OCALA, Fla.—Marion County is seeing an increase in the rate of new cases of COVID-19 locally. The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 325 cumulative cases of the virus as of this afternoon. This is an increase of 75 cases since June 1.

“People understandably want to resume normal activities, whether that’s going to the beach, gathering with family and friends, or traveling, but you still need to take precautions to protect yourself and others from getting sick,” said Florida Department of Health in Marion County Administrator Mark Lander. “Stay 6 feet apart from others, wear a cloth face covering when you are out and it’s difficult to keep distant from others, and stay home and isolated from others if you are sick.”

Cloth face coverings should be snug and worn over the mouth and nose. Face coverings need to be laundered after each use. Florida phase two guidelines also recommend that you avoid gatherings of 50 or more people. Further, if you are over age 65 or have underlying medical conditions, you are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Additional ways to protect yourself and others include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds). If unable to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that people frequently touch (doorknobs, counters, keypads, etc.) at least daily.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or use a tissue.
• Tell your employer (and stay home from work) if you become sick or if someone at home has COVID-19.

Businesses are encouraged to identify a workplace coordinator who will be responsible for all COVID-19 issues. This person can determine how to operate if absenteeism increases due to employees becoming ill or needing to take care of sick family members or children. Having flexible sick leave and supportive policies in place is encouraged. Businesses may also want to consider ways that they can increase ventilation, use booking and scheduling to stagger customer flow, and limit handling of cash.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), DOH-Marion recommends that you get tested for the virus. DOH-Marion offers free COVID-19 testing at its facility; you can call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment at the health department. You can also call other local medical providers to be tested for the virus.

The most recent individuals confirmed to have the virus in Marion County are:

• 19-year-old female from Ocklawaha
• 20-year-old female from Ocala
• 22-year-old male from Ocala
• 25-year-old male from Ocala
• 28-year-old female from Citra
• 28-year-old male from Ocala
• 37-year-old female from Belleview
• 45-year-old female from Ocala
• 60-year-old male from Summerfield

So far, 19,213 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 18,881 were negative. Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 6 months to 97 years old. Eight Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. Marion’s overall positive test rate is 1.7%; Florida’s positive test rate is 5.5%.

For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.

For more guidance

For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. For general questions about COVID-19, call the state hotline (866-779-6121), local hotline (352-644-2590), or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov. Individuals can also follow the Department of Health in Marion County on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FLHealthMarion for the latest updates on COVID-19 in Marion.