Ocala, Fla. — New COVID-19 cases in Marion County continue to wane, according to the most recent state report, released Friday.

For the fourth consecutive week, Marion County reported fewer COVID-19 cases than it did the week prior, the report indicates. The local positivity rate also declined again. 

Marion County reported 1,564 new cases for the week of Feb. 4 through Feb. 10. That was 1,057 fewer new cases than were reported the previous week. With this report, the number of new infections has dropped by about 72% since Jan. 13, when Marion County reported a record 5,536 new cases. 

The county’s cumulative total of COVID-19 cases was 81,551 as of Feb. 10. 

The positivity rate for the past week decreased to 17.7%. The positivity rate has not been that low since the last week of December, when it was 17.4%.

Overall, the daily positivity rate for all new COVID-19 cases throughout Florida during the previous week was 14.3%.

The state’s new report indicates 264 people in Marion County received vaccines between Jan. Feb. 4 and Feb. 10. That was a decrease of 47 vaccinations from the previous week. The ratio of Marion County residents aged 5 or older who have been vaccinated remained at 63% during the latest reporting period.

“We’re pleased that the trend in new cases continues downward. But the positivity rate still remains very high compared to the fall before the latest variant arrived. So, we’re not relaxing in our efforts to encourage the community to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “That includes staying home if you don’t feel well and consider getting a COVID vaccine if you have not received one already, or a booster if you are eligible. The vaccines remain an effective tool against serious illness or hospitalization from COVID.”

Marion County’s community transmission rating is “high,” according to the guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means the county had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 people during the most recent seven-day reporting period and had a positivity rate of 10% or higher.

From COVID-19 cases reported during the week of Feb. 4 to Feb. 10, Marion saw:

• An average of 223.4 new cases per day
• 17.7% positivity rate              
• A total of 264 people vaccinated  

For the week of Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, Marion County saw:

• An average of 374.4 new cases per day
• 24.6% positivity rate
• A total of 311 people vaccinated

For the week of Jan. 21 to Jan. 27, Marion saw:

• An average of 565 new cases per day
• 32.3% positivity rate
• A total of 510 people vaccinated

For the week of Jan. 14 to Jan. 20, Marion saw:

• An average of 670.9 new cases per day
• 33.3% positivity rate
• A total of 644 people vaccinated

For the week of Jan. 7 to Jan. 13, Marion County saw:

• An average of 790.9 new cases per day
• 31.3% positivity rate.
• A total of 990 people vaccinated

For 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

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 vaccines are free.

The department provides vaccinations from 8:30–11:30 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.

Under the CDC’s latest guidelines, children ages 5 to 11 with moderately or severely compromised immune systems may receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine after waiting at least 28 days from receiving their second dose in the primary vaccination series. 

The CDC also has reduced the wait time for a booster dose for people 18 and older who have completed either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccination series. 

Adults are now eligible for a booster shot five months after finishing their primary series instead of the previously recommended six months. 

The change also applies to children ages 12 to 17. But to reiterate, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for children under age 18.

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 to learn more about vaccine locations. 

COVID-19 testing continues locally, with a slight change

After Feb. 12, CovidTestFL.Org, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service that provides free drive-thru testing at the First Baptist Church of Ocala, will no longer offer testing on Saturdays.

The provider will be at the church from 8 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Feb. 12. But beginning Feb. 14, CovidTestFL.Org will offer testing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the church, 2801 SE Maricamp Rd.

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.

Another testing option can be found on the campus of the former Evergreen Elementary School in Ocala, where Statlab Mobile, a mobile clinical testing service, offers free, drive-thru testing over weekends.

Statlab Mobile conducts testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays through Mondays at the site, 4000 W. Anthony Rd. in Ocala. 

Testing will not occur at that location on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. 

Statlab Mobile offers a diagnostic PCR test with results available within 24 to 48 hours. 

The company will notify test recipients of their results via a text message and email. 

For more information about Statlab Mobile and its services, visit statlabmobile.com or call 1-844-4MY-LABS.

COVID-19 treatment options

Monoclonal antibody therapy is currently available in Florida. Monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death in high-risk patients. 

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

In addition to monoclonal antibody treatment, Florida has introduced the newest therapeutics, AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir, which can be administered with a physician’s prescription.

For more information about monoclonal antibody treatment and other therapeutics, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and click the “Treatment Locator” tab at the top of the page.

Find out more 

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

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.