase

According to the most recent state report, Marion County is reporting 47,244 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of Aug. 26. This is an increase of 3,228 cases from the previous week. Of Marion COVID-19 cases from Aug. 20–26, 25.1% tested positive. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases in Florida was 16.8%.

Marion’s cases and positivity rates continue to increase. From COVID-19 cases reported over the past seven days (cases reported Aug 20–26), Marion saw:

• An average of 461.1 new cases per day
• 25.1% positivity rate.
• A total of 3,197 people vaccinated

From cases reported Aug 13–19, Marion saw:

• An average of 405.7 new cases per day
• 30.0% positivity rate.
• A total of 3,756 people vaccinated

From cases reported Aug. 6–12, Marion saw:

• An average of 379.3 new cases per day
• 27.4% positivity rate.
• A total of 4,740 people vaccinated

From cases reported July 30–Aug. 5, Marion saw:

• An average of 343.1 new cases per day
• 27.0% positivity rate.
• A total of 4,507 people vaccinated

Find out more

Visit https://marion.floridahealth.gov, https://www.marionflcovid.org and https://twitter.com/flhealthmarion for the latest information on COVID-19 and vaccinations. Visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov and use the Vaccine Locator and Testing Sites tools to find vaccination and testing sites near you.