OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is reporting 20,040 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 455 cases from yesterday (Jan. 7). Of Marion COVID-19 cases from Jan. 7, 19.2% tested positive. The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases in Florida on Jan. 7 was 11.46%.

Marion’s cases and daily positivity rates continue to trend high. From COVID-19 cases reported over the past seven days (cases reported Jan. 2 to Jan. 8), Marion saw an average of:

• 274.5 new cases reported per day
• 16.03% daily positivity rate
• 4.3 COVID-19 related deaths reported per day

From cases reported Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, Marion saw an average of:

• 152.7 new cases reported per day
• 12.05% daily positivity rate
• 2.7 COVID-19 related deaths reported per day

From cases reported Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, Marion saw an average of:

• 70.6 new cases reported per day
• 7.87% daily positivity rate
• 1 COVID-19 related death reported per day

“We expected a surge in cases linked to the holidays,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “It’s going to be even more important now, while we are seeing a high amount of cases, for people to continue practicing virus mitigation tactics – social distancing, masks, staying home when sick, and regularly washing your hands after you are in public or around others. If you are someone who is older or more medically vulnerable, you will want to take additional precautions.”

Vaccination roll-out continues

The Department of Health in Marion County held its first COVID-19 vaccination event for people age 65 and up this week. More than 1,000 individuals are scheduled to receive the vaccine at the department this week. More than 1,350 vaccination appointments are being scheduled for the following week. The department is also providing vaccine and helping run a vaccination clinic on Sunday, Jan. 10, in coordination with community partners for local healthcare workers.

The department’s COVID-19 vaccine registration for residents age 65 or older is still paused. The department has temporarily suspended registration for the vaccine due to signups exceeding the department’s initial 50,000 registrations cap.

DOH-Marion’s schedulers are calling registrants in the order in which their signups were received. After schedulers complete an over-the-phone screening with registrants, they will schedule a vaccination appointment.

Testing schedule at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion updated

DOH-Marion is updating its drive-through COVID-19 testing schedule at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala) for the month of January and February. Updated scheduled test dates and times for these months are:

• Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 8 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon

People who would like to be tested can line their vehicles up starting 30 minutes prior to the testing start time. Testing will run until the end of the scheduled time or until the day’s available samples are all used, whichever comes first. 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; 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.