Ocala, Fla. — Newly reported COVID-19 cases rose during the more recent reporting period.

The state’s most recent summary, released Friday, revealed the following key points for Marion County for the week of June 10–16:

• New cases: 791. That was up from 662 cases recorded in the last state report, published on June 3.
• The county’s cumulative case total as of June 2: 87,552. 
• Positivity rate: 13.9%. That was up from 12.4% as noted in the state’s June 3 report.
• Statewide positivity rate: 17.2%.
• Vaccines: 48. That was down from the 64 vaccines noted in the state’s June 3 report.
• Overall ratio of county residents 5 or older who have been vaccinated: 63%.

The state’s report does not include at-home tests in Marion County that were not reported. 

As of June 16, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Marion County’s community transmission risk as high.

“The increases reflected in the new report indicate the virus is far from done,” said Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander.

“We encourage the community to take the steps we know will help reduce the spread of the virus. To reiterate, stay home if you are ill, practice good personal hygiene, especially with hand-washing, and take any other precautions you think will protect your health.”

The Department of Health also reminds county residents that vaccines may help reduce serious illness and hospitalizations from COVID-19.

From COVID-19 cases reported during the week of June 10–16, Marion County saw:

• An average of 113 new cases per day
• 13.9% positivity rate
• A total of 48 people vaccinated

For the week of May 27 to June 2, the state’s previous reporting period, Marion saw: 

• An average of 94.6 new cases per day
• 12.4% positivity rate
• A total of 64 people vaccinated

For the week of May 13-19, the state’s previous reporting period, Marion saw:

• An average of 59 new cases per day
• 9% positivity rate
• A total of 68 people vaccinated

For the week of April 29 to May 5, Marion saw:

• An average of 43.3 new cases per day
• 6.7% positivity rate
• A total of 89 people vaccinated

For the week of April 15-21, Marion saw:

• An average of 20.3 new cases per day
• 3.5% positivity rate
• A total of 58 people vaccinated

For the week of April 1-7, Marion County saw:

• An average of 13.9 new cases per day
• 2.4% positivity rate
• A total of 94 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 welcome.

Vaccines for all age groups can also 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. 

The Department encourages people with questions about vaccines to consult with their health care provider.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for all age groups. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available for those 18 and older.

According to the CDC, 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.

COVID-19 testing continues locally

Curative Inc., a mobile lab service, offers COVID-19 testing from 8 a.m. to 4 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.

Testing also is available at numerous pharmacies, urgent-care clinics and doctor’s offices throughout Marion County. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov to find testing sites. 

COVID-19 treatment options

Monoclonal antibody therapy remains available in Florida. These 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 continues to provide therapeutics such as 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, 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.