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

Marion County reported 57,594 cumulative cases as of Dec. 9, with an increase of 146 new cases from the previous week. Marion County’s reported COVID-19 cases between Dec. 3 and Dec. 9 had a positivity rate of 2.4%. That was down from 3% last week.

The daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases throughout Florida over that same period was 2.6%.

Marion County’s positivity rate has been 3% or less for five consecutive weeks.

“This latest report is very welcome news after the uptick we experienced last week,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander.

“Our community has done a really good job over the past few weeks in working to control the spread of the virus. We encourage people to maintain those best practices, including considering getting a vaccine or a booster, if they have not already done so. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent serious illness or hospitalization, including for children age 5 or older.”

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

The state’s new report also indicates 1,145 people in Marion County obtained vaccines between Dec. 3 and Dec. 9. That was a decrease of 213 vaccines from the previous week. Still, the ratio of county residents age 5 and older who are vaccinated increased from 60% to 61%, the report shows.  

Marion’s number of new cases also continued to remain relatively low compared to the summer and early fall.

From COVID-19 cases reported from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, Marion saw:

• An average of 20.9 new cases per day
• 2.4% positivity rate.
• A total of 1,145 people vaccinated

From COVID-19 cases reported between Nov. 26 and Dec. 2, Marion saw:

• An average of 23.6 new cases per day
• 3% positivity rate
• A total of 1,358 people vaccinated

For the week of Nov. 19-25, Marion saw:

• An average of 17.7 new cases per day
• 2.9% positivity rate.
• A total of 1,249 people vaccinated

For the week of Nov. 12-18, Marion saw:

• An average of 18.4 new cases per day
• 2.6% positivity rate
• A total of 1,198 people vaccinated

 For the week of 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

COVID-19 vaccine availability

Anyone age 5 or older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County.

On Dec. 9, the CDC broadened its recommendation for booster shots to adolescents who are 16 and 17. Per the CDC’s recommendation, anyone who seeks a booster shot, including those ages 16 and 17, must have completed their initial vaccine series at least six months ago.   

The department provides vaccinations by appointment from 8:30–11 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at its main office, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala.

Parents, guardians, or caregivers who are interested in obtaining a vaccination for their children, or adults seeking a new vaccine or a booster, can make an appointment by visiting tinyurl.com/MakeMarionFLVaxAppt.

The vaccines are available for free. 

The department encourages those with questions about vaccines, whether for themselves or their children, to consult with their health care provider.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for anyone under 18.

According to the CDC, the Pfizer vaccine for children under 12 has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents, but the dose is only one-third the amount in the adult vaccine. The vaccine also is administered with smaller needles designed specifically for children.

People 18 and older may choose from the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

County residents also can obtain vaccines from other providers throughout Marion County, including 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 seeking a test 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 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to be tested.

People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing.

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.