OCALA, Fla.—Marion County’s COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped below 3%, according to the most recent state report.

Marion County is reporting 57,048 cumulative cases as of Nov. 11, with an increase of 128 new cases from the previous week. Of Marion County COVID-19 cases between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11, 2.6% tested positive. That was down from 3.3% last week.

The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases throughout Florida was 2.5%.

Marion County has now reported four consecutive weeks below 5%. The latest positivity rate also is the lowest the state has reported for Marion County since June 18, 2021, when the rate was 2.3%.

“This latest report is certainly good news for our community, and we are encouraged as this trend continues in the right direction: down,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “We also want to emphasize that our community members should keep doing the things that have produced such positive results over the past month. That includes considering getting a vaccine if you have not already done so, or obtaining a booster if you are eligible for one.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now rates the community transmission rate for Marion County as “moderate.”

The state’s new report indicates 1,034 people in Marion County received vaccines between Nov. 5 and Nov. 11. That was an increase of 322 vaccines from the previous week.

Marion’s number of new cases also continued to decline, according to the new report.

From COVID-19 cases reported over the past seven days (Nov. 5-11), Marion saw:

• An average of 18.3 new cases per day
• 2.6% positivity rate.
• A total of 1,034 people vaccinated

For the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 4, Marion saw:

• An average of 21.6 new cases per day
• 3.3% positivity rate.
• A total of 712 people vaccinated

For the week of Oct. 22-28, Marion saw:

• An average of 33 new cases per day
• 4.4% positivity rate
• A total of 808 people vaccinated

For the week of Oct. 15-21, Marion saw:

• An average of 36 new cases per day
• 4.9% positivity rate
• A total of 674 people vaccinated

For the week of Oct. 8-14, Marion saw:

• An average of 43.1 new cases per day
• 5.6% positivity rate.
• A total of 736 people vaccinated

For the week of Oct. 1-7, Marion saw:

• An average of 61 new cases per day
• 6.9% positivity rate
• A total of 928 people vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccine availability

COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 are now available at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers who are interested in obtaining a vaccination for their children can make an appointment now. Vaccinations for those under 12 will begin on Nov. 15. 

The department provides COVID-19 vaccinations for 5- to 11-year-olds by appointment, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at its main office, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala. To make a vaccination appointment, go to tinyurl.com/MakeMarionFLVaxAppt. The vaccine is available for free. 

The department encourages those with questions about vaccines for children under 12 to consult with their health care provider.

Additionally, vaccines remain available for people 12 and older at the Department of Health in Marion County and throughout Marion County at many pharmacies, doctor’s offices, clinics and health centers. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator to learn more about vaccine locations.

COVID-19 testing continues locally

COVID-19 testing remains available at the First Baptist Church of Ocala.

CovidTestFL.Org, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, provides free drive-through testing at the church, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Call CovidTestFL.Org at 866-826-8430 for additional details.

CovidTestFL.Org offers a diagnostic PCR COVID-19 test that provides results within three days via a text message or an email containing a link to results on a web portal. Expedited test results are available for an additional fee.

People who seek to be tested must enter the church parking lot entrance on SE 30th Ave. To be tested, 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. 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.

Additionally, testing can be done at private labs, physicians’ offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics throughout Marion County.

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

Find out more

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