OCALA, Fla.—A 39-year-old male from Ocala and 73-year-old male from Summerfield have passed away after contracting COVID-19. These are the ninth and tenth deaths in COVID-19 positive Marion County residents.

The Department of Health in Marion County is reporting 365 cumulative cases of COVID-19 as of this afternoon. This is a 115 case increase since June 1 and a 66 case increase from one week ago.  

DOH-Marion strongly recommends that people practice social distancing, wear masks when attending large gatherings where social distancing cannot be maintained 100% of the time, and more importantly, stay home if sick. Residents should also avoid gatherings of more than 50 people.

The most recent individuals confirmed to have the virus are:

• 5-year-old male, Belleview
• 6-year-old female, Belleview
• 19-year-old male, Ocala
• 19-year-old male, Ocala
• 20-year-old male, Ocala
• 21-year-old male, Ocala
• 22-year-old male, Belleview
• 23-year-old male, Ocala
• 23-year-old female, Ocala
• 24-year-old female, Ocala
• 25-year-old female, Ocala
• 25-year-old female, Belleview
• 29-year-old female, Ocala
• 29-year-old male, Belleview
• 31-year-old female, Ocala
• 32-year-old female, Ocala
• 35-year-old male, Ocala
• 39-year-old male, Ocala
• 55-year-old female, Summerfield
• 90-year-old female, Ocala

So far, 19,775 COVID-19 tests have been given in Marion County. Of those, 19,402 were negative. Individuals who tested positive for the virus have ranged in age from 6 months to 97 years old. Ten Marion County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. Marion’s overall positive test rate is 1.8%; Florida’s positive test rate is 5.9%. For more detailed information on all Marion cases, view Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or if you are experiencing symptoms of the virus (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), DOH-Marion recommends that you get tested for the virus. The department offers free COVID-19 testing; call 352-644-2590 to schedule an appointment. You do not need to be experiencing symptoms to be tested. Testing is also available at other local medical providers and urgent; call before visiting a facility if you would like to be tested for COVID-19.

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.