OCALA, Fla.—COVID-19 testing and vaccination opportunities have increased in Marion County, thanks to partnerships among the Department of Health, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Emergency Management and other community partners.

Testing now available Mondays and Wednesdays at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

Free, county-sponsored drive-through COVID-19 testing will now be available on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion (2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala). 

The twice-weekly testing will continue through Sept. 30 and will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day it is provided. This is an increase from the once-a-week testing that began earlier this month. Testing will not be held on Monday, Sept. 20.

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.

Vaccination opportunities increase

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will be providing COVID-19 vaccine for several upcoming events to give Marion County residents more opportunities to receive the important vaccination. Upcoming opportunities for residents to get vaccinated include:

 Tuesday Aug. 17:

• From 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Paul AME Church (718 NW Seventh St., Ocala)

 Saturday, Aug. 21:

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

 Thursdays, from Aug. 19–26:

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

 Fridays, from Aug. 20–27

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

Saturday, Sept. 11

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

The department also 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.

“There are many opportunities in Marion County to get the vaccine, which is a critical tool to prevent severe illness with COVID-19,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of these opportunities to protect themselves and their loved ones and get vaccinated.”

In addition to getting vaccinated, Lander said it’s important to follow basic mitigation measures, including avoiding others when sick, washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, avoiding large crowds where distancing may be difficult, and using masks where determined appropriate. People who are older or more medically vulnerable should consult their health care provider to see if additional precautions should be taken.

“It also continues to be extremely important that people stay home when they are sick,” said Lander. “And with students back in school, it is critical that parents do not send sick children to school or day care.”

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.