OCALA, Fla.—The Department of Health in Marion County is announcing that free, county-sponsored drive-through COVID-19 testing will be starting next week at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala). The site will offer testing each Wednesday in August and September at the site.

Testing will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the pavilion each testing date. People who would like to be tested can line their vehicles up starting at 7:30 a.m. on testing days. 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.

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

“We are seeing a large increase in cases among residents who are not vaccinated,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, and you are experiencing symptoms, get tested.”

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Vaccination opportunities are available

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County provides COVID-19 vaccinations at its main office (1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala) and at sites across the community.

In August, the department will provide walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations Mondays through Wednesdays from 8–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m. at its main office. Appointments for the main office are available Monday through Friday. To make an appointment for vaccination or obtain more information, call 352-644-2590.

Other upcoming vaccination opportunities through the Department of Health in Marion County include:

Thursdays, from July 29–Aug. 26:

• From 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Rainbow Lakes Estates Oberman building (4040 SW Deepwater Court, Dunnellon)
• From 1:30–3:30 p.m. at Marion Oaks Community Center (280 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala)

Fridays, from July 30–Aug. 27:

• From 3–6 p.m. at the McIntosh Civic Center (5835 Avenue F, McIntosh)

For more information on where you can get vaccinated for COVID-19, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/.

Find out more

Visit https://marion.floridahealth.gov,www.marionflcovid.org and www.twitter.com/flhealthmarion for the latest information on COVID-19 and vaccinations.