Ocala, Fla. — Marion County’s number of new COVID-19 cases and positivity rate both continued their downward trajectory over the past week.

According to the most recent state report, released Friday, the key points for Marion County during the week of March 4 to March 10 were:

• New cases: 125. That was down from 235 the prior week. That is the fewest number of new cases since June 25, 2021, when 110 new infections were reported. New cases have plummeted nearly 98% since Jan. 13, when a record 5,536 new infections were reported. This is the eighth consecutive week that new cases have declined in Marion County.
• The county’s cumulative case total as of March 10: 83,041. 
• Positivity rate: 2.4%. That was down from 3.6% the previous week. That is the lowest rate since Dec. 10, when the rate was also 2.4%. The positivity rate has fallen for seven consecutive weeks.
• Statewide positivity rate: 2.4%.
• Vaccines: 81. That was down from 119 the prior week. Percentage of county residents 5 or older who have been vaccinated: 64%. That increased from 63% last week.

“The continuation of this downward trend indicates the community is in good shape at the moment regarding the virus. We hope to keep this momentum going,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander.

“With that in mind, we continue to encourage our community members to maintain good habits that we know help slow the spread. Practice good personal hygiene. Stay home if you don’t feel well. Consider what other measures you can take to protect yourself and others. Think about creating a healthier lifestyle.”

The department also reminds the public that vaccines help reduce serious illness and hospitalizations.

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

• An average of 17.9 new cases per day
• 2.4% positivity rate
• A total of 81 people vaccinated

For the week of Feb. 25 to March 3, Marion saw:

• An average of 33.6 new cases per day
• 3.6% positivity rate
• A total of 119 people vaccinated

For the week of Feb. 18-24, Marion saw:

• An average of 59.9 new cases per day
• 6.9% positivity rate
• A total of 128 people vaccinated

For the week of Feb. 11 to Feb. 17, Marion saw:

• An average of 101.1 new cases per day
• 10.3% positivity rate
• A total of 161 people vaccinated

For 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

COVID-19 vaccine availability 

The department provides free COVID-19 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.

No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are accepted.

The department encourages people with questions about vaccines 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 and children ages 12 to 17 are now eligible for a booster shot five months after their primary series is completed. 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, health clinics and health centers.

Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov to learn more about vaccine locations.  

COVID-19 testing continues locally

Curative Inc., a mobile lab service, offers free COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p,m., Monday through Friday, at the Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. County Rd. 475, Ocala. 

Curative uses a shallow nasal PCR test with results available via email or text within 24 to 48 hours. Tests are shipped out daily at the close of business. 

The tests are self-administered, but a site specialist provides customers guidance on how to best perform the test. 

Curative welcomes walk-ins. But the company says it is easier for patients to register for an appointment at Curative.com.

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 about COVID-19, contact 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.