The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is involved in several key aspects of COVID-19 response. Primarily, the department is focused on:

• Testing
• Protecting the elderly and vulnerable
• Preparing for medical surge
• Educating the public on ways to prevent the spread of the virus

DOH-Marion tests for COVID-19 throughout the week, primarily on-site at the department’s Ocala office. DOH-Marion staff also perform case investigations when someone tests positive for the virus. During the investigations, staff identify and speak with contacts of people who tested positive (contact tracing) so that those individuals can watch for symptoms and get tested as needed. This also ensures that both contacts and people who test positive can take extra precautions to prevent the possible spread of the illness further.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/.