Ocala, Fla. — Marion County’s COVID-19 positivity rate increased again during the first week of 2022, according to the most recent state report, released Friday.

Marion County reported 3,130 new cases for the week of Dec. 31 to Jan. 6. That increased the county’s cumulative total of COVID-19 cases to 62,790. The positivity rate for the past week reached 24.6%. That was up from 17.4% for the previous week.

The new positivity rate is Marion County’s highest since the week ending Aug. 26, when it was reported at 25.1%.

Overall, the daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases throughout Florida was 31.2%.

The state’s new report indicates 1,042 people in Marion County received vaccines between Dec. 31 and Jan. 6. That was an increase of 81 vaccines from the previous week. The ratio of Marion County residents age 5 or older who have been vaccinated remained at 62% during the latest reporting period.

“The increase this week shows the severity of the spread of the virus throughout our community, and the need for people to take protective measures,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “It was encouraging to see the number of vaccines go back up this week. We encourage county residents to consider a COVID vaccine, or a booster if you are eligible for that. The shots remain the most effective way to prevent a serious illness or hospitalization from COVID-19 for those age 5 or older.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention kept Marion County’s community transmission rate as “high,” which is defined as having more than 100 new cases per 100,000 people over the seven-day reporting period and having a positivity rate of 10% or higher. 

The state’s new report also indicates that Marion County has reported its highest daily average of new cases since the week ending Aug. 26. 

From COVID-19 cases reported during the week of Dec. 31 to Jan. 6, Marion County saw:

• An average of 447.1 new cases per day
• 24.6% positivity rate.
• A total of 1,042 people vaccinated

During the week of Dec. 34 to Dec. 30, Marion saw:

• An average of 220.4 new cases per day
• 17.4% positivity rate
• A total of 961 people vaccinated

For the week of Dec. 17 to Dec. 23, Marion saw:

• An average of 51.9 new cases per day
• 5% positivity rate.
• A total of 1,276 people vaccinated

For the week of Dec. 10 to Dec. 16, Marion saw:

• An average of 25.6 new cases per day
• 3.3% positivity rate
• A total of 969 people vaccinated

For the week of 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

For the week of Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, Marion saw:

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

COVID-19 vaccine availability 

COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 5 or older are available at the Florida Department of Health in Marion County.

To make a vaccination appointment, go to tinyurl.com/MakeMarionFLVaxAppt. The vaccine is available for free. 

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

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 approved only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for all age groups. People 18 and older may choose from the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pfizer vaccine for children under 12 has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents, but the dose for 5- to 11-year-olds is only one-third the amount in the adult vaccine. The vaccine also is administered with smaller needles designed specifically for children.

Besides the Department of Health in Marion County, vaccines can be obtained throughout the county at 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 about testing.

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 who seek to be tested 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 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.

Additionally, testing can be done at private labs, physicians’ offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics throughout Marion County.

COVID-19 treatment

Monoclonal antibody therapy is widely available in Florida. Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death in high-risk patients who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. 

Anyone 12 and older who is considered at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 is eligible for this treatment. 

For more information about monoclonal antibody treatment, including locations where it is administered, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. 

For more information, contact 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.