Ocala, Fla.—The number of new COVID-19 cases increased in Marion County during the more recent reporting period.

The state’s newest summary, released Friday, revealed the following key points for Marion County for the week of June 24–30:

• New cases: 964. That was up from 791 cases recorded in the last state report, published on June 17.
• The county’s cumulative case total as of June 30: 89,459. 
• Positivity rate: 18.1%. That was up from 13.9% as noted in the state’s June 17 report.
• Statewide positivity rate: 19.4%.
• Vaccines: 115. That was up from 48 vaccines noted in the state’s June 17 report.
• Overall ratio of county residents who have been vaccinated: 60%. This section of the state’s report now includes all county residents 6 months or older who have been vaccinated.

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

As of June 30, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Marion County’s community transmission risk as high.

“The new report clearly shows that COVID-19 still infects a significant portion of our community,” said Sherry Duncan, assistant director of the Department of Health in Marion County.

“We continue to emphasize that good personal hygiene, beginning with hand-washing, and staying home if you are sick are important to slowing the spread of the virus. We also recommend that our residents take any other precautions they believe are necessary to maintain their own good 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 24–30, Marion County saw:

• An average of 137.7 new cases per day
• 18.1% positivity rate
• A total of 115 people vaccinated

For the week of June 10–16, the period covered by the state’s prior report, 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

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 only 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 will close the site on Monday, July 4, for the Fourth of July holiday.

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 locally, call the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590.

Also visit marion.floridahealth.gov, marionflcovid.org and twitter.com/flhealthmarion for the latest information on COVID-19. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and use the Vaccine Locator and Testing Sites tools to find vaccination and testing sites near you.