Ocala, Fla. — The number of new COVID-19 cases in Marion County was up slightly over the past week, according to the Florida Department of Health’s most recent summary, which was released Friday. The positivity rate in the community also increased.

For the week of Nov. 11-17, Marion County reported:

• New cases: 177. That increased from 165 cases in the state’s previous report, released Nov. 4.
• The total number of cases in Marion as of Nov. 17: 100,788. 
• Latest positivity rate: 7.7%. That rose from 7.2% in the state’s Nov. 4 report.
• Statewide positivity rate: 8%. That was up from 7.8% in the state’s Nov. 7 summary.
• Vaccines: 27. That decreased from 35 vaccines noted in the state’s Nov. 4 report.
• Overall ratio of county residents 6 months or older who have been vaccinated: 61%.

The state’s summary does not capture unreported at-home tests performed in Marion County. 

As of Nov. 17, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rated Marion County’s community transmission risk as low.

The Department of Health in Marion County encourages our community’s residents to help reduce the spread of the virus as much as possible, especially as the weather turns colder and people spend more time indoors. Please stay home if you feel sick and use good personal hygiene practices, more importantly washing your hands frequently. COVID-19 vaccines also may help reduce serious illness and hospitalizations.

From COVID-19 cases reported the week of Nov. 11-17, Marion County reported:

• An average of 25.3 new cases per day
• 46.4 cases per 100,000 residents
• 7.7% positivity rate
• A total of 27 people vaccinated 

For the week of Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, the state’s last reporting period, Marion County saw:

• An average of 23.6 new cases per day
• 43.2 cases per 100,000 residents
• 7.2% positivity rate
• A total of 35 people vaccinated

For the week of Oct. 14-20, Marion saw:

• An average of 19.4 new cases per day
• 35.6 cases per 100,000 residents
• 5.9% positivity rate
• A total of 25 people vaccinated

During the week of Sept. 30–Oct. 6, Marion County recorded:

• An average of 24.9 new cases per day
• 45.6 cases per 100,000 residents
• 8.3% positivity rate
• A total of 33 people vaccinated

COVID-19 vaccine availability 

DOH-Marion 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.

Vaccines are available by appointment or walk-in visits.

Vaccines for all age groups can also be obtained throughout Marion County at many pharmacies, doctor’s offices and health clinics.

Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov to learn more about vaccine locations and the latest vaccine guidance. 

DOH-Marion encourages people with questions about vaccines to consult with their health care provider.

COVID-19 testing

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

COVID-19 treatment options

Several treatment options remain available in Florida to help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. These include monoclonal antibody treatments as well as therapeutics such as Evusheld, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, which can be administered with a physician’s prescription.

For more information about treatment options, contact your health care provider or 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 352-629-0137 or visit marion.floridahealth.gov. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and use the Vaccine Locator and Testing Sites tools to find vaccination and testing sites near you.